Death in the Haunted Wood

Pacific Northwest Cozy Mysteries #2

by Kim Griswell

Writer Saffi Graywood thinks a quick road trip to help a friend will be the perfect break from her looming manuscript deadline. But her autumn getaway takes a chilling turn when aging horror star Malcolm Morton reveals he’s been receiving threatening vintage postcards—and his groundskeeper has just turned up dead beneath the dock.

Malcolm’s grand reopening of a forgotten theme park known as “The Haunted Wood” should be his triumphant comeback. Instead, Saffi finds herself surrounded by towering evergreens, eerie movie props and a colorful cast of suspects that includes a local sheriff with his own agenda.

As jack-o’-lanterns grin from every corner and costumed guests arrive for the Halloween Spooktacular, Saffi must piece together clues over steaming cups of spiced chai. With each vintage postcard’s threat growing more sinister and the October mist concealing deadly secrets, she races to unmask the truth before the killer’s final trick claims another victim. Can Saffi solve the mystery lurking behind small-town friendly faces? Or will her sleuthing turn this fall season into her last?

Death in the Haunted Wood is the second in the captivating Pacific Northwest Cozy Mystery series. Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham, Debbie Macomber and readers who love their cozy mysteries served with breathtaking scenery, quirky characters and just enough romance to warm a chilly autumn night.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Halloween, Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saffi Graywood loved the little town of Last Chance Cove; it was the ideal place to get her writing finished and sent off to Poppy, who was continually on Saffi's case about the lateness of her manuscript. When Saffi met aging horror star, Malcolm Morton, he begged her to use her amateur sleuthing to find out who was sending him postcards which threatened him and his livelihood. Saffi's soft heart said goodbye to getting her manuscript up to scratch, and headed her RV to an area which held the bones of an old theme park, which Malcolm had purchased and planned to turn it into a horror theme park called The Haunted Wood. She had no idea if she'd be able to find the culprit, and with the death of Malcolm's ground keeper also deemed suspicious, Saffi knew she had to get sleuthing and find results...

Death in the Haunted Wood is the 2nd in the Pacific Northwest Cozy Mystery series by Kim Griswell and I enjoyed it very much, perhaps not quite as much as the first, but still up there. Saffi is one determined, gutsy character, full of absolute sureness of the way she was heading. No fear or idea of danger - which wasn't a good thing at times - but she got results before anyone else! Looking forward to #3. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to receive the second book in this series as the first one was one of my favorite reads this year. I definitely enjoyed this read, Saffi is a wonderful MC, and I really love all the little bits and pieces of information we get curtisy of her Bedside Readers but I was disappointed that she left her new quirky home to go solve a mystery on the road, even though it was at the request of one of her new friends. I missed the campsite, cafe, bay, and funky small town that were the backdrop for our last tale. We were also missing a bunch of the secondary characters, although a couple dropped in here and there. While we had a good mystery and a couple of interesting new characters to deal with, I was not crazy about the horror actor and² preference and had nothing to do with the quality of our saga. This is an interesting and different series, and I really look forward to more from this author! Thanks to #Netgally, #StormPublishing, and the author for an opportunity to read. #DeathintheHauntedWood #APacificNorthwestCozyMystery #KimGriswell #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saffi is back again on another adventure and I was thrilled to join her.
Saffi is asked to find out who is sending threatening postcards to an actor who is opening a new horror themed campground.
As Saffi investigates, she finds out there is much more going on than the postcards, and she's determined to find out the truth.

I really like this series, Saffi is a fun character who I'm enjoying getting to know.
I love how she's handling her life in her recreational vehicle and I'd love to join her on a real adventure.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the second in a series when I started reading it but the author makes it evident that Saffi has had other adventures and has solved a murder before; fortunately, no details are given on that first case so the opportunity to go back and read it hasn't been spoiled. This was a great read if you like tons of description and anecdotes that come up in Saffi's books. There was also some action and plenty of clues to follow but this one was ruined for me by the annoying client. I did enjoy the story and loved the setting but I am not a fan of lots of description so this took me out of the story at times. Otherwise, an interesting read with a fascinating main character and a satisfying ending.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

After reading the first book in this series I was eager to continue it. I wanted to spend more time in Last Chance Cove with these characters and I was curious how Saffi's park manager job was working out. So imagine my surprise when I realized this book changed things up and brought Saffi to the road again and to another RV park for this book's mystery. I liked actually seeing a bit of Saffi's life on the road and her traveling with her RV, but I also struggled with the change as this meant a new setting and a whole new cast of characters.

