What do you think?
Rate this book
Wildwood
A chilling debut gothic mystery in the vein of Jason Rekulak and Stacy Willingham about a house with dark secrets beneath its floorboards.
It seems like divine intervention when newly pregnant and freshly unemployed Elinor unexpectedly inherits Wildwood, her family’s estate. She convinces her husband to move to the sprawling wilderness of rural Vermont to make a home and raise their baby.
Estranged from her extended family since childhood, Wildwood is a mystery to Elinor—she’s an outsider to the townsfolk and to the prominent Brook family who control the town and its history. Knowing little of the house or its past, save for snapshots of childhood memories, she becomes entranced by an eerie nineteenth-century mural in the primary bedroom she calls “the Forest of the Dead.”
But instead of growing more settled in her new home, Elinor feels increasingly isolated and uneasy. She begins to have dreams that feel like memories, phantasmagorical visions of something terrible that happened long ago. Haunted by the mystery of why her family fell apart, she’s determined to uncover the secrets of her ancestry buried deep in the past and even deeper in the woods . . . secrets kept by powerful forces within the house and within the town.
Obsessed with finding the truth, Elinor knows she must answer when “the Forest of the Dead” calls her. Someone wants her to know they were there first, and someone else is trying to get in. As the nightmares creep into her waking hours, Elinor embarks on a journey that takes her back and forth in time, to the dark recesses of memories, to the streets of modern Salem, and to the haunted corners of this otherworldly house.
The Forest of the Dead is calling. Can you hear the whispers?
It seems like divine intervention when newly pregnant and freshly unemployed Elinor unexpectedly inherits Wildwood, her family’s estate. She convinces her husband to move to the sprawling wilderness of rural Vermont to make a home and raise their baby.
Estranged from her extended family since childhood, Wildwood is a mystery to Elinor—she’s an outsider to the townsfolk and to the prominent Brook family who control the town and its history. Knowing little of the house or its past, save for snapshots of childhood memories, she becomes entranced by an eerie nineteenth-century mural in the primary bedroom she calls “the Forest of the Dead.”
But instead of growing more settled in her new home, Elinor feels increasingly isolated and uneasy. She begins to have dreams that feel like memories, phantasmagorical visions of something terrible that happened long ago. Haunted by the mystery of why her family fell apart, she’s determined to uncover the secrets of her ancestry buried deep in the past and even deeper in the woods . . . secrets kept by powerful forces within the house and within the town.
Obsessed with finding the truth, Elinor knows she must answer when “the Forest of the Dead” calls her. Someone wants her to know they were there first, and someone else is trying to get in. As the nightmares creep into her waking hours, Elinor embarks on a journey that takes her back and forth in time, to the dark recesses of memories, to the streets of modern Salem, and to the haunted corners of this otherworldly house.
The Forest of the Dead is calling. Can you hear the whispers?
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Ashley Woo
1 book97 followersAshley Woo studied English Literature at Emory University and has masters degrees from Harvard University and Babson College. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she currently lives in Vermont with her husband and two young children. She writes gothic thrillers and her current work in progress is a murder mystery. Ashley’s debut Wildwood will publish with HarperCollins US in Fall 2026.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This author’s debut book was good. It’s a slow burn gothic thriller. It is mysterious, dark and tense. It starts off medium paced, then gets slower in the middle of the book. The flaws of the main characters are the focus in this book. It comes with generational trauma, family secrets and haunted house vibes.
This book is definitely not a jump scare book, it is really on the slow side. All in all, it was a decent read and I recommend it to anyone that enjoyed reading “Black Sheep” by Rachel Harrison. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ashley Woo and Harper Perennial for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book releases September 8, 2026!
This book is definitely not a jump scare book, it is really on the slow side. All in all, it was a decent read and I recommend it to anyone that enjoyed reading “Black Sheep” by Rachel Harrison. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ashley Woo and Harper Perennial for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book releases September 8, 2026!
September 24, 2026
If you are looking for a book to guide you right into spooky season, look no further! You’ve got an old inherited home with a creepy mural, rumors of a witch in the woods, neighbors who give off weird vibes, and a history that an entire town seems to not care to hear about. Oh, also it takes place during the fall in Vermont, so setting is 🤌🏻
I loved reading about the history of everything, and towards the end of this book my heart was racing! Definitely have this on your tbr this season!
I loved reading about the history of everything, and towards the end of this book my heart was racing! Definitely have this on your tbr this season!
October 12, 2026
A gripping haunted house story perfect for spooky season! When Elinor gets a call from a lawyer telling her that her estranged uncle has left her the family estate, it feels like it couldn’t have come at a better time. But moving to Wildwoods brings unanswered questions and haunting dreams. Between the lack of sleep, pregnancy hormones, creepy atmosphere, and her partner’s lack of support, Elinor is left to uncover the estate’s buried history,and figure out whether what she’s experiencing is real or all in her head. This book is a perfect blend of horror and psychological thriller.
