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Detective Elin Warner #3
Vildmarken
Kier Templer kallas för ”monstrets dotter” efter sin mammas ökända brott.
Hon har lämnat hemstaden och sin tvillingbror bakom sig och lever ett kringflackande liv. Kiers enda kontakt med brodern är de kartor över platserna hon varit på som hon gör och skickar till honom. Men så försvinner hon från en portugisisk nationalpark – spårlöst och utan efterlämnad karta.
Kriminalinspektör Elin Warner anländer till parken redo att försvinna från radarn och glömma den stalker som har skuggat henne. När hon upptäcker Kiers sista karta kan Elin slå fast att Kier inte försvann frivilligt. Men i vildmarken måste hon gå försiktigt fram. De få främlingarna på den ensliga campingplatsen verkar sluta leden och värja sig mot hennes frågor.
Elin måste nysta upp de ledtrådar Kier lämnat efter sig för att ta reda på vad som egentligen hände. Men när man följer ett spår måste man vara noga med att se sig över axeln …
Hon har lämnat hemstaden och sin tvillingbror bakom sig och lever ett kringflackande liv. Kiers enda kontakt med brodern är de kartor över platserna hon varit på som hon gör och skickar till honom. Men så försvinner hon från en portugisisk nationalpark – spårlöst och utan efterlämnad karta.
Kriminalinspektör Elin Warner anländer till parken redo att försvinna från radarn och glömma den stalker som har skuggat henne. När hon upptäcker Kiers sista karta kan Elin slå fast att Kier inte försvann frivilligt. Men i vildmarken måste hon gå försiktigt fram. De få främlingarna på den ensliga campingplatsen verkar sluta leden och värja sig mot hennes frågor.
Elin måste nysta upp de ledtrådar Kier lämnat efter sig för att ta reda på vad som egentligen hände. Men när man följer ett spår måste man vara noga med att se sig över axeln …
435 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2024
869 people are currently reading
41685 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Pearse
3 books3,647 followersSarah Pearse lives by the sea in South Devon with her husband and two daughters. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and worked in Brand PR for a variety of household brands. After moving to Switzerland in her twenties, she spent every spare moment exploring the mountains and the Swiss Alpine town of Crans Montana, the dramatic setting that inspired her novel.
Sarah has always been drawn to the dark and creepy - remote spaces and abandoned places - so when she read an article in a local Swiss magazine about the history of sanatoriums in the area, she knew she’d found the spark of the idea for her debut novel, The Sanatorium. Her short fiction has been published in a wide variety of magazines and has been shortlisted for several prizes.
You can find Sarah on Twitter @SarahVPearse and Instagram @sarahpearseauthor
Sarah has always been drawn to the dark and creepy - remote spaces and abandoned places - so when she read an article in a local Swiss magazine about the history of sanatoriums in the area, she knew she’d found the spark of the idea for her debut novel, The Sanatorium. Her short fiction has been published in a wide variety of magazines and has been shortlisted for several prizes.
You can find Sarah on Twitter @SarahVPearse and Instagram @sarahpearseauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,331 reviews
July 24, 2024
Let’s dive into the latest adventure! This book is like a rollercoaster that’s a little shaky in the middle, but boy, does it deliver some thrills.
Sarah's writing? Absolutely fabulous. She knows how to weave a tale that hooks you right in. But I have to admit, this one didn't grab me as much as the others in the series.
Our main gal, Elin, is a bit of a puzzle. Sometimes you’re all in with her, and other times you’re left scratching your head. I didn’t really click with her this time around.
Now, let’s talk plot. It got a bit lost in the middle, like a GPS without signal. But don’t worry, it finds its way back and keeps you guessing, especially with the whole mystery around Keir’s disappearance.
Not the best in the series, but still a pretty good ride. Worth a read if you’re into some catchy, mysterious twists!
Sarah's writing? Absolutely fabulous. She knows how to weave a tale that hooks you right in. But I have to admit, this one didn't grab me as much as the others in the series.
Our main gal, Elin, is a bit of a puzzle. Sometimes you’re all in with her, and other times you’re left scratching your head. I didn’t really click with her this time around.
Now, let’s talk plot. It got a bit lost in the middle, like a GPS without signal. But don’t worry, it finds its way back and keeps you guessing, especially with the whole mystery around Keir’s disappearance.
Not the best in the series, but still a pretty good ride. Worth a read if you’re into some catchy, mysterious twists!
February 2, 2025
Okay I officially have my first dnf of 2025. This book was so incredibly, unbearably uninterestingly SLOW!! Neither was this a suspense nor a thriller just a very uneventful mystery with zero action and at about 60% done I'm just not willing to invest any more time in this story. I'm officially done with this author as well because her first book also did not hit the mark for me. I suppose I can at least say I tried to give her a second chance!!
June 27, 2024
The 3rd and final installment of this series featuring Detective Elin Warner, The Wilds is a dark and atmospheric thriller set for the most part in a remote national park in Portugal. You really get the sense of being off grid and away from the rest of the world. The setting is definitely a big part of this story and I really enjoyed it.
Elin and her brother Issac are on a trip to get away from it all and reconnect. That is until Issac tells Elin he promised to look into the disappearance of a friend’s sister, Kier, who vanished from this very place. Elin can’t help but get caught up in the mystery and trying to find the girl. The people living at the camp nearby are not very forthcoming but she knows that they know more about Elin. We learn more in the alternate chapters from Kiers point of view in the past. Why she was there to begin with and what could have happened to her.
This series has been fabulous and I am sad to see it end. This is a story of family, controlling men and much much more. I don’t want to spoil anything but it is one you just have to read. It is eerie with the isolated location and the people there.
Thanks so much to Little Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 16th.
Elin and her brother Issac are on a trip to get away from it all and reconnect. That is until Issac tells Elin he promised to look into the disappearance of a friend’s sister, Kier, who vanished from this very place. Elin can’t help but get caught up in the mystery and trying to find the girl. The people living at the camp nearby are not very forthcoming but she knows that they know more about Elin. We learn more in the alternate chapters from Kiers point of view in the past. Why she was there to begin with and what could have happened to her.