The mystery in this book centers around Glenn's friend Malcolm, an older Hollywood actor of horror movies, he's opening a haunted theme park in the woods and is getting threatening postcards. He asks Saffi for help and she goes to help him due to guilt she feels over something in book, to me it didn't feel as strong as an motive to get involved as in book 1. Then Malcolm's groundskeeper is found death and murder is added to the mix. Most of this book actually focuses on Saffi trying to figure out who is behind the threatening postcards and trying to uncover the culprit before the big Halloween opening of the park.

The mystery felt a bit slow to start, but it was a solid one. I liked the way things got wrapped up at the end, although I would've liked a bit more time to have everything wrap up. I was a bit surprised at a certain twist regarding the park and while I liked it, it just felt like it came a bit sudden after the way the actor handled things earlier in the book.

I admit I wasn't a fan of Malcolm as a character and the actor/ movie theme. I kept wondering whether the moves referenced were real or fictional as I don't know a lot about movies and just felt like I was missing a bit of information. This book has some Halloween vibes with the spooky theme park and the Halloween opening with everyone in costume. I would've liked to see more of the theme park as now besides the scary trail, the museum, the teashop and the RV park there wasn't as much about the park. It just didn't fully come alive and I wanted more about the setting too.

I struggled with the shift in location especially as I was in a series mood and wanted to read more about the place and characters I knew and this book didn't really have that. I did like some of the new characters like the granddaughter and grandfather who work at the tea shop. I also liked some mentions of Saffi's friends later on in the story. There also is a new possible romance and I just felt confused by it all after Saffi's growing connection with Troy in book 1 and in this book he isn't mentioned much and she gets close to someone else. It just didn't quite work for me.

I did like reading more about saffi, she's determined to figure things out. It also was fun how she has someone to work together with when it comes to investigating in this book, but it just felt a bit odd with the romantic undertones there. The ending of this book implies she goes back to Last Chance Cove again in the next book and I am just a bit confused by it all as by then I had thought maybe each book would have a different location, but I am not sure at this point.

To summarize: I enjoyed the first book in this series and was eager to return to Last Chance Cove and the characters there, but instead this book switched things up with a new location and new characters. I struggled a bit with the change and there's even a new potential romance and I was confused by this after Saffi was growing closer to Troy in the first book and was now flirting with someone else. The mystery was a solid one and I liked seeing things play out and Saffi's determination to figure it out. There were some interesting reveals at the end, although I had predicted a certain type of twist again as that was similar to book 1. Sadly this one didn't hook me as much as the first book, but there were still some good parts and this one has some Halloween vibes too if you're looking for a Halloween cozie.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her first foray into murder investigating author and RV park resident Saffi Graywood doesn't expect her unique skills to be called on again so soon. Then her friend Glen, who makes the most wonderful donuts, introduces her to his friend, the ageing horror movie star Malcolm Morton, and that changes. Due to open a new horror theme park very soon, Malcolm has been receiving poison pen postcards, threatening him if the opening goes ahead. Having found a happy place for herself and her RV at Last Chance Cove, Oregon, Saffi knows she should stay where she is and finish her manuscript revisions but the chance to solve another mystery is very tempting, and she is soon on her way to The Haunted Wood theme park with a plan to discover the sender's identity and get back to her revisions already forming in her mind. As the opening night moves ever closer, Saffi finds herself in ever greater danger chasing her poison pen and a murderer after a body is discovered. Can she identify both suspects and out them to the police before the movie style horrors becomes all too real and someone claims her as its next victim!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed the first book in the series, and this one was even better. There were a good number of suspects to work your way through, along with quite a few other crimes and secrets to discover, all of which make for a very satisfying read. Recommended

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death in the Haunted Wood (A Pacific Northwest Cozy Mysteries #2)" by Kim Griswell is set in October around Halloween time. Saffi Graywood is still in Last Chance Cove working on revisions of her next bedside reader and working as a campground host. Unfortunately, her love interest is away in Texas visiting relatives and hasn't been checking in. She's also feeling a bit stuck on her revisions and location. Luckily a mystery has fallen in her lap that sends her up to Oregon.