August 23, 2026
This book sounded so promising but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations.
I really struggled with the first 50% of the book and if it wasn't an ARC I would have DNF'd it. With that said, after the 50% mark of the book it did get a lot better and I actually started to enjoy it.
Let's discuss the things I didn't like:
The first half of the book really dragged and it felt a lot more like general fiction as opposed to horror, as the only "horror" that occurred were a couple of nightmares. The plot was mainly just centred around family history and being intrigued about the neighbours. It just dragged on WAAAY too long. I feel like it could have been condensed down to a couple of chapters.
It also felt like the first half of the book was mainly driven by Elinor's thoughts as opposed to actual plot. At times it felt like Ashley was spoon feeding me things that really weren't required to be said. Things that were already obvious to the reader. I will say though, it got a lot better as the book progressed, so I'll give her credit for that.
Personally, I don't understand why Elinor was pregnant. It had no impact on the story whatsoever. If anything it just made me dislike Elinor because she actually didn't care about her baby at all. I thought that was a bit of a bummer as I was really intrigued to see how it would impact the storyline but it barely did.
Things I did like:
I really enjoyed the setting of the book and Ashley did a fantastic job with the world building. Wildwood and it's wild woods were the perfect amount of creepy and yet also had an almost comforting feel through the familiarity that Elinor felt for the place.
The second half of the book was far more enjoyable. I thought it was really cool how the story progressed through her dreams and the different links they had to things that had happened in the past. I was really curious to see how the story would play out, and while I did find the ending a bit anticlimactic, I still had a good time reading it.
Would I recommend reading Wildwood? I'm going to say no because I don't think you should have to get through 50% of a book in order for it to get interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really struggled with the first 50% of the book and if it wasn't an ARC I would have DNF'd it. With that said, after the 50% mark of the book it did get a lot better and I actually started to enjoy it.
Let's discuss the things I didn't like:
The first half of the book really dragged and it felt a lot more like general fiction as opposed to horror, as the only "horror" that occurred were a couple of nightmares. The plot was mainly just centred around family history and being intrigued about the neighbours. It just dragged on WAAAY too long. I feel like it could have been condensed down to a couple of chapters.
It also felt like the first half of the book was mainly driven by Elinor's thoughts as opposed to actual plot. At times it felt like Ashley was spoon feeding me things that really weren't required to be said. Things that were already obvious to the reader. I will say though, it got a lot better as the book progressed, so I'll give her credit for that.
Personally, I don't understand why Elinor was pregnant. It had no impact on the story whatsoever. If anything it just made me dislike Elinor because she actually didn't care about her baby at all. I thought that was a bit of a bummer as I was really intrigued to see how it would impact the storyline but it barely did.
Things I did like:
I really enjoyed the setting of the book and Ashley did a fantastic job with the world building. Wildwood and it's wild woods were the perfect amount of creepy and yet also had an almost comforting feel through the familiarity that Elinor felt for the place.
The second half of the book was far more enjoyable. I thought it was really cool how the story progressed through her dreams and the different links they had to things that had happened in the past. I was really curious to see how the story would play out, and while I did find the ending a bit anticlimactic, I still had a good time reading it.
Would I recommend reading Wildwood? I'm going to say no because I don't think you should have to get through 50% of a book in order for it to get interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2026
Never marry a loser who struggles to be on your side through mere hauntings.
Did Not Finish
August 25, 2026DNF 40%
This isn't going to get anything above 3 stars from me, so I'm just going to quit while I'm ahead. This read is perfectly fine if you enjoy contemporary, domestic haunted house stories with some amateur sleuthing that's easy to get through, but I didn't find anything interesting about it—not the characters, not the setting, not the mystery, not the writing. I also think this is way too long for the story it's telling. I think it would be great if we started seeing more mystery/thriller novellas come out because, in my opinion, these types of stories are stretched so far beyond what they're able to offer narratively.
Fans of Darcy Coates' paranormal haunted house novels and readers who enjoyed We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough may get along better with this read.
Thank you to Libro.FM for the gifted audio copy of this read. All opinions remain my own.
This isn't going to get anything above 3 stars from me, so I'm just going to quit while I'm ahead. This read is perfectly fine if you enjoy contemporary, domestic haunted house stories with some amateur sleuthing that's easy to get through, but I didn't find anything interesting about it—not the characters, not the setting, not the mystery, not the writing. I also think this is way too long for the story it's telling. I think it would be great if we started seeing more mystery/thriller novellas come out because, in my opinion, these types of stories are stretched so far beyond what they're able to offer narratively.
Fans of Darcy Coates' paranormal haunted house novels and readers who enjoyed We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough may get along better with this read.