This series has been fabulous and I am sad to see it end. This is a story of family, controlling men and much much more. I don’t want to spoil anything but it is one you just have to read. It is eerie with the isolated location and the people there.
Thanks so much to Little Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 16th.
July 23, 2025
An intriguing mystery, a fascinating location, and the characters feel like real people. Pearce does a great job wrapping up Elin’s story in this third and final novel.
July 11, 2024
ARC for review. To be published July 16, 2024.
Pearse’s books always sound so very good in the descriptions. Heck, even the TITLES are good. And yet each time I come away disappointed.
Kier Templer had a dark childhood but was always close to fraternal twin Penn. Now Kier living the #vanlife (I think this will always make me think of the tragedy of Gabby Petito) with her boyfriend, bad boy chef from New York, Zeph. They are traveling throughout Europe. However Kier has disappeared, likely in a Portuguese national park.
Detective Elin Warner and her brother Isaac are hoping to reconnect on a trip to this same park and then they start searching for her. Their only clue is a hand drawn map Kier left behind.
Though I wanted this book to be better I guess I enjoyed it more than the first two Elin Warner books, and I’m glad we’ve seen the last of this detective. One of the problems in the book is that a bit more than halfway through there’s a reveal that changes everything and I found what happens after to be completely implausible (no spoilers.). So, book was just OK.
Pearse’s books always sound so very good in the descriptions. Heck, even the TITLES are good. And yet each time I come away disappointed.
Kier Templer had a dark childhood but was always close to fraternal twin Penn. Now Kier living the #vanlife (I think this will always make me think of the tragedy of Gabby Petito) with her boyfriend, bad boy chef from New York, Zeph. They are traveling throughout Europe. However Kier has disappeared, likely in a Portuguese national park.
Detective Elin Warner and her brother Isaac are hoping to reconnect on a trip to this same park and then they start searching for her. Their only clue is a hand drawn map Kier left behind.
Though I wanted this book to be better I guess I enjoyed it more than the first two Elin Warner books, and I’m glad we’ve seen the last of this detective. One of the problems in the book is that a bit more than halfway through there’s a reveal that changes everything and I found what happens after to be completely implausible (no spoilers.). So, book was just OK.
August 19, 2024
Ugh. I ‘reckon’ you should give this a hard pass.
January 6, 2026
I was drawn to this book by the eye-catching cover. This is the third book in the Detective Elin Warner series, and I am glad I had previously read The Sanitorium (#1) and The Retreat (#2) as it added to the context and my overall understanding.
This was an atmospheric read, about the disappearance of a young nomadic woman who was last seen at within a national park in Portugal. I felt so immersed in the ominous location and the sensorial descriptions.
Told from multiple perspectives, with reflections on the past, as well as the present-day investigations by Detective Elin Warner. Although the build-up at the beginning of the book felt slow, I enjoyed the short chapters as it added to the suspense.
Overall, this was an interesting crime fiction story, and the isolated setting added to the sinister themes of this book.
3.5 stars
May 8, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author and the publishers.
The Wilds is the third book in the Elin Warner series and concludes the series. In this novel, we travel to Portugal as Elin sets out on a well needed break with her brother, whom she's trying to reconnect to. But unbeknown to Elin until they arrive there, there's other reasons her brother has chosen this particular place to stay. His friend has asked him to look into the disappearance of his sister Kier, and with Elins help, they begin to dig for information and evidence of her being there.
The twists in this book were so cleverly done and ones I didn't see coming. The atmosphere is tense and claustrophobic despite being set out in the wilderness, and the pieces all slotted together satisfyingly to conclude the series and also tie up some threads from books one and two. I'm sad this series has come to an end but very satisfied with both the ending and feel that three books was the perfect amount to tell this series and Elins story.
The Wilds is the third book in the Elin Warner series and concludes the series. In this novel, we travel to Portugal as Elin sets out on a well needed break with her brother, whom she's trying to reconnect to. But unbeknown to Elin until they arrive there, there's other reasons her brother has chosen this particular place to stay. His friend has asked him to look into the disappearance of his sister Kier, and with Elins help, they begin to dig for information and evidence of her being there.
The twists in this book were so cleverly done and ones I didn't see coming. The atmosphere is tense and claustrophobic despite being set out in the wilderness, and the pieces all slotted together satisfyingly to conclude the series and also tie up some threads from books one and two. I'm sad this series has come to an end but very satisfied with both the ending and feel that three books was the perfect amount to tell this series and Elins story.
April 17, 2025
The Wilds is the third and final instalment of Sarah Pearse's trilogy featuring English Detective Sergeant Elin Warner. This book draws together many of the threads from the previous two books, creating a satisfying conclusion to several hanging issues.
The first two-thirds of the novel follow a structure alternating chapters from the perspectives of twenty-something Kier Templer returning to her hometown in Devon in July 2018 and Elin Warner in Portugal during October 2021. The two narrative threads become intertwined, as Kier's personal life reaches a crisis point in the lead up to her twin brother Penn's wedding, whilst Elin and her brother Isaac become embroiled in an informal investigation into Kier's whereabouts while holidaying in Portugal three years later.
Kier is a sympathetic character, a woman who creates bespoke wedding stationery for a living and in her spare time paints detailed memory maps of places that have had an important impact on her life. It's clear to the reader that her relationship with disgraced American celebrity chef Zeph is characterised by coercive control and occasional violence. This runs concurrent with Kier and Penn's complicated family history. Their downtrodden mother notoriously murdered their lawyer father after enduring years of domestic abuse, a series of events that have never been forgotten in the Devon town where the twins grew up, and where Penn continues to live with his fiancée Mila. Zeph frequently calls upon this dark family history in gaslighting Kier and others, suggesting that she's unstable and potentially violent, like her mother.