A horror movie actor asks Saffi to help him figure out who is sending him threatening post cards. They're threats over his conversion of an old storybook theme park into a horror movie theme park. Saffi pulls up her RV and heads to his campground to figure out what's going on. Don't worry, she hasn't left Last Chance Cove behind. She may have a potential new love interest if her guy from the first book doesn't step up his game soon.

Things sort of work out how I expected them too. The investigation gets a bit chaotic when Saffi learns that the grounds keeper for the theme park was found dead in their lake. Then the post card threats escalate. As usual, Saffi solves it all. At least there's a little more official help for her with this one.

It'll be interesting to see where the next book takes her. Will she keep traveling with Last Chance Cove as her home base? Will she fall for this new guy that also travels? Will she stick with her guy that's rooted in Last Chance Cove? Or, will there be a new guy in every book...?

[Elizabeth Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy up and jump into this 2nd book in a new series by Kim Griswell. Our hero, Saffi Graywood goes on a road trip up the Oregon Coast to help a friend solve a mystery. What she finds is an adventure filled with beautiful scenic wonders, intriguing crimes, history, interesting people, a little romance, and lots of coffee. I couldn’t put it down.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in the Haunted Wood by Kim Griswell is the kind of book that lures you in with the promise of cozy fall vibes and then smacks you upside the head with murder. And I say that with love. Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC—I was not prepared for how badly I needed a Halloween-themed mystery involving an aging horror star, a spooky campground, and a sarcastic children’s book author turned reluctant sleuth.

Here’s the setup: Saffi Graywood, widowed writer of the wildly successful Aunt Saffi’s Bedtime Reader series, is hiding out in her RV somewhere along the Oregon coast, supposedly working on her next book. In reality, she’s ignoring deadlines, sipping hot drinks, and minding her own business—until a friend ropes her into helping Malcolm Morton, a retired horror movie icon with a flair for drama and a sudden stalker problem. Malcolm’s planning the grand reopening of an abandoned campground-slash-theme park called “The Haunted Wood,” which sounds perfectly normal if you’re into derelict animatronics and fog machines operated by unpaid theater kids.

But someone’s not thrilled about this comeback. Malcolm’s been receiving creepy, vintage Halloween postcards—each one more threatening than the last—and when a body turns up beneath the dock, Saffi finds herself in yet another murder mystery she did not ask for. Because of course she does.

The town is picturesque, the locals are weird, and the suspects are exactly the kind of people you hope to encounter in a cozy mystery: a sheriff who clearly knows more than he’s saying, a too-helpful campground manager, some intense costumed guests, and enough passive-aggressive tension to fuel a murder weapon or two. Everyone’s got secrets, everyone’s got motive, and somehow Saffi’s chai supply is always running low at the worst possible moment.

Griswell nails the tone here—sharp, warm, atmospheric, with a touch of noir peeking through the autumn leaves. The pacing is just right: not so slow you’re yawning between chapters, not so fast that it feels like a Scooby-Doo chase scene. And Saffi? I’d absolutely follow her into another murder. She’s clever, emotionally guarded, appropriately skeptical of everyone she meets, and exactly the kind of woman who would rather ask snarky follow-up questions than politely ignore a lie. Relatable.

The real draw, though, is the setting. Griswell paints the Oregon coast like a postcard soaked in fog and secrets. Every scene is dripping in atmosphere: mist rolling through the evergreens, jack-o’-lanterns flickering on cabin porches, the faint scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon in the air. If you’re the type who puts up Halloween decorations before the first leaf falls, this book is your aesthetic on paper.

And the mystery? Surprisingly layered. The murder isn’t just a plot device—it’s a puzzle, and a good one. Clues are dropped like breadcrumbs, but Griswell doesn’t make it too easy. You’ll have your list of suspects, and you’ll change your mind at least three times. I had a working theory halfway through that was very satisfying to be wrong about.