Thank you to Libro.FM for the gifted audio copy of this read. All opinions remain my own.
October 7, 2026
Loved it. The perfect fall book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gothic mysteries are hit or miss for me, but Ashley Woo's debut WILDWOOD was a grand slam! Thank you @harperperennial and @librofm for my gifted copy and ALC! The cover immediately sold me, seriously Harper Perennial, whoever designed this cover needs a raise because that's what immediately sold me from the moment I saw it.
Newly pregnant and unexpectedly unemployed, Elinor inherits Wildwood, allowing for her husband Topher and her to have a fresh start. Wildwood is her family’s mysterious estate in rural Vermont, but what begins as a fresh start quickly turns sinister as eerie visions, buried memories, and a haunting nineteenth-century mural known as “the Forest of the Dead” draw her into the secrets of her estranged family’s past. As nightmares bleed into reality, Elinor becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth hidden within the house, the surrounding woods, and the powerful family that controls the town—before whatever has been waiting for her finally gets in.
I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook and I actually would recommend going the audiobook route as it showcases Woo's gothic haunting depictions and the suspense of the story much better. Both are great journeys and I enjoyed both avenues, but audio just stood stronger for me. This book gave Crimson Peak, Insidious, and Riley Sager's Home Before Dark vibes, and it was totally creepy. I would highly recommend this one when it comes to Halloween time reads, which is perfect since this will be out in September! I will impatiently wait for Ashley Woo's next story! STARS: 4, PUB: 9/8
Newly pregnant and unexpectedly unemployed, Elinor inherits Wildwood, allowing for her husband Topher and her to have a fresh start. Wildwood is her family’s mysterious estate in rural Vermont, but what begins as a fresh start quickly turns sinister as eerie visions, buried memories, and a haunting nineteenth-century mural known as “the Forest of the Dead” draw her into the secrets of her estranged family’s past. As nightmares bleed into reality, Elinor becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth hidden within the house, the surrounding woods, and the powerful family that controls the town—before whatever has been waiting for her finally gets in.
I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook and I actually would recommend going the audiobook route as it showcases Woo's gothic haunting depictions and the suspense of the story much better. Both are great journeys and I enjoyed both avenues, but audio just stood stronger for me. This book gave Crimson Peak, Insidious, and Riley Sager's Home Before Dark vibes, and it was totally creepy. I would highly recommend this one when it comes to Halloween time reads, which is perfect since this will be out in September! I will impatiently wait for Ashley Woo's next story! STARS: 4, PUB: 9/8
September 21, 2026
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. It was very surface level and I wasn't surprised by the plot twists, which seemed like the point of the book; that it was meant to be completely unexpected. The dream sequences felt disjointed and unnecessary. And honestly, I felt more concerned about the main character getting tetanus from the sheer amount of rusty nails she cut her feet on.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced proof copy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced proof copy.
September 10, 2026
Thank you so much @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial and @ashleywooauthor for my #gifted copy. You all know I love a debut!
Boy was this atmospheric. It got my right into the vibes and feels! Perfect way to launch off #spookyseason. Gothic mysteries can go one way or the other for me, but I really enjoyed this. Woo’s writing is lush, vibrant and really gets you into a Vermont state of mind.
Haunted House tropes are very popular, and I really liked the unique spin Woo put on this one. Adding Historical Fiction elements, paranormal activities, annoying rich people and sinister woods made for a great and well-rounded story.
I loved Elinor. She made for a great MC that you couldn’t help root for. I also must mention-THERE IS A DOG. *Swoon* I highly recommend this for my friends who like spooky but not scary!
Boy was this atmospheric. It got my right into the vibes and feels! Perfect way to launch off #spookyseason. Gothic mysteries can go one way or the other for me, but I really enjoyed this. Woo’s writing is lush, vibrant and really gets you into a Vermont state of mind.
Haunted House tropes are very popular, and I really liked the unique spin Woo put on this one. Adding Historical Fiction elements, paranormal activities, annoying rich people and sinister woods made for a great and well-rounded story.
I loved Elinor. She made for a great MC that you couldn’t help root for. I also must mention-THERE IS A DOG. *Swoon* I highly recommend this for my friends who like spooky but not scary!
September 3, 2026
Book Review
I listened to the audiobook of Wildwood and thought the narration was really well done. The narrator captured the eerie, unsettling atmosphere perfectly and added a lot to the experience.
This definitely has some horror elements, which usually isn’t my thing, but it leaned much more creepy and gothic than outright scary, so it worked for me. I loved the isolated mansion, strange woods, family secrets, and the feeling that something was very wrong even when you couldn’t quite figure out what.
It is a slower-burn mystery, but I enjoyed watching everything gradually unravel and seeing how the past connected to what was happening in the present. There were plenty of strange moments that kept me wondering where the story was going.