DS Elin Warner is taking a well-earned period of leave from her job with Devon police, having endured the traumatic events depicted in The Sanatorium and The Retreat within the year preceding this book's timeline. I was glad to learn early in the story that Elin has separated from her former partner Will, who was unforgivably horrible to her, notwithstanding the in extremis circumstances, during the final stages of the previous book, The Retreat.
She and her brother Isaac (who series readers will remember as a central character in The Sanatorium) are meeting to share some time together in Portugal's Parque Nacional, a fictionalised wilderness author Sarah Pearse has acknowledged is based on the real-life Peneda-Gerês National Park, located to the northeast of Porto. Elin is non-plussed to learn that Isaac has been persuaded by a friend back in England to look into the disappearance of his sister, Englishwoman Kier Templer, who was last known to have been in the area several months previously. Elin and Isaac encounter a curiously reclusive group of individuals, all British and American, who appear to be living semi-permanently in a caravan community deep within the park. They're vague about knowing Kier, and her present whereabouts, but Elin and Isaac uncover a serious of suspicious clues that indicate Kier may not have gone "off grid" by choice as suggested, but might instead have suffered a darker fate.
There are some shock developments over the course of the story, and Elin must again confront the demons of her personal and professional past. Author Sarah Pearse cleverly utilises the dual-timeline, dual-narrator structure to ratchet up the tension as the truth of Kier's situation slowly emerges. The abrupt cessation of her narrative at around the two-thirds point of the book lends an eerie fatalism as Elin's informal investigation into Kier's disappearance continues in the present.
As in The Sanatorium and The Retreat, Pearse creates an evocative setting in the stunning but forbidding surroundings of the heavily-wooded national park, with its clifftop overlooks, hidden clearings and comparative isolation from the outside world. There are some elements of the story that will make this a confronting read for many, including domestic abuse, coercive control, online harassment, suicide, trauma and mental illness.
I feel a little sad to reach the end of the trilogy, as I've become fond of the character of Elin Warner, despite her initial prickliness and reticence. Sarah Pearse has developed her central character with a light touch over the course of the series, drawing the reader along as Elin gradually comes to terms with a traumatic incident from her childhood, and a more recent confrontation with a killer in her work as a police detective. The reader can imagine Elin emerging the stronger for her challenges as she faces the future beyond the last page of The Wilds.
I'd thoroughly recommend The Wilds and its series predecessors The Sanatorium and The Retreat to readers who enjoy character-driven psychological mysteries and crime thrillers. I would recommend reading the books in order, and relatively close together, as I have, in order to enjoy the full benefit of the series-level plot and character arcs.
The first two-thirds of the novel follow a structure alternating chapters from the perspectives of twenty-something Kier Templer returning to her hometown in Devon in July 2018 and Elin Warner in Portugal during October 2021. The two narrative threads become intertwined, as Kier's personal life reaches a crisis point in the lead up to her twin brother Penn's wedding, whilst Elin and her brother Isaac become embroiled in an informal investigation into Kier's whereabouts while holidaying in Portugal three years later.
Kier is a sympathetic character, a woman who creates bespoke wedding stationery for a living and in her spare time paints detailed memory maps of places that have had an important impact on her life. It's clear to the reader that her relationship with disgraced American celebrity chef Zeph is characterised by coercive control and occasional violence. This runs concurrent with Kier and Penn's complicated family history. Their downtrodden mother notoriously murdered their lawyer father after enduring years of domestic abuse, a series of events that have never been forgotten in the Devon town where the twins grew up, and where Penn continues to live with his fiancée Mila. Zeph frequently calls upon this dark family history in gaslighting Kier and others, suggesting that she's unstable and potentially violent, like her mother.
DS Elin Warner is taking a well-earned period of leave from her job with Devon police, having endured the traumatic events depicted in The Sanatorium and The Retreat within the year preceding this book's timeline. I was glad to learn early in the story that Elin has separated from her former partner Will, who was unforgivably horrible to her, notwithstanding the in extremis circumstances, during the final stages of the previous book, The Retreat.
She and her brother Isaac (who series readers will remember as a central character in The Sanatorium) are meeting to share some time together in Portugal's Parque Nacional, a fictionalised wilderness author Sarah Pearse has acknowledged is based on the real-life Peneda-Gerês National Park, located to the northeast of Porto. Elin is non-plussed to learn that Isaac has been persuaded by a friend back in England to look into the disappearance of his sister, Englishwoman Kier Templer, who was last known to have been in the area several months previously. Elin and Isaac encounter a curiously reclusive group of individuals, all British and American, who appear to be living semi-permanently in a caravan community deep within the park. They're vague about knowing Kier, and her present whereabouts, but Elin and Isaac uncover a serious of suspicious clues that indicate Kier may not have gone "off grid" by choice as suggested, but might instead have suffered a darker fate.
There are some shock developments over the course of the story, and Elin must again confront the demons of her personal and professional past. Author Sarah Pearse cleverly utilises the dual-timeline, dual-narrator structure to ratchet up the tension as the truth of Kier's situation slowly emerges. The abrupt cessation of her narrative at around the two-thirds point of the book lends an eerie fatalism as Elin's informal investigation into Kier's disappearance continues in the present.
As in The Sanatorium and The Retreat, Pearse creates an evocative setting in the stunning but forbidding surroundings of the heavily-wooded national park, with its clifftop overlooks, hidden clearings and comparative isolation from the outside world. There are some elements of the story that will make this a confronting read for many, including domestic abuse, coercive control, online harassment, suicide, trauma and mental illness.
I feel a little sad to reach the end of the trilogy, as I've become fond of the character of Elin Warner, despite her initial prickliness and reticence. Sarah Pearse has developed her central character with a light touch over the course of the series, drawing the reader along as Elin gradually comes to terms with a traumatic incident from her childhood, and a more recent confrontation with a killer in her work as a police detective. The reader can imagine Elin emerging the stronger for her challenges as she faces the future beyond the last page of The Wilds.
I'd thoroughly recommend The Wilds and its series predecessors The Sanatorium and The Retreat to readers who enjoy character-driven psychological mysteries and crime thrillers. I would recommend reading the books in order, and relatively close together, as I have, in order to enjoy the full benefit of the series-level plot and character arcs.