One standout quote that sums up the book’s vibe perfectly:
“The Haunted Wood may be reopening, but something in the shadows never closed.”
Tell me that’s not the perfect tagline for a murder mystery set in a foggy Halloween wonderland. Go on, I’ll wait.

Also, can we talk about the Halloween Spooktacular? It’s everything: costumed chaos, themed drinks, suspicious party guests, a performance from a man who peaked in 1973, and a killer lurking just out of frame. It’s like Knives Out met Hocus Pocus at a campground and brought murder as a plus-one.

This is book two in the Pacific Northwest Cozy Mystery series, but it stands alone just fine. That said, you’ll absolutely want to go back and read book one once you’re done. Saffi’s character arc is subtle but strong, especially in how she’s navigating grief without being swallowed by it. She’s not your standard sunshine-and-scones cozy heroine—she’s real, a little rough around the edges, and genuinely fun to read.

If you’re the kind of reader who wants high-stakes murder but refuses to give up fall comfort in the process, this is your book. It’s the literary equivalent of wearing a chunky sweater to a crime scene: warm, moody, slightly unhinged, and stylishly practical.

Five stars. No notes. Except maybe “bring a flashlight” if you’re reading at night.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#DeathInTheHauntedWood #KimGriswell #NetGalley #PacificNorthwestCozyMystery #CozyMysterySeries #FallReads #HalloweenMystery #SpookySeasonReads #WomenWhoSleuth #AmateurSleuthFiction #MurderAtTheCampground #MysteryBookReview #CozyMysteryWithBite #OregonCoastMystery #StormPublishing #BookRecommendations

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Death in the Haunted Wood by Kim Griswell

Rating: 4 Stars

I picked up Death in the Haunted Wood expecting a light, seasonal cozy and mostly got exactly that — in the best way. Kim Griswell delivers a charming Pacific Northwest whodunit that’s heavy on atmosphere, quirky characters, and autumnal vibes, and I had a good time even if it didn’t quite deserve five stars.

The setup is a fun one: Saffi Graywood, a writer under deadline, thinks a quick road trip to help a friend will be just the break she needs. The trip, however, quickly turns eerie when aging horror star Malcolm Morton admits he’s been getting creepy vintage postcards, and the estate’s groundskeeper is found dead under a dock. Malcolm is preparing to relaunch a long-neglected theme park — the aptly named “The Haunted Wood” — and Saffi ends up right in the middle of a community full of secrets, from oddball locals to a sheriff who’s not entirely trustworthy.

Griswell really leans into atmosphere here. Between the towering evergreens, costumed visitors arriving for the Halloween Spooktacular, and jack-o’-lanterns dotting the grounds, the book nails that cool, misty October feeling. Saffi does a lot of her sleuthing over cups of spiced chai, and those cozy, small pleasures make the mystery feel lived-in. The stakes escalate nicely as the postcards grow more threatening and the town’s friendly façades start to look more sinister.

I liked the cast: Saffi is relatable and sharp-witted, the supporting characters are colorful (in that cozy-mystery way), and Malcolm’s old-hollywood aura adds a playful twist. The story stands up well as a standalone — you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy it — though fans of the series will appreciate the recurring touches. The pacing is mostly solid, but I did feel the book ran a bit long in spots; trimming a few scenes could have tightened the momentum and kept the tension crisper.

Bottom line: if you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with excellent seasonal setting, an engaging amateur sleuth, and a cast of suspects who keep things lively, this is a great pick. I’m giving Death in the Haunted Wood four stars — a very enjoyable, atmospheric read that’s just shy of perfect.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and immediately went and got the first one! The characters are wonderfully quirky, the mystery keeps you guessing, and the setting is pure cozy perfection. Kim Griswell has crafted a mystery that’s equal parts charming, eerie, and fun—exactly what you want for an autumn read.

Saffi Graywood is such a delightful main character—witty, determined, and full of heart. I love that she’s not your typical young sleuth but a woman with life experience and a touch of sass who’s still finding her footing after loss. Her mix of curiosity and compassion makes her easy to root for, even as she gets tangled up (once again!) in another mystery she didn’t plan to solve.