Overall, this was an atmospheric, creepy read that pushed me a little outside my usual genres, and I really enjoyed it. I’d especially recommend the audiobook and the narration made the story even more immersive.
I listened to the audiobook of Wildwood and thought the narration was really well done. The narrator captured the eerie, unsettling atmosphere perfectly and added a lot to the experience.
This definitely has some horror elements, which usually isn’t my thing, but it leaned much more creepy and gothic than outright scary, so it worked for me. I loved the isolated mansion, strange woods, family secrets, and the feeling that something was very wrong even when you couldn’t quite figure out what.
It is a slower-burn mystery, but I enjoyed watching everything gradually unravel and seeing how the past connected to what was happening in the present. There were plenty of strange moments that kept me wondering where the story was going.
Overall, this was an atmospheric, creepy read that pushed me a little outside my usual genres, and I really enjoyed it. I’d especially recommend the audiobook and the narration made the story even more immersive.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love books about inheriting a mysterious property from a relative you didn’t know about or haven’t seen or had contact within years so of course I was excited to read this book! The hover got my attention and the synopsis reeled me in. Of course once Elinor and her husband arrive creepy things immediately start happening which is exactly what I was hoping for! And then the neighbors… they’re so welcoming but are they really? Let’s not forget the Forest of the Dead! I loved the rabbit hole that Elinor went down trying to figure out what was happening to her and there were some big twists at the end.
I love listening to books like this on audio. It really adds to the creep factor for me. Natalie Naudus did a great job telling this story.
I love listening to books like this on audio. It really adds to the creep factor for me. Natalie Naudus did a great job telling this story.
September 20, 2026
Why do we need new stories that use old tropes?
Elinor has money problems, just suffered a career disaster, and also she's pregnant. But wait -- she's just inherited a stately mansion with a two hundred acre estate in Vermont! Sounds like the answer to all her worries, but according to her dead uncle's terms, she's got to inhabit the place for at least a year, before she can take possession. The estate is called Wildwood, a place that Elinor visited in summers as a child, and after some mild debate over feasibility, she and her husband decide to move in.
Does this set-up sound familiar? It did to me too. This house is haunted, but if you stay in it for the night, and survive 'til morning, it's yours! The "spend a night" dare is so familiar that when the conversation with the uncle's lawyer was unfolding, I felt like I had maybe already read this book.
And yet, that familiarity didn't bother me in the slightest. Woo is a very capable writer, and she tells her story well. So I went plunging ahead anyway, gleefully anticipating the horrors that would befall her in the year, and wondering how she would try to survive and take her inheritance. If I am confident that I'm in good hands, my curiosity is only sharpened by the fact that the plot is recognizable.
Like a new pair of the same shoes, an old trope can be fresh and familiar at the same time. What's going on in the creepy old house? What happened here in the past, and how will it manifest in the present? These are questions that will always captivate me, and if the writing is good, I will always want to find how this author answers these questions for this new character. With Wildwood I was draw in and kept engaged, staying up late to find out what happened, and freaking myself out with noises in my own old house. It worked.
But there's another reason this story succeeds. The setting is present day. Post-pandemic. Mid-Trump. The character's strain and frustration over her financial situation, her worries for her pregnancy, and her general fatigue and overwhelm -- they are so current, so believable. This is a woman who feels what we're feeling right now, and can go through the story, with its stressors and conflicts, with a level of resolve that's relatable, and a certain amount of IDGAF that's relatable too. When she turns to solving her problems, and fights back against the fear and defeat, I believed her and I wanted to root for her. She felt like a real woman in 2026, and that woman's story is one I want to read.
The old stories need new faces, and this one has the face of a non-white, mad-as-hell millennial. I'm glad for Ashley Woo, who is writing from exactly this dark moment in time. Wildwood has the shape of a classic horror tale, animated by a heartbeat of our contemporary world.
Elinor has money problems, just suffered a career disaster, and also she's pregnant. But wait -- she's just inherited a stately mansion with a two hundred acre estate in Vermont! Sounds like the answer to all her worries, but according to her dead uncle's terms, she's got to inhabit the place for at least a year, before she can take possession. The estate is called Wildwood, a place that Elinor visited in summers as a child, and after some mild debate over feasibility, she and her husband decide to move in.
Does this set-up sound familiar? It did to me too. This house is haunted, but if you stay in it for the night, and survive 'til morning, it's yours! The "spend a night" dare is so familiar that when the conversation with the uncle's lawyer was unfolding, I felt like I had maybe already read this book.
And yet, that familiarity didn't bother me in the slightest. Woo is a very capable writer, and she tells her story well. So I went plunging ahead anyway, gleefully anticipating the horrors that would befall her in the year, and wondering how she would try to survive and take her inheritance. If I am confident that I'm in good hands, my curiosity is only sharpened by the fact that the plot is recognizable.