October 27, 2024
The last quarter of the book when everything pieces together I enjoyed. But this was very long and repetitive, which was very annoying.
There were a lot of characters to stay on top of and some that changed which became confusing after a while. The last quarter of the book makes sense of it.
There was one twist of a prominent side character in the book, I just thought didn’t add value? Not sure why it was put in there and it again added to the confusion of the who’s who.
The mystery of the group, I enjoyed this and the part it played in the book. Not my fav of hers, but I will continue to pickup Sarah’s books
Warning: Domestic Violence, psychological abuse is very prominent in this book
There were a lot of characters to stay on top of and some that changed which became confusing after a while. The last quarter of the book makes sense of it.
There was one twist of a prominent side character in the book, I just thought didn’t add value? Not sure why it was put in there and it again added to the confusion of the who’s who.
The mystery of the group, I enjoyed this and the part it played in the book. Not my fav of hers, but I will continue to pickup Sarah’s books
Warning: Domestic Violence, psychological abuse is very prominent in this book
April 11, 2025
Okay, I don’t want to come off as harsh, but I really didn’t enjoy this book. You are probably thinking “really? Because you finished it in three days!” Well yes, I simply wanted to figure out what was happening. Most of the time I was confused. There are so many names to piece together with different, might I add, super deep backstories and I couldn’t seem to get it all straight. This author is a good writer, I will not deny that, but I was underwhelmed.
Her first two books were such good thrillers. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! However, in this story there is deep mystery and I was getting into it and then BAM plot twist, everyone there is actually good and there is nothing horrible going on. Like what?! I’ve read the first 90 chapters just to find that out. Underwhelming. Then at the very end you find out that Kier was basically dead…at least that’s what everyone made it seem like….but NO psych she is alive and doing well in a hospital. WHAT!? She didn’t even contact her brother. How awful. I closed the book feeling weird about that. Super unlikely.
There were four major loose ends that never got tied up and that bothers me. 1. What happened to the murder on the boat? Why was that so emphasized? 2. Why did Ned go digging around in Elin’s airstream? That seemed a little too excessive for some guy just trying to help girls out of tough relationships. A biggggggg stretch if you ask me. 3. What caused the explosion of the van at camp? I guess I’ll never know. 4. What exactly was in the abandoned van in the woods? What were they using that for? What was in the envelope that Maggie took out? A mystery forever I suppose.
Obviously this book kept me reading, but not for the reason you’d think. The first two books in the series were great, hardly any critiques, but this one….wouldn’t read again as it left me with more questions than answers.
Her first two books were such good thrillers. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! However, in this story there is deep mystery and I was getting into it and then BAM plot twist, everyone there is actually good and there is nothing horrible going on. Like what?! I’ve read the first 90 chapters just to find that out. Underwhelming. Then at the very end you find out that Kier was basically dead…at least that’s what everyone made it seem like….but NO psych she is alive and doing well in a hospital. WHAT!? She didn’t even contact her brother. How awful. I closed the book feeling weird about that. Super unlikely.
There were four major loose ends that never got tied up and that bothers me. 1. What happened to the murder on the boat? Why was that so emphasized? 2. Why did Ned go digging around in Elin’s airstream? That seemed a little too excessive for some guy just trying to help girls out of tough relationships. A biggggggg stretch if you ask me. 3. What caused the explosion of the van at camp? I guess I’ll never know. 4. What exactly was in the abandoned van in the woods? What were they using that for? What was in the envelope that Maggie took out? A mystery forever I suppose.
Obviously this book kept me reading, but not for the reason you’d think. The first two books in the series were great, hardly any critiques, but this one….wouldn’t read again as it left me with more questions than answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2024
I have mixed feelings about the last story featuring Elin Warner!
I'll leave out the many editing errors and the constant use of the word "reckon" that at one point got to my nerves!
I'll start by saying that many actions from several characters didn't make sense to me!
Why put someone you love through so much pain and despair?
I felt really sad for Penn despite his mistakes!
I enjoyed Elin mending her relationship with her brother Isaac!
The scenery from the National Park was the right background, making the story more atmospheric!
Apart from being a mystery, this story is a reminder of how many ways there are of being in an abusive relationship and how you can be manipulated, and at the same time, it's a homage to places who provide shelter to those who want to escape!
The chapters are short and alternate between the past and the present!
The story is intriguing, fast-paced, and most characters likeable!
As the plot develops, the investigation of Elin and Isaac cast suspicions to each one of the people involved!
Since it's the last book, I wish some things were a little bit clearer as to the future! It has an optimistic touch, with Elin finally finding herself away from her past toxic relationship and with Isaac by her side!
3.5/5
I'll leave out the many editing errors and the constant use of the word "reckon" that at one point got to my nerves!
I'll start by saying that many actions from several characters didn't make sense to me!
Why put someone you love through so much pain and despair?
I felt really sad for Penn despite his mistakes!
I enjoyed Elin mending her relationship with her brother Isaac!
The scenery from the National Park was the right background, making the story more atmospheric!
Apart from being a mystery, this story is a reminder of how many ways there are of being in an abusive relationship and how you can be manipulated, and at the same time, it's a homage to places who provide shelter to those who want to escape!
The chapters are short and alternate between the past and the present!
The story is intriguing, fast-paced, and most characters likeable!
As the plot develops, the investigation of Elin and Isaac cast suspicions to each one of the people involved!
Since it's the last book, I wish some things were a little bit clearer as to the future! It has an optimistic touch, with Elin finally finding herself away from her past toxic relationship and with Isaac by her side!
3.5/5
June 22, 2024
A twisty, suspenseful conclusion to a series I loved!!
Reading these three books following Detective Elin Warner has been such a joy, and I’d recommend them to any mystery lover out there! The Wilds is a wonderful conclusion, giving great backstory for Elin as well as a new character. I really enjoyed our duel POV chapters and timelines, which provided a well rounded story. The chapter lengths were also great, not too short but definitely had me turning pages quickly.