The story itself is irresistibly atmospheric. From the foggy Oregon coastline to the creepy, abandoned theme park being reborn as “The Haunted Wood,” every detail sets the perfect mood for October. There’s something magical about the blend of autumn air, vintage horror nostalgia, and just enough suspense to keep your heart racing while you sip your pumpkin spice latte.

Griswell’s writing strikes that ideal cozy-mystery balance—warm and inviting but never dull. The pacing flows beautifully, and the clues unfold in a way that keeps you guessing until the satisfying reveal. I especially loved the originality of the plot; the idea of a haunted theme park wrapped up in a whodunit feels so fresh and cinematic.

If you love cozy mysteries with colorful characters, clever twists, and an unforgettable setting, this series is one to watch. I can’t wait to see where Saffi’s adventures take her next—preferably somewhere with equal parts charm and chaos!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into Death in the Haunted Wood hoping for a cozy autumn mystery—and this delivered in all the best ways. Saffi Graywood’s supposed “break” turns out to be anything but relaxing, but somehow that only makes the ride more charming. Between the creepy vintage postcards, eerie movie‑props hiding in the trees, and the spooktacular atmosphere of “The Haunted Wood,” Griswell has crafted a story that feels like sipping spiced chai beside a bonfire while leaves rustle overhead

The setting is a standout: the RV park theme, the old theme‑park turned haunted attraction, the looming evergreens, the jack‑o’‑lanterns, October mist hiding secrets—it all adds up to perfect cozy‑mystery vibes with just enough goosebumps. Saffi is a warm and relatable lead; her curiosity, her little hesitations, her growing unease all combine to make her someone worth rooting for.

What I especially appreciated is how the pacing balances the gentle and the tense. Griswell lets the mystery breathe—slow building foreboding, small clues here and there—then leans in when stakes rise. The suspects are colorful, the relationships feel genuine, and the romance (while not overwhelming) adds a cozy glow in an otherwise misty, mysterious setting.
Overall, Death in the Haunted Wood is a delightful, cozy mystery with autumnal charm, mysterious postcards, and a cast of characters you’ll want to keep spending time with. For anyone who loves mystery, gentle scares, and small‑town charm with spooky edges, this one is a lovely autumn read that lingers long after you turn the last page.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fun cozy mystery that had me not only rooting for Saffi to solve the crime but also getting invested in the lives of the side characters!
In this one, we start in Last Chance Cove, but to help Malcolms friend Glenn, Saffi must travel to a new RV park in the middle of what was an abandoned theme park and is now going to be a new and improved Haunted theme park, which to me sounds like somewhere I would love to visit!
I loved the road trip vibes as Saffi travels, and while Malcolm himself was not my favorite character, I loved watching Saffi work with her new friends to solve this bizarre crime. Who doesn't want the park to open? And is it the same person who killed the groundskeeper? dun, dun, dun.
We have plenty of twists and turns, plenty of suspects, a protective kitty cat, and a new love interest. The love interest, I'm not sure how I feel about this new development. I actually really like him as a character, but we do have Troy that Saffi has a growing connection with back at Last Chance Cove. We are early enough in the series that I wouldn't call it a love triangle or anything like that. I think we'll have to wait and see what happens in the next book when Saffi is back home, and so is Troy.
I thought the change of scenery was fun. I love all the new people Saffi met on the road as well as in the new park. The mystery was engaging and had me on the edge of my seat! I can't wait to see what Saffi is going to find herself in the middle of next. Hopefully, whatever it is will give her plenty of stuff to use for her Bedside Reader series!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A misty October road trip, a forgotten theme park, and a murder beneath the dock—Kim Griswell’s Death in the Haunted Wood is a cozy mystery steeped in autumnal charm and cinematic suspense.

Writer Saffi Graywood returns in this second Pacific Northwest mystery, hoping for a brief escape from her manuscript deadline. Instead, she finds herself entangled in a chilling case involving threatening vintage postcards and the eerie reopening of “The Haunted Wood,” a derelict theme park once graced by horror legend Malcolm Morton. With jack-o’-lanterns flickering and costumed guests arriving for the Halloween Spooktacular, the setting is pure seasonal delight—until the fog thickens and the body count rises.