Like a new pair of the same shoes, an old trope can be fresh and familiar at the same time. What's going on in the creepy old house? What happened here in the past, and how will it manifest in the present? These are questions that will always captivate me, and if the writing is good, I will always want to find how this author answers these questions for this new character. With Wildwood I was draw in and kept engaged, staying up late to find out what happened, and freaking myself out with noises in my own old house. It worked.
But there's another reason this story succeeds. The setting is present day. Post-pandemic. Mid-Trump. The character's strain and frustration over her financial situation, her worries for her pregnancy, and her general fatigue and overwhelm -- they are so current, so believable. This is a woman who feels what we're feeling right now, and can go through the story, with its stressors and conflicts, with a level of resolve that's relatable, and a certain amount of IDGAF that's relatable too. When she turns to solving her problems, and fights back against the fear and defeat, I believed her and I wanted to root for her. She felt like a real woman in 2026, and that woman's story is one I want to read.
The old stories need new faces, and this one has the face of a non-white, mad-as-hell millennial. I'm glad for Ashley Woo, who is writing from exactly this dark moment in time. Wildwood has the shape of a classic horror tale, animated by a heartbeat of our contemporary world.
September 13, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ RTC Monday!
*Update*
I really enjoyed this debut! I also would not call this a horror book, yes it has some horror elements in it but I don’t think people who don’t typically read horror should be scared off by this book (both literally and figuratively). This read more like a psychological mystery with elements of historical fiction and paranormal. Let me also be clear this is NOT scary. It has an amazingly eerie and atmospheric setting in a gothic house in the contemporary world. This is about Elinor, newly pregnant and recently let go from her job, she’s at a crossroads in life when she gets news her great uncle left his estate, a large manor house in rural Vermont to her. Elinor and her husband take the chance and move into the house, where she becomes consumed with finding out the history of the land, the secrets the neighbors and her family may have been keeping about the past.
This is not your typical haunted house book, try as it may to come off as one. This one has some pretty cool tie-ins with witches and the Salem Witch trials of the past. I admit the story gets a little too convoluted towards the end and the reason I didn’t rate this higher is because the ending lost me a bit. I just can’t stress enough that I don’t think this is a horror book. There are more general fiction themes as it relates to domestic drama, generational trauma, small town communities who revere the rich and wealthy elite of their town that definitely overshadow the minor horror elements. Overall, I think it is a stellar debut that could appeal to the masses since it is a slow burn mystery with an excellent gothic yet contemporary setting. The audiobook is also the way to go, I loved the narration by Natalie Naudus. She kept the slower parts of this book moving and interesting. I will definitely read whatever is next from Ashley Woo.
This was my 92nd book of 2026
Format: Libby Audio
*Update*
I really enjoyed this debut! I also would not call this a horror book, yes it has some horror elements in it but I don’t think people who don’t typically read horror should be scared off by this book (both literally and figuratively). This read more like a psychological mystery with elements of historical fiction and paranormal. Let me also be clear this is NOT scary. It has an amazingly eerie and atmospheric setting in a gothic house in the contemporary world. This is about Elinor, newly pregnant and recently let go from her job, she’s at a crossroads in life when she gets news her great uncle left his estate, a large manor house in rural Vermont to her. Elinor and her husband take the chance and move into the house, where she becomes consumed with finding out the history of the land, the secrets the neighbors and her family may have been keeping about the past.
This is not your typical haunted house book, try as it may to come off as one. This one has some pretty cool tie-ins with witches and the Salem Witch trials of the past. I admit the story gets a little too convoluted towards the end and the reason I didn’t rate this higher is because the ending lost me a bit. I just can’t stress enough that I don’t think this is a horror book. There are more general fiction themes as it relates to domestic drama, generational trauma, small town communities who revere the rich and wealthy elite of their town that definitely overshadow the minor horror elements. Overall, I think it is a stellar debut that could appeal to the masses since it is a slow burn mystery with an excellent gothic yet contemporary setting. The audiobook is also the way to go, I loved the narration by Natalie Naudus. She kept the slower parts of this book moving and interesting. I will definitely read whatever is next from Ashley Woo.
This was my 92nd book of 2026
Format: Libby Audio
September 14, 2026
I am a sucker for books set in New England, especially if there are witches involved! Give me a mansion with acres of woods in Vermont? Yeah I’m in. Wildwood is a generations owned estate with a horrifying history. Elinor has inherited the estate, and has to live there for a year before she can sell it. A lot can happen in a year…
All the New England Gothic vibes in this book! A lot of focus is on the woods surrounding the property. They are perfectly creepy, and Elinor can’t seem to stay out of them. Haunting dreams and ghostly apparitions whisper the secrets of the past to her as she explores her new home. The pace of the story and discovery worked really well for ambiance. I was consumed with the gathering of historical elements with Elinor. When we get to the final few chapters the pace picks right up as the thrill spikes. Answers are needed and Elinor isn’t giving up.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it had the perfect amount of historical occurrences to make it almost nonfiction, but the obvious connection to VT was fake. It’s pretty damn believable though. So much of that time is not documented, so who knows if there are hidden graves of more persecuted women?