If you haven’t read The Sanatorium, start there, and then make your way to The Wilds!!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted (free) ARC
Reading these three books following Detective Elin Warner has been such a joy, and I’d recommend them to any mystery lover out there! The Wilds is a wonderful conclusion, giving great backstory for Elin as well as a new character. I really enjoyed our duel POV chapters and timelines, which provided a well rounded story. The chapter lengths were also great, not too short but definitely had me turning pages quickly.
If you haven’t read The Sanatorium, start there, and then make your way to The Wilds!!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted (free) ARC
December 31, 2024
*This was a re-read, and I keep my opinion on how I felt by reading this book for the first time*
THE WILDS is the third and final instalment of the trilogy that Sarah Pearse started with The Sanatorium, in 2021 and then The Retreat, in 2022.
The detective Elin Warner is back again, on vacation and in good terms with his brother Isaac, cruising around the wild nature of the national park in Portugal. While Elin is reconnecting with his brother, he mentions that someone they used to know has disappeared on that same location a couple of years ago, so they team up to investigate what happened to a young woman named Kier. They go deep into the woods and discover a private and small camp in which many secrets are buried.
This book is divided into two timelines focused on different people: the "present" timeline, which is the detective Elin Warner storyline; and the "past" timeline, when Kier and her twin brother as well as her current boyfriend are cruising around the woods in Denver, England, before attending to a wedding.
We, the readers, learn about the dynamic of their relationship and all the secrets they share (and keep from one another) during their stay in Denver, up to the moment Kier leaves her boyfriend and flees to Portugal. About a year later she disappears.
We go back and front, past and present, chapter by chapter until we find out what happened to Kier in Portugal. And with all the people connected to her.
This book starts out very slow. It's the most character-driven story out of the 3 books. Another significant difference about this book, in comparison to the previous two novels, is that this is a disappearence mystery, not a murder mystery, and it might not seem so different...but it is. The Wilds, in my opinion, reads a lot different from Pearse's previous books. I wouldn't say it is as twisty as the other books, but it feels more realistic this time. Not only the characters are utterly believable but the whole plot and topics discussed here are very realistic. Toxic masculinity; ghosting; phsycological abuse, domestic violence are a big part of both timelines.
I also think, as usual, this is a very eerie and atmospheric writing. Sensorial, even.
THE WILDS is the third (and final book, as the author herself tells us in the end of the book) in the series. I'd advice the readers to read The Sanatorium and The Retreat before getting to this one. ESPECIALLY The Sanatorium, given that the author throws in here a couple of small spoilers from book #1). Also, there is a "plot twist" in this third book that is related to a certain character that appear in both previous books.
I wouldn't say it's a "must" to read the previous books, but it'll make easier (and more enjoyable and fun!) to have known all the characters from the previous books.
Personally, as for setting, ambience and topics explored, this is my favourite out of those 3.
As for the mystery itself, I still prefer The Sanatorium.
All in all, I've had a great time with this book. I'll keep the characters and the atmosphere in my mind for a long time, and I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has read any Sarah Pearse novel before, as well as readers who are into slow-burn, character-driven mystery novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC of this book.
THE WILDS is the third and final instalment of the trilogy that Sarah Pearse started with The Sanatorium, in 2021 and then The Retreat, in 2022.
The detective Elin Warner is back again, on vacation and in good terms with his brother Isaac, cruising around the wild nature of the national park in Portugal. While Elin is reconnecting with his brother, he mentions that someone they used to know has disappeared on that same location a couple of years ago, so they team up to investigate what happened to a young woman named Kier. They go deep into the woods and discover a private and small camp in which many secrets are buried.
This book is divided into two timelines focused on different people: the "present" timeline, which is the detective Elin Warner storyline; and the "past" timeline, when Kier and her twin brother as well as her current boyfriend are cruising around the woods in Denver, England, before attending to a wedding.
We, the readers, learn about the dynamic of their relationship and all the secrets they share (and keep from one another) during their stay in Denver, up to the moment Kier leaves her boyfriend and flees to Portugal. About a year later she disappears.
We go back and front, past and present, chapter by chapter until we find out what happened to Kier in Portugal. And with all the people connected to her.
This book starts out very slow. It's the most character-driven story out of the 3 books. Another significant difference about this book, in comparison to the previous two novels, is that this is a disappearence mystery, not a murder mystery, and it might not seem so different...but it is. The Wilds, in my opinion, reads a lot different from Pearse's previous books. I wouldn't say it is as twisty as the other books, but it feels more realistic this time. Not only the characters are utterly believable but the whole plot and topics discussed here are very realistic. Toxic masculinity; ghosting; phsycological abuse, domestic violence are a big part of both timelines.
I also think, as usual, this is a very eerie and atmospheric writing. Sensorial, even.
THE WILDS is the third (and final book, as the author herself tells us in the end of the book) in the series. I'd advice the readers to read The Sanatorium and The Retreat before getting to this one. ESPECIALLY The Sanatorium, given that the author throws in here a couple of small spoilers from book #1). Also, there is a "plot twist" in this third book that is related to a certain character that appear in both previous books.
I wouldn't say it's a "must" to read the previous books, but it'll make easier (and more enjoyable and fun!) to have known all the characters from the previous books.
Personally, as for setting, ambience and topics explored, this is my favourite out of those 3.
As for the mystery itself, I still prefer The Sanatorium.
All in all, I've had a great time with this book. I'll keep the characters and the atmosphere in my mind for a long time, and I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has read any Sarah Pearse novel before, as well as readers who are into slow-burn, character-driven mystery novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC of this book.
July 16, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 3*
Pace: 2*
Characters: 3*
Twist: 2*
Setting: 4*
I really hoped I would like this the same as the first in the series, sadly it was closer to book two - lacking.