Griswell’s prose is brisk yet evocative, painting the Pacific Northwest in shades of cedar, chai steam, and creeping dread. Saffi is a relatable sleuth—curious, grounded, and just the right amount of skeptical. The cast of suspects is delightfully quirky, and the mystery unfolds with satisfying twists that keep the pages turning well past dusk.

Perfect for readers who crave their whodunnits with a side of spiced tea and vintage flair, this installment blends cozy comforts with just enough menace to make the shadows dance. A treat for fans of Lauren Elliott and Merryn Allingham, and a must-read for anyone who believes that every pumpkin hides a secret.

With thanks to Kim Griswell, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saffi is once again up against her deadline for the next Aunt Saffi's Bedside Readers, but her friend Glenn begs her to help his friend Malcolm who is an old horror movie star who is receiving threatening postcards before the grand opening of an old theme park he has turned into the "Haunted Woods" RV Park featuring memorabilia from his past horror films. This means packing up and temporarily leaving Last Chance Resort and travelling further up the Oregon coast. She reluctantly agrees and heads that way. Before she can even arrive there, the groundskeeper is found dead. Can she find the person behind the postcards and save Malcolm or herself from being the next victim?

This story had a lot going on! There were several mysteries and lots of suspicious activity. Everyone she meets there seems to have a motive or something to gain. This story will keep you turning the pages. I will admit I did not guess the culprit until the end of the book. A fun spooky read for Halloween.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death In The Haunted Wood is a cozy, fun murder mystery and part of the Pacific Northwest Cozy Mysteries series. Although it is part of a series, you will not be left clueless if you did not read the first book.
Saffi Graywood is a writer who is asked to help horror star Malcolm Morton after he starts receiving threatening post cards. It's mid-autumn, with Halloween approaching as well as the grand reopening of The Haunted Wood theme park, and Saffi is determined to find the postcard perp.
This book is a fun, quick read with lots of suspense to keep us turning the page. There are several suspects in this murder case, which makes this book even more thrilling. I personally loved the atmosphere and setting of it all - a Halloween theme park in autumn, right as Halloween is approaching. It is currently autumn where I am, the second day of October, and this book couldn't have been more fitting. The atmosphere and fall vibes are definitely present in this one. Add in an insanely cozy murder mystery, and you have the makings of a good fall mystery. A solid 4-star read!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kim Griswell for this ARC!

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and atmospheric cozy mystery that blends humor, heart, and a little bit of Pacific Northwest fog. I really enjoyed following Saffi through this next adventure—she’s clever, relatable, and just the right mix of nosy and kind. The writing creates such a strong sense of place that I could almost smell the sea air and hear the gulls while reading.

The mystery kept me turning pages, especially with the haunted theme park twist and the postcards that gave off the perfect eerie vibe. It’s not overly dark, but there’s enough suspense to keep it interesting while still feeling cozy and safe to read before bed. The side characters added plenty of color, and the dialogue made me smile more than once.

It’s a slower-paced story, but that works perfectly for this genre—it’s about the atmosphere, the community, and the quiet moments between the action. By the end, I was already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Spice: 🌶️ out of 5
Cozy: ☕☕☕☕ out of 5
Chills: 👻👻 out of 5
Action: ⚔️⚔️ out of 5

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Haunted Wood is the 2nd book in Kim Griswell’s Pacific Noethwest Cozy Mustery series. Saffi Graywood is asked to help Malcolm Morton find out who is sending him threatening post cards. Nadia packs up her RV and temporarily moves to Haunted Woods RV park. Right before she arrives the groundskeeper is found dead. His death along with tracking down the postcard sender keeps Saffi busy. There are a few incidents that keep the story interesting. There is mostly a new cast of characters but Delilah and Glenn arrive from Last Chance Cove halfway through. CJ, Mere and Jyoti are great new characters but the rest I had mixed emotions about, mostly negative. The love triangle between Saffi, Troy and CJ is odd (I don’t want to reveal any spoilers). Overall the story was enjoyable but the characters made it tougher to like. The series has potential. #DeathInTheHauntedWood #PacificNorthwestCozyMystwries
#StormPublishing
#NetGalley