All the New England Gothic vibes in this book! A lot of focus is on the woods surrounding the property. They are perfectly creepy, and Elinor can’t seem to stay out of them. Haunting dreams and ghostly apparitions whisper the secrets of the past to her as she explores her new home. The pace of the story and discovery worked really well for ambiance. I was consumed with the gathering of historical elements with Elinor. When we get to the final few chapters the pace picks right up as the thrill spikes. Answers are needed and Elinor isn’t giving up.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it had the perfect amount of historical occurrences to make it almost nonfiction, but the obvious connection to VT was fake. It’s pretty damn believable though. So much of that time is not documented, so who knows if there are hidden graves of more persecuted women?
Review of advance copy received from Author
The book has all the makings of a bestseller - an engaging plot, well-placed Easter eggs, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. What sets it apart, though, is that it doesn't feel like a guilty throwaway read. There are strong themes running throughout, and Woo's writing style is well-crafted and descriptive. With the richly drawn New England setting and moody Vermont woods, it feels as much like a work of literary fiction as it does a mystery/thriller.
September 11, 2026
Elinor thinks it’s a lucky break when she inherits a huge estate in rural Vermont from her estranged great uncle Ezra soon after losing her job. The only catch is that her and her husband must live in the home for one year before selling it, which means leaving behind their lives in Boston. But with fond childhood memories of the place, Elinor and her husband move into Wildwood and begin to settle in, only for Elinor to begin experiencing intense nightmares and paranoia. Soon, she discovers something that could change everything she believes about the town and her family’s legacy. But no one’s eager to talk about it, and soon Elinor’s questioning why that is and whether she’s imagining it or truly onto something.
Oh man, I absolutely ate this book up. The mystery was amazing and full of suspense! The plot-line was so creepy and I was trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. And when it all came together I was blown away at the great way the author was able to weave all the details into an awesome story that blew me away. Everything made sense and just created this great spooky story.
Perfect for a fall/winter read!
I also liked how the author used themes of family legacy, trauma, and complexity in the book. It really added a great layer to the book that elevated the storyline from a flat thriller to a more multidimensional story.
I wasn’t super thrilled with the very end (the epilogue, not the “solution” part or anything, which, as I said was fantastic!), which is the only reason it didn’t get 5 stars. It wasn’t enough to ruin the book for me or anything, I just wasn’t hyped up about it. But others may feel differently.
Anyway, go get this book right now. It’s the perfect spooky season story, and fans of mystery/thrillers will absolutely enjoy!
Oh man, I absolutely ate this book up. The mystery was amazing and full of suspense! The plot-line was so creepy and I was trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. And when it all came together I was blown away at the great way the author was able to weave all the details into an awesome story that blew me away. Everything made sense and just created this great spooky story.
Perfect for a fall/winter read!
I also liked how the author used themes of family legacy, trauma, and complexity in the book. It really added a great layer to the book that elevated the storyline from a flat thriller to a more multidimensional story.
I wasn’t super thrilled with the very end (the epilogue, not the “solution” part or anything, which, as I said was fantastic!), which is the only reason it didn’t get 5 stars. It wasn’t enough to ruin the book for me or anything, I just wasn’t hyped up about it. But others may feel differently.
Anyway, go get this book right now. It’s the perfect spooky season story, and fans of mystery/thrillers will absolutely enjoy!
October 10, 2026
Thank you Partner @bibliolifestyle & @harperperennial for the #gifted 𝑾𝑰𝑳𝑫𝑾𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝑾𝒐𝒐, and to Partner @librofm and #HarperAudio for the accompanying audio!
Haven't we all dreamed of having a distant relative leave us a mansion in Vermont?! Well, maybe not exactly all that, but some form of it, surely?!
Elinor has received mention of such an inheritance, but the estranged uncle of whom she was bequeathed such a gift, has left no clues as to why, but to keep it all, she must live in the house for 1 year. Her husband takes some cajoling, but eventually they move out to begin their bucolic new life just as she is growing her new pregnancy.
It doesn't take long for the strange happenings to make Elinor question her decision, but it also seems no one else is bothered by the creepy mural, the odd neighbors, or dreams that feel like more than dreams. In her quedlst for answers, Elinor begins to listen to the whispers and uncovers a history of this land that very much threatens their present.
This was a perfect moody read that captured all the atmospheric tones I was hoping for in a gothic tale. I loved listening to Natalie Naudus infuse the growing unease of Elinor in the shakiness of her resolve. A fantastic pairing!