All 3 books have the most marvelous settings and Pearse writes them with such clarity I can picture them entirely. But the plot, the pace and the characters just didn't do it for me, again. I guessed most of the twists, and felt if everyone just stopped lying there wouldn't even need to be a book (I have big issues with thrillers that only have twists because people mask who they truly are). This is probably the end of the road for me with this series, there's better series that I gel with that I'd rather spend my time on.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 3*
Pace: 2*
Characters: 3*
Twist: 2*
Setting: 4*
I really hoped I would like this the same as the first in the series, sadly it was closer to book two - lacking.
All 3 books have the most marvelous settings and Pearse writes them with such clarity I can picture them entirely. But the plot, the pace and the characters just didn't do it for me, again. I guessed most of the twists, and felt if everyone just stopped lying there wouldn't even need to be a book (I have big issues with thrillers that only have twists because people mask who they truly are). This is probably the end of the road for me with this series, there's better series that I gel with that I'd rather spend my time on.
September 8, 2024
I loved this authors first 2 books The Sanatorium and The Retreat.
However, this one just wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t even really know what the point was? I was waiting for a twist that never came?
It felt like parts of the book were missing at some points or some points had been skipped over?
I couldn’t stand the names of the characters in this book either they irritated me. I couldn’t connect and I couldn’t get invested in this story at all.
It’s a shame.
However, this one just wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t even really know what the point was? I was waiting for a twist that never came?
It felt like parts of the book were missing at some points or some points had been skipped over?
I couldn’t stand the names of the characters in this book either they irritated me. I couldn’t connect and I couldn’t get invested in this story at all.
It’s a shame.
January 22, 2025
Alright. I’ll admit it: sometimes I’m too stubborn for my own good. I have listened to all three books in the Detective Elin Warner series and I have slowly but surely been disappointed by each and every one of them in the end. There is so much potential here (as I’ve said of the other two) but time and again the same issues crop up. Pacing, incomprehensible twists, unbelievable plot lines, and sheer mundane predictability. The primary twist did surprise me but it was so implausible that it completely took me out of the story and destroyed what little care I held for our heroine.
Elin is still somehow hapless but pulls it all together at the end, her horrific memory finally working in the final few chapters. Sadly, Elin is ultimately unbelievable as a character who was a highly regarded detective. Yes, trauma and tragedy have shaped her life and her mind but, to me, it seems as though those things would have stopped her before she started.
Pearse once again constructed an interesting overarching plot with a great setting but, unfortunately, couldn’t deliver what I was looking for. I stuck with the series because I had hope that things would change for the better but, in the end, I’m glad this is the final novel on the series.
Elin is still somehow hapless but pulls it all together at the end, her horrific memory finally working in the final few chapters. Sadly, Elin is ultimately unbelievable as a character who was a highly regarded detective. Yes, trauma and tragedy have shaped her life and her mind but, to me, it seems as though those things would have stopped her before she started.
Pearse once again constructed an interesting overarching plot with a great setting but, unfortunately, couldn’t deliver what I was looking for. I stuck with the series because I had hope that things would change for the better but, in the end, I’m glad this is the final novel on the series.
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January 14, 2025
Šī ir sērijas pēdējā grāmata un man jāsaka, ka autore ir “izaugusi”.
Nepārprotiet, galvenie varoņi joprojām svīst …. Un dara tik audz ko citu, ka man jau zosāda metas, bet stāsta ziņā – bija tīri labi un interesi noturēja. Daži tēli gan “izbesija” un gribējās viņu gaudas atredzēt.
Jau grāmatas sākumā gan diezgan skaidri ir nolasāms atrisinājums (vismaz man tā šķiet), tomēr detaļas, kas atklājas stāsta laikā bija ja ne pārsteidzošas, tad iederīgas un interesantas.
Ja pirmajā daļā stāsts norisinājās Sanatorijā (joprojām atceros, cik daudzsološi šis trilleris sākās), otrs uz salas, bet šis kalnainā un mežainā apvidū Portugālē. Izmeklētāja kopā ar brāli devusies “izvēdināt galvu” un atjaunot attiecības, bet izrādās, ka nāksies risināt arī kādu noslēpumainu pazušanu.
Autores fenomens man joprojām nav skaidrs un piekrītu uz šīs grāmatas vāka rakstītajam “neticami populārā trillera “Sanatorija” autore” teiktajam, jo tas ir neticami, kā šie darbi var būt tik populāri, jo pirmie bija diezgan švaki, BET kaut kas tur ir, jo nelasīt tos nav iespējams. Mistika.
Taču no visām trim grāmatām šī ir vislabākā.
Nepārprotiet, galvenie varoņi joprojām svīst …. Un dara tik audz ko citu, ka man jau zosāda metas, bet stāsta ziņā – bija tīri labi un interesi noturēja. Daži tēli gan “izbesija” un gribējās viņu gaudas atredzēt.
Jau grāmatas sākumā gan diezgan skaidri ir nolasāms atrisinājums (vismaz man tā šķiet), tomēr detaļas, kas atklājas stāsta laikā bija ja ne pārsteidzošas, tad iederīgas un interesantas.
Ja pirmajā daļā stāsts norisinājās Sanatorijā (joprojām atceros, cik daudzsološi šis trilleris sākās), otrs uz salas, bet šis kalnainā un mežainā apvidū Portugālē. Izmeklētāja kopā ar brāli devusies “izvēdināt galvu” un atjaunot attiecības, bet izrādās, ka nāksies risināt arī kādu noslēpumainu pazušanu.
Autores fenomens man joprojām nav skaidrs un piekrītu uz šīs grāmatas vāka rakstītajam “neticami populārā trillera “Sanatorija” autore” teiktajam, jo tas ir neticami, kā šie darbi var būt tik populāri, jo pirmie bija diezgan švaki, BET kaut kas tur ir, jo nelasīt tos nav iespējams. Mistika.
Taču no visām trim grāmatām šī ir vislabākā.
September 20, 2024
This book was very confusing and poorly written. Nowhere near as good as Pearse’s “The Sanatorium “. After reading all 379 pages, I could not summarize the story line for you. Too many characters! And some characters go by multiple names. A very annoying and unsatisfying read. Sorry to have wasted my precious reading time.