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Haunted Wood is the second book I have read written by Kim Griswell. It has Saffi Graywood leaving the Lost Cove RV Park to investigate the threatening postcards received by a retired horror movie star. While Malcom is neither villain or victim in this story one of his workers at the new horror theme park he is opening does die. A wonderful side trip for Saffi and the reader with the Pacific Northwest weather and the theme park setting is spooky enough for the all season. The costume park is especially well described with its chilling atmosphere. Saffi once again puts herself in danger by helping a friend of a friend. However, she also makes a new friend that could return and become ore if other situations fail to work out. I think she needs to leave her options open for the future. An entertaining cozy mystery with just enough chill but nothing to keep you awake at night.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Saffi! And I love Kim Griswell's writing.
We are back with Saffi in the campground. Her rewrites on her book are due, but Glenn is calling in a favor. After solving the murder mystery in the first book, Saffi feels she owes Glenn. (No you don't Saffi, no you don't.) But she's a good human and wants to make things right. Plus she's avoiding those rewrites; and she's up for a bit of an adventure. Lured into the newest campground to solve a myster. Saffi is hired to find the person threatening to close down aging horror film actor Malcom's new horror themed campground before it opens. She's being followed by more than one person. Everyone she meets has a secret. And is Malcolm really the victim here? Perfect read for All Hallows Eve and spooky season in general. Could I've had little less lovey dovey comments about the new guy in Saffi's life. Yeah. I could have. But the rest... solid 4.5 stars.
Thank you #netgalley and #stormpublishing for the eArch of this book. I love it!

[Frankkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, low-stakes cozy set in one of my favorite places - the Oregon coast. The protagonist is a quirky widow traveling in her RV, blogging the trip and writing “bedside readers” from her little discoveries. It’s the second in the series; I didn’t read the first, and while there’s plenty of backstory, Griswell stitches enough of it into the plot to make this one easy to follow.

I liked the older, desirable, slightly sassy main character, and the supporting cast has the right kind of charm. There are plenty of red herrings and small twists, though the stakes stay intentionally mild with danger kept at arm’s length. It’s warm and cutesy, sometimes a little too sweet for me, and the heavy focus on food and coffee slowed things down when I wanted more mystery.

Still, it’s an enjoyable coastal cozy, just softer and more indulgent than my usual pace.

3.25 stars rounded down

I received this as an eARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saffi (who writes Aunt Saffi’s Bedtime Reader Series) has temporarily left Lost Cove to investigate the threatening postcards received by Malcolm. Malcolm, an aging, former horror movie star, is reopening a Wind in the Willows resort further up the coast, but repurposing it as a horror-themed resort. Not everyone is happy about it, but someone is threatening him. By the time Saffi drives to his campground, a murder has occurred and Saffi begins collecting suspects and new friends.
I love the setting on the beautiful Oregon coast and the descriptions of the scenery and the wildlife. The story is filled with interesting characters and the mystery is complicated. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery and I am enjoying this series very much.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[K McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve n a series about a widowed writer who has settled at least for now in the Pacific Northwest after traveling the country in her RV. Saffi’s first experience as an amateur sleuth leads directly to her second in this book, as she gets drawn into a series of mysteries around a former horror movie star trying to open a mini theme park around his movie memorabilia. The plot is interesting and the recurring characters are well written, with plausible relationships that draw you in. A few elements of the plot didn’t quite work for me at the end, with some questionable decisions by Saffi and a few extra plot points that aren’t quite resolved. It’s an enjoyable series, though, with particularly good descriptions of the settings. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are offered voluntarily and are entirely my own.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Haunted Wood is book #2 in the Pacific Northwest Cozy Mysteries series by Kim Griswell.

Saffi takes off to former The Haunted Wood theme part which is how an RV park to help a friend whose friend who is receiving threatening postcards. The man’s groundskeeper has turned up dead. Can Saffi solve the mystery of who is sending the postcard and who killed the groundskeeper before she or Malcolm become victims? With Saffi traveling to a new RV park the supporting characters are different that a few do show up from the first book. I did like idea of the horror memorabilia. The mystery was good, but I wasn’t fond of some of the characters. I look forward to seeing what is next for Saffi.

Thank you to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, twisty murder mystery! Saffi remained in Last Chance Cove after her last murder mystery and now, 4 months later, she's asked by one of her new friends to investigate a series of threatening post cards being sent to retired horror actor, Malcolm Morton. The postcards warn him against opening his Haunted Wood Theme and RV park further along the coast. Saffi agrees to look into it and makes her way to the park. Plenty of entertaining characters, a murder, several suspects for both the postcards and the murder, and a Halloween extravaganza of an opening night. Fun and fast paced. I look forward to more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kim Griswell for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Serena Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first book with Saffi but I don’t think you have to. Saffi is widower, author who likes to travel while writing a blog and books. She has found a town she likes however a friend of friend needs help solving mysteries or murders. She sounds like a jack of all trades. As she tries to solve this mystery she also has a man that is either a stalker, possible lover or maybe just a friend? Saffi does her best to sort through the clues as fast as possible while trying to keep everyone alive including herself. The book reels you in and keeps a good pace. It is left open for more Saffi books.
I got this book through NetGalley via Storm Publishing this review is mine and mine alone.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
Anyone looking for a fabulous cozy for spooky season, add this to your TBR immediately! Saffi sparkles as the female sleuth, old enough to have silver highlighting her black curls and possessing an innate curiosity balanced with a sharp, analytical mind. After her first foray into mystery solving, she agrees to look into a series of threatening postcards sent to an aging horror star. Malcolm plans to turn an abandoned Wind in the Willows park into a horror movie spooktacular and someone doesn't want it to open. So Saffi unhooks her RV and heads down winding dangerously roads to get to the park. Lots of suspects and many indelible characters. This one's a winner! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently/suddenly widowed author Saffi had embarked on a peripatetic RV tour as a way to learn to deal with her grief. She comes to the opposite coast and a nice little RV park in a small town with hope of being alone to write a new Bedside Reader for her publisher. Good luck with that. Not long ago she had been involved in solving a murder, and now a retired horror film actor wants her to go to his theme RV park and preview the first book he's written. He tells her that someone has been threatening him with postcards with unusual statements on them and having been mailed from different places. She's on a time crunch but agrees. Once she gets to the theme campground things change and enter the Postal Inspector/investigator. Lots of twists and loops to this unusual story!
I requested and received a temporary electronic review galley from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. #NetGalley **** review @goodreads #librarything #storygraph @bookbub
#Death in the Haunted Wood by @griswellkim #PacificNorthwestCozyMysteriesBk2 @stormbooks_co
#mystery #cozymystery #beachread #pacificnorthwest #suspense #localcops #writer #widow @barnesandnoble @booksamillion @kobo #crimefiction #action #unputdownable #RVtraveller
#smalltown #griefeasing #murderinvestigation #threatsbypostcards #amateur sleuth

[Alicia Kozak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read for the Halloween season. I was really into the horror theme park idea, I want to go. Beyond Malcolm's fictional movies (which I'd probably watch if they'd been real), a few actual movies are referenced and I was super excited to see my favorite horror movie as one of them.
The setting sounds lovely and the book is very nicely descriptive. There's spooky atmosphere, suspense, some twists. Saffi made questionable decisions sometimes in her investigation but pulled it off in the end. Overall all the characters are interesting.
I hadn't read the first in the series, which may have been helpful for some of the background stuff alluded to here.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saffi returns in a new adventure. Just when we thought she was settled in Last Chance Cove, Saffi is asked to find who is behind sending some threatening vintage postcards.
Saffi takes her rig on a road trip up the coast to near Lincoln City. From there things get creepy.
Death in the Haunted Wood is a perfect read for October and Halloween.
I enjoyed some of the new characters introduced in the book more than others.
I definitely think this is a series to watch. Saffi is a great main character and sleuth. The RV theme combined with Saffi’s writing career are a great base for a cozy mystery series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.