I would absolutely recommend this one for a perfectly unsettling read, just as much as I would advise anyone named Elinor to stay away from large, gothic homes, or to pass on stately-looking inheritances with catches!
Haven't we all dreamed of having a distant relative leave us a mansion in Vermont?! Well, maybe not exactly all that, but some form of it, surely?!
Elinor has received mention of such an inheritance, but the estranged uncle of whom she was bequeathed such a gift, has left no clues as to why, but to keep it all, she must live in the house for 1 year. Her husband takes some cajoling, but eventually they move out to begin their bucolic new life just as she is growing her new pregnancy.
It doesn't take long for the strange happenings to make Elinor question her decision, but it also seems no one else is bothered by the creepy mural, the odd neighbors, or dreams that feel like more than dreams. In her quedlst for answers, Elinor begins to listen to the whispers and uncovers a history of this land that very much threatens their present.
This was a perfect moody read that captured all the atmospheric tones I was hoping for in a gothic tale. I loved listening to Natalie Naudus infuse the growing unease of Elinor in the shakiness of her resolve. A fantastic pairing!
I would absolutely recommend this one for a perfectly unsettling read, just as much as I would advise anyone named Elinor to stay away from large, gothic homes, or to pass on stately-looking inheritances with catches!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the free advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have to say, Ashley’s writing is lovely. She writes in such an easy, engaging way that the book is very easy to get into.
That said, I struggled with the first half of the book. The pacing felt a little off at times, and I wasn’t always sure where the story was going. Whether that was intentional to keep the mystery going, I’m not sure, but it did make the first half feel a little slow for me.
Then the second half felt like a completely different book — and I mean that in a very good way. The pacing picked up, the story really started to come together, and I found myself much more invested in what was happening.
Ultimately, the second half completely changed my opinion of the book and brought it up to a 4-star read for me.
A really enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Ashley Woo writes next.
I have to say, Ashley’s writing is lovely. She writes in such an easy, engaging way that the book is very easy to get into.
That said, I struggled with the first half of the book. The pacing felt a little off at times, and I wasn’t always sure where the story was going. Whether that was intentional to keep the mystery going, I’m not sure, but it did make the first half feel a little slow for me.
Then the second half felt like a completely different book — and I mean that in a very good way. The pacing picked up, the story really started to come together, and I found myself much more invested in what was happening.
Ultimately, the second half completely changed my opinion of the book and brought it up to a 4-star read for me.
A really enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Ashley Woo writes next.
September 3, 2026
I received a free advanced copy of Wildwood through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a well-written, genuinely creepy read with some moments that really got under my skin. That said, I found myself confused about what was actually happening for much of the book, and I think it went on a little longer than necessary.
One thing that stood out to me was the relationship between the main couple. Early on, they seemed to have really good communication and were genuinely supportive of each other, so I found it a little confusing how quickly that dynamic seemed to change after they moved.
Also, I have to ask… why is this woman ALWAYS barefoot?! Especially when she keeps stubbing her toe. 😂
Despite some of my confusion, I really enjoyed the climax and ending. The payoff made the slower, more confusing parts feel worthwhile, and I think the ending will stick with me.
This was a well-written, genuinely creepy read with some moments that really got under my skin. That said, I found myself confused about what was actually happening for much of the book, and I think it went on a little longer than necessary.
One thing that stood out to me was the relationship between the main couple. Early on, they seemed to have really good communication and were genuinely supportive of each other, so I found it a little confusing how quickly that dynamic seemed to change after they moved.
Also, I have to ask… why is this woman ALWAYS barefoot?! Especially when she keeps stubbing her toe. 😂
Despite some of my confusion, I really enjoyed the climax and ending. The payoff made the slower, more confusing parts feel worthwhile, and I think the ending will stick with me.
September 9, 2026
#harperperennialpartner
Haunted house, or is it all in her mind?
I’ve always been interested in the history of the Salem Witches, which is what initially drew me to Ashley Woo’s Wildwood. That, and the creepy haunted house the story centers on.
I enjoyed the creepy, slow buildup as Elinor and her husband, Topher, move into the estate she inherits from her family. The estate is run-down and decaying. As you read, you realize it has a unique vibe. The whole story is built on psychological/mind play rather than slasher-type horror. This is what I love to read. The author does a great job building that atmosphere. Elinor is trying to figure out what is real and what isn’t—well, so am I. I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Harperperrenal and Author Ashley Woo for the #gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Haunted house, or is it all in her mind?
I’ve always been interested in the history of the Salem Witches, which is what initially drew me to Ashley Woo’s Wildwood. That, and the creepy haunted house the story centers on.