November 18, 2024
Um...what happened with the boat murders and the dog? Eh. Loose ends!
August 9, 2025
What a mixed bag of feelings!
For me, this was the worst book in this series (trilogy?). I found the beginning quite slow and uninteresting. There was nothing captivating about Elin and her brother Isaac's trip in the Park, and I didn't feel invested in Kier's past story with her aggressive partner, Zeph. In fact, I didn't feel like picking up the book and continue reading.
As the story progressed, Kier's disappearance became more and more mysterious, especially considering how the people from the van camp were reacting to Elin and Isaac's questions. But it wasn't enough to spur my enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, I'd say this is the story where we find a more composed and focused Elin, not so given to falling into self-doubt. Probably because Will was not there to criticize and manipulate, like in the previous books. Honestly, this was a very positive point to the story.
We finally learned who the "troll" was. And this was quite a disappointment.
If this was indeed a trilogy, I wouldn't say I will miss Elin's adventures. I will probably read more of Sarah Pearse's books, but I'm glad this story is finished.
For me, this was the worst book in this series (trilogy?). I found the beginning quite slow and uninteresting. There was nothing captivating about Elin and her brother Isaac's trip in the Park, and I didn't feel invested in Kier's past story with her aggressive partner, Zeph. In fact, I didn't feel like picking up the book and continue reading.
As the story progressed, Kier's disappearance became more and more mysterious, especially considering how the people from the van camp were reacting to Elin and Isaac's questions. But it wasn't enough to spur my enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, I'd say this is the story where we find a more composed and focused Elin, not so given to falling into self-doubt. Probably because Will was not there to criticize and manipulate, like in the previous books. Honestly, this was a very positive point to the story.
We finally learned who the "troll" was. And this was quite a disappointment.
If this was indeed a trilogy, I wouldn't say I will miss Elin's adventures. I will probably read more of Sarah Pearse's books, but I'm glad this story is finished.
March 1, 2025
"The Wilds" is a suspenseful thriller set in the remote wilderness of a luxury retreat, offering a mix of atmospheric tension and psychological intrigue. the story follows a group of individuals who, after a tragic event, find themselves trapped in a secluded setting where the environment itself seems to turn against them.
the plot centers on Elin, a former detective recovering from a personal tragedy, who arrives at the retreat seeking solace but quickly becomes entangled in a web of mystery and danger. a series of strange occurrences, disappearances and the presence of a killer lurking in the shadows kept the tension high, though the pacing sometimes felt uneven.
while the book excels in creating an eerie atmosphere and its isolated setting adds to the sense of claustrophobia, the plot itself felt somewhat predictable at times. certain twists and character motivations were a bit underdeveloped and the narrative faltered when it leaned too heavily on suspenseful moments without fully exploring the complexities of the characters or their relationships.
the plot centers on Elin, a former detective recovering from a personal tragedy, who arrives at the retreat seeking solace but quickly becomes entangled in a web of mystery and danger. a series of strange occurrences, disappearances and the presence of a killer lurking in the shadows kept the tension high, though the pacing sometimes felt uneven.
while the book excels in creating an eerie atmosphere and its isolated setting adds to the sense of claustrophobia, the plot itself felt somewhat predictable at times. certain twists and character motivations were a bit underdeveloped and the narrative faltered when it leaned too heavily on suspenseful moments without fully exploring the complexities of the characters or their relationships.
July 19, 2024
I have decided I believe this author is not my cup of tea. I felt very similarly about this book as I did the sanitorium . Couldn’t get invested in story at all
January 19, 2025
If I had to read the word “reckon” one more time in the dialogue of Elin or Isaac, I might have thrown the book across the room. I only kept reading for closure.
April 2, 2025
It’s been a few years since I last dove into the Elin series, and I almost forgot why I love Pearse’s books so much, until I picked up this book. It all came back to me pretty quickly.
Sarah Pearse’s The Wilds is a compelling mystery/thriller that I couldn’t put down. Elin Warner, one of my favorite detectives, is back, joining her brother Isaac on a wilderness retreat type thing. However, Isaac has ulterior motives for inviting her.
The story shifts between two timelines: one following Kier and Zeph in 2018, and another with Elin and Isaac in 2021. Even though Kier has been missing for a few years, her bank account remains active, her rent continues to be paid, and she’s been texting her brother Penn. Yet, Penn isn’t convinced that it’s really his sister on the other end.
This book also connects to Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica, which I just read. Both stories explored why women kill. Although women and men kill their spouses in roughly equal numbers, men still more but women’s motives often stem from a need to protect themselves from abusive relationships. I found it fascinating to see this theme examined in both books.
Another theme that stood out was the persistent issue of misogyny and the way society views and treats women. Despite all our progress, it seems we inevitably circle back to the same troubling narrative.
The Wilds is filled with TWISTS and TURNS - moments that make you stop reading and exclaim, “OMG, did I just read that right?” I loved every aspect of this book and can’t wait to see what Pearse conjures up next.
The atmospheric settings in both timelines only add to the story. As the story unfolds, we gradually uncover Kier’s full story while also getting vital insights from Elin’s perspective. It’s truly a fascinating read.
If you haven’t read the previous two books in the series, I highly recommend them:
• Book 1: The Sanatorium – a phenomenal read and a Reese Book Club pick.
• Book 2: The Retreat – which I absolutely loved.
All three are five-star reads. Pearse offers much more than just a captivating plot, rich characters, and vivid settings - she also explores important, thought-provoking themes. A fabulous author you need to follow.
I also listened to the audiobook while following along. It can be played on 2x speed and the narrator does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.
Sarah Pearse’s The Wilds is a compelling mystery/thriller that I couldn’t put down. Elin Warner, one of my favorite detectives, is back, joining her brother Isaac on a wilderness retreat type thing. However, Isaac has ulterior motives for inviting her.
The story shifts between two timelines: one following Kier and Zeph in 2018, and another with Elin and Isaac in 2021. Even though Kier has been missing for a few years, her bank account remains active, her rent continues to be paid, and she’s been texting her brother Penn. Yet, Penn isn’t convinced that it’s really his sister on the other end.
This book also connects to Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica, which I just read. Both stories explored why women kill. Although women and men kill their spouses in roughly equal numbers, men still more but women’s motives often stem from a need to protect themselves from abusive relationships. I found it fascinating to see this theme examined in both books.
Another theme that stood out was the persistent issue of misogyny and the way society views and treats women. Despite all our progress, it seems we inevitably circle back to the same troubling narrative.
The Wilds is filled with TWISTS and TURNS - moments that make you stop reading and exclaim, “OMG, did I just read that right?” I loved every aspect of this book and can’t wait to see what Pearse conjures up next.
The atmospheric settings in both timelines only add to the story. As the story unfolds, we gradually uncover Kier’s full story while also getting vital insights from Elin’s perspective. It’s truly a fascinating read.
If you haven’t read the previous two books in the series, I highly recommend them:
• Book 1: The Sanatorium – a phenomenal read and a Reese Book Club pick.
• Book 2: The Retreat – which I absolutely loved.
All three are five-star reads. Pearse offers much more than just a captivating plot, rich characters, and vivid settings - she also explores important, thought-provoking themes. A fabulous author you need to follow.
I also listened to the audiobook while following along. It can be played on 2x speed and the narrator does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.
June 30, 2025
I think this might be my favorite of the three Elin books so far!
December 21, 2025
Непогано, але є кілька сюжетних ліній, які незрозуміло для чого вводились. І відповідей на них авторка не дала.
July 16, 2024
Portugal, 2021.
Elin Warner is travelling with her brother, Isaac. The siblings have been estranged until recently, and this trip is a chance to reconnect and get to know each other again.
They stay in a secluded, small caravan campsite in the Parque Nacional, Portugal’s National Park, far away from civilisation and surrounded by nature. It’s worth mentioning that they are the only guests at the small caravan site.
It is then that Isaac drops a bombshell: his friend’s sister disappeared three years ago at the Parque Nacional. He begged Isaac to go to Portugal and uncover what happened to Kier Templer back in 2018.
As you can imagine, Elin is somewhat perplexed and annoyed that her brother agreed to do this, as it was meant to be their ‘bonding time’, but the policewoman in her quickly reemerges.
They discover a camp nearby, which appears to be a permanent one, and the people there are definitely hiding something.
What happened to Kier, and can Elin and Isaac piece together the puzzle before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved The Sanatorium and The Retreat, and I was very much looking forward to reading The Wilds.
I loved the setting of the story: a hot, scorching, but desolate Portugese location where you’re pretty much on your own. The fragility of the relationship between Elin and Isaac certainly added more tension to the mix.
I also liked the dual timeline, especially the events of 2018. I was desperate to read about Kier’s experiences with her then-boyfriend Zeph, and how she arrived in Portugal.
The story features descriptions of domestic violence and coercive control, which may be triggering for some people.
Elin Warner is travelling with her brother, Isaac. The siblings have been estranged until recently, and this trip is a chance to reconnect and get to know each other again.
They stay in a secluded, small caravan campsite in the Parque Nacional, Portugal’s National Park, far away from civilisation and surrounded by nature. It’s worth mentioning that they are the only guests at the small caravan site.
It is then that Isaac drops a bombshell: his friend’s sister disappeared three years ago at the Parque Nacional. He begged Isaac to go to Portugal and uncover what happened to Kier Templer back in 2018.
As you can imagine, Elin is somewhat perplexed and annoyed that her brother agreed to do this, as it was meant to be their ‘bonding time’, but the policewoman in her quickly reemerges.
They discover a camp nearby, which appears to be a permanent one, and the people there are definitely hiding something.
What happened to Kier, and can Elin and Isaac piece together the puzzle before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved The Sanatorium and The Retreat, and I was very much looking forward to reading The Wilds.
I loved the setting of the story: a hot, scorching, but desolate Portugese location where you’re pretty much on your own. The fragility of the relationship between Elin and Isaac certainly added more tension to the mix.
I also liked the dual timeline, especially the events of 2018. I was desperate to read about Kier’s experiences with her then-boyfriend Zeph, and how she arrived in Portugal.
The story features descriptions of domestic violence and coercive control, which may be triggering for some people.
July 10, 2024
I swear I’ll read anything that Sarah writes because she just knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat from the get go. As with the previous two books in this series, this one is packed to the brim with atmospheric tense that not even the sharpest knife could cut through, an isolated setting, and familial/relationship dramas to keep you wondering about any hidden motives going on within the group. I swear there’s something about the way Sarah describes things that just transports me straight into the setting myself, I honestly could smell the forest around me while reading this one, and despite the chilling events on the pages it almost had a calming effect on me (basically I believe Sarah to be a witch). I don’t want to go into too much detail in case any of it is a spoiler for anyone, but trust me when I say if you’re a thriller/mystery fan then you need to pick up this book (and the rest of the series) because it’s truly wonderful and I just couldn’t put it down.
There was only one part I didn’t like in this one, and that was the part when the author informed us that this is the final book in this series. Needless to say I was devastated because I absolutely adore Elin’s character and I’ll be sad to see her go.
Of course I won’t be visiting any national parks in Portugal anytime soon, but what can you do about that?
Thank you so much to Sphere / Little Brown for sending me a proof of this incredible read. I love this series, and Sarah’s writing, so so much. This books touches on emotional abuse and coercive control so please do check the trigger warnings before diving head first into this brilliant book.
There was only one part I didn’t like in this one, and that was the part when the author informed us that this is the final book in this series. Needless to say I was devastated because I absolutely adore Elin’s character and I’ll be sad to see her go.
Of course I won’t be visiting any national parks in Portugal anytime soon, but what can you do about that?
Thank you so much to Sphere / Little Brown for sending me a proof of this incredible read. I love this series, and Sarah’s writing, so so much. This books touches on emotional abuse and coercive control so please do check the trigger warnings before diving head first into this brilliant book.
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