I enjoyed the creepy, slow buildup as Elinor and her husband, Topher, move into the estate she inherits from her family. The estate is run-down and decaying. As you read, you realize it has a unique vibe. The whole story is built on psychological/mind play rather than slasher-type horror. This is what I love to read. The author does a great job building that atmosphere. Elinor is trying to figure out what is real and what isn’t—well, so am I. I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Harperperrenal and Author Ashley Woo for the #gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2026
A great debut novel! I love spooky season and eerie vibes. This book had so many good elements and I loved the historic connections. Witches and a haunted house setting wrapped in a mystery, what more could a girl wish for?
That being said, this was very slow at times. Luckily I listened to this as an audio book, so it didn't feel too slow to disrupt the plot and the narrator did a good job. I don't think the pregnancy added anything to the story, it mainly made me think why would a pregnant woman go run around without shoes in the forest.
All in all a good read. I'll be waiting to see what the author writes next.
That being said, this was very slow at times. Luckily I listened to this as an audio book, so it didn't feel too slow to disrupt the plot and the narrator did a good job. I don't think the pregnancy added anything to the story, it mainly made me think why would a pregnant woman go run around without shoes in the forest.
All in all a good read. I'll be waiting to see what the author writes next.
September 13, 2026
ARC copy from GR giveaway✨
Historical fiction meets paranormal— You’ll love this book if you liked The Haunting of Hill House or Bly Manor! The concept of the living mural is absolutely amazing. You don’t know the full story until the last page.. and the story has a great pace with short chapters, which I loved! I want to know what happened to Elijah!!! IYKYK!! The Brooks maybe?? ;) :p
I REALLLLYYY disliked the tiktok and Kim Kardashian mention🤮 But I can’t leave 4.9 stars!!
Historical fiction meets paranormal— You’ll love this book if you liked The Haunting of Hill House or Bly Manor! The concept of the living mural is absolutely amazing. You don’t know the full story until the last page.. and the story has a great pace with short chapters, which I loved! I want to know what happened to Elijah!!! IYKYK!! The Brooks maybe?? ;) :p
I REALLLLYYY disliked the tiktok and Kim Kardashian mention🤮 But I can’t leave 4.9 stars!!
September 14, 2026
A suspenseful, gothic mystery with an atmospheric setting, characters with questionable motives and actions, and a plot where dark secrets were slowly revealed. Elinor, newly pregnant and unemployed, convinced her husband to move to the remote estate she inherited. The land, the neighbors, and the house itself lent to the eeriness of their new beginnings, while her determination to discover the history behind the house brought unforeseen consequences. A haunting read, a solid debut, and perfect for this time of year.
Thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy.
September 24, 2026
Wildwood is one of the best gothic thrillers I’ve read in quite some time—I simply couldn’t put it down. The author’s use of descriptive language is masterful, with careful attention to subtle, nuanced details and vivid imagery that drew me deeply into the story and placed me alongside the characters.
Suspenseful and thoroughly engaging, Wildwood strikes a compelling balance between the historical, the supernatural, and the complexities of the human condition.
Suspenseful and thoroughly engaging, Wildwood strikes a compelling balance between the historical, the supernatural, and the complexities of the human condition.
October 3, 2026
Good thing I picked this up on the rare day I had no plans, because I read it in one sitting! Without creating spoilers, I will say that the author does a masterful job at juxtaposing the horror of the supernatural with the horror of greedy people. There were a few places where too much of the dread of the narrator was based on snapping twigs, a la the stupidity that was the Blair Witch Project - or so says this reader raised in the Michigan woods! But overall the psychological elements are vivid and propulsive. Highly recommend for a rainy fall night.
September 18, 2026
This was not what I was expecting at all. This was such an interesting read and I loved the different witchy aspects. Soooo much happened in the last 100 pages and was an ending I've never seen before. A creepy but great read.
September 30, 2026
I saw this book in a bookstore in Stowe VT and picked it up because it was set in VT and felt like the perfect fall read. It was perfect!
October 9, 2026
Read this if you like:
•creepy houses
•family secrets
•atmospheric books
The audio was sooo good! It’s the perfect book for spooky season
•creepy houses
•family secrets
•atmospheric books
The audio was sooo good! It’s the perfect book for spooky season
September 13, 2026
🎧 Wildwood is a wonderfully haunting debut full of mystery and tension. It was a very enjoyable and gripping read that hooked me immediately. I really enjoyed her writing style as well. The pacing was fine, except for the middle of the book, when it seemed to really slow down and everything felt very repetitive, but it did pick back up towards the end. I also loved the cover and the title, which were my main reasons for picking it up besides the narrator. Natalie Naudus is probably my favorite female narrator, and she did not disappoint! Which is no surprise because she always knocks it out of the park! Any time I see her name, I know I'm getting a top-tier narration. She definitely brought the story to life and did a fabulous job all around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews