What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath Blackwood
After her mother's death, seventeen-year-old Willow Lane is left with questions no one in Blackwood Grove wants answered. The town insists the past should stay buried-but a coded note hidden among her mother's belongings says otherwise.
Each message Willow deciphers leads her deeper into the town's carefully maintained traditions, where faith and power are intertwined and silence is rewarded. As she begins to see Blackwood for what it truly is, the people around her grow watchful-and dangerous.
Uncovering the truth could cost Willow everything. But staying silent may cost her even more.
Each message Willow deciphers leads her deeper into the town's carefully maintained traditions, where faith and power are intertwined and silence is rewarded. As she begins to see Blackwood for what it truly is, the people around her grow watchful-and dangerous.
Uncovering the truth could cost Willow everything. But staying silent may cost her even more.
Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 26, 2026
Enjoyed this journey with Willow, as she tried to figure out what secrets were laying beneath the surface in Blackwood Grove! And when she continued to dig, the secrets just kept unraveling.. Going through her moms things, she realizes that her mom left behind “clues” to point her in the right direction! She soon finds herself and her loved ones in danger as this mysterious story unfolded! And the cliffhanger, wow! Can’t wait for book 2!! Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours & Courtney N. Johnson for a gifted copy!
October 22, 2026
⭐️3.75
🎶 Now playing: Eyes Open by Taylor Swift (from the Hunger Games) 🎶
"𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎'𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎'𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔"
♡{Thoughts}♡
Sooo I got this book for free on Kindle. I was really excited cause I've been wanting to read a mystery/thriller type book, but I don't want to be haunted forever, you know? When it comes to thrillers or crime books, I can only take a LITTLE bit lol. Anyway so this book was good! I don't really have any other mysteries to compare it to, but I enjoyed it and will most likely read book 2. The format was..... interesting- it had like a million different paragraphs and spaces in between so it was a little confusing, but maybe that was just the Kindle version. Ngl I was totally should have figured out the Chase and Dryden thing earlier........... I just didn't know which one was the bad guy! Silly me lol.
"𝒲𝑒'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝒸𝓇𝓊𝑒𝓁 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅𝓈 𝓈𝒸𝑜𝓇𝑒"
♡{Ratings and content}♡
Spice/romance · 1/5 · There's a small love triangle (sort of?); a few different kisses in little detail
Language · 0/5
Violence · 2/5 · Most of the violence is told/ alluded to, not shown if that makes sense. A few mentions of blood; someone is knocked unconscious with a piece of wood. People are killed and there's a skull in a river; someone sees a recently dead body.
Religion · Characters go to church; bible verses are twisted intentionally by the "bad guys"; sermons are more like warnings.
"𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅𝓈 𝒶𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓃 𝑔𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹"
♡{Final thoughts}♡
Age · 15+
Cover · 4/5
Plot · 3/5
Tropes · Small town mystery, suspense, coded messages
In a series? · Yes, the first book in the Blackwood series
"𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝒹 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝓇"
Thanks for reading! I hoped this helped you :) Please respect my opinions even if yours are different. ♡Lily
"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝑔𝑜𝓉𝓉𝒶 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓃"
🎶 Now playing: Eyes Open by Taylor Swift (from the Hunger Games) 🎶
"𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎'𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎'𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔"
♡{Thoughts}♡
Sooo I got this book for free on Kindle. I was really excited cause I've been wanting to read a mystery/thriller type book, but I don't want to be haunted forever, you know? When it comes to thrillers or crime books, I can only take a LITTLE bit lol. Anyway so this book was good! I don't really have any other mysteries to compare it to, but I enjoyed it and will most likely read book 2. The format was..... interesting- it had like a million different paragraphs and spaces in between so it was a little confusing, but maybe that was just the Kindle version. Ngl I was totally should have figured out the Chase and Dryden thing earlier........... I just didn't know which one was the bad guy! Silly me lol.
"𝒲𝑒'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝒸𝓇𝓊𝑒𝓁 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅𝓈 𝓈𝒸𝑜𝓇𝑒"
♡{Ratings and content}♡
Spice/romance · 1/5 · There's a small love triangle (sort of?); a few different kisses in little detail
Language · 0/5
Violence · 2/5 · Most of the violence is told/ alluded to, not shown if that makes sense. A few mentions of blood; someone is knocked unconscious with a piece of wood. People are killed and there's a skull in a river; someone sees a recently dead body.
Religion · Characters go to church; bible verses are twisted intentionally by the "bad guys"; sermons are more like warnings.
"𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅𝓈 𝒶𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓃 𝑔𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹"
♡{Final thoughts}♡
Age · 15+
Cover · 4/5
Plot · 3/5
Tropes · Small town mystery, suspense, coded messages
In a series? · Yes, the first book in the Blackwood series
"𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝒹 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝓇"
Thanks for reading! I hoped this helped you :) Please respect my opinions even if yours are different. ♡Lily
"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝑔𝑜𝓉𝓉𝒶 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓃"
June 28, 2026
The last half of this book had me sucked in. No language, no spice, no descriptive violence. Just good old fashioned mystery in a small town with secrets to hide. I found myself wondering who we could trust and genuinely shocked at the plot twists at the end. A fantastic teen mystery read for those looking!
March 28, 2026
When seventeen-year-old Willow Lane discovers a cryptic note from her late mother, it pulls her into a buried mystery the town would rather keep hidden. As she uncovers secrets woven into Blackwood Grove’s past, Willow realizes some histories aren’t just forgotten - they’re deliberately rewritten.
This was such an engaging YA mystery with a strong sense of place and an underlying eeriness that kept me hooked. I really loved Willow, and her determination to uncover the truth felt so authentic. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Her best friend, Taylin was such a bright spot in the story, bringing warmth and humor that balanced out the darker elements really well.
The apple festival setting added such a fun, almost cozy contrast to the tension building beneath the surface, and I loved how the mystery slowly unraveled with each new clue. While the pacing dragged a bit at times and made the book feel slightly longer than it needed to be, the story itself was compelling and kept me invested. And that cliffhanger ending?! I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was such an engaging YA mystery with a strong sense of place and an underlying eeriness that kept me hooked. I really loved Willow, and her determination to uncover the truth felt so authentic. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Her best friend, Taylin was such a bright spot in the story, bringing warmth and humor that balanced out the darker elements really well.
The apple festival setting added such a fun, almost cozy contrast to the tension building beneath the surface, and I loved how the mystery slowly unraveled with each new clue. While the pacing dragged a bit at times and made the book feel slightly longer than it needed to be, the story itself was compelling and kept me invested. And that cliffhanger ending?! I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2026
Thank you to Booked With the Emilys and the author for this free digital read in exchange for my honest review of Beneath Blackwood.
Join Willow in this absolute page turning thriller as she digs up the dark secrets buried beneath Blackwood Grove..
Will you figure out what's going on before the final chapter? You'll just have to grab a copy to find out! The author did an incredible job building the suspense and I loved every character, especially Willow herself. With twists that keep you guessing until the very last page and that ending I'm already looking forward to book two. Between the small town setting and everything else this was definitely a total hit for me. I highly enjoyed this one and would highly recommended this book to young adult readers or to any reader that likes thrillers.
Join Willow in this absolute page turning thriller as she digs up the dark secrets buried beneath Blackwood Grove..
Will you figure out what's going on before the final chapter? You'll just have to grab a copy to find out! The author did an incredible job building the suspense and I loved every character, especially Willow herself. With twists that keep you guessing until the very last page and that ending I'm already looking forward to book two. Between the small town setting and everything else this was definitely a total hit for me. I highly enjoyed this one and would highly recommended this book to young adult readers or to any reader that likes thrillers.
February 21, 2026
I just finished Beneath Blackwood and WOW did it keep me utterly captivated from page one. I sat down to read just a few chapters and just kept reading until I was done. This mystery/thriller is creepy and atmospheric with wonderful twists and turns. That cliffhanger at the end had me 🤯. I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic new thriller series. Courtney Johnson is definitely one to watch. A great new author to the YA thriller scene!
You will love this if you like:
🍏Creepy small towns with dark secrets
🍎Suspenseful Cliffhangers
🍏YA Thrillers
🍎Murder Mysteries
🍏Secret messages with hidden meanings
You will love this if you like:
🍏Creepy small towns with dark secrets
🍎Suspenseful Cliffhangers
🍏YA Thrillers
🍎Murder Mysteries
🍏Secret messages with hidden meanings
March 6, 2026
A compelling story full of twists. The author has a great ability to bring a story to life that makes you want to continue reading to discover its secrets. However, my main problem with the text (and I hope this is just due to having an uncorrected proof) is that the formatting pulled me out of it too many times. Particularly when it comes to dialogue. One character is talking and the dialogue continues on the next line where the second characters line should be. I had to go back many times to ensure I was understanding who was saying what and it soured the experience for me. Additionally, many chapters are short. And not in a way I always enjoyed. Scenes felt rushed at times I would have anticipated having more time to experience. Other than that it's a good read. The tone fits its genre. 3.5 ⭐️ overall
February 24, 2026
“What we bury will feed the roots…”
So here I am… dressed in black and red for blood, holding the evidence, and wondering… am I attending the funeral of the truth… or the birth of something darker?🔪✨
Because listen… not everything in Blackwood Grove is what it seems.
And honestly? Neither is this story.
After her mother’s death, Willow Lane refuses to accept the silence everyone else calls “peace.”
One hidden note turns into a trail of secrets, traditions, and people who watch a little too closely when you start asking the wrong questions. The deeper she digs, the more it feels like the town itself is bleeding secrets and yes… things definitely get a little bloody along the way 🩸👀
This book gave me: 🌲 eerie small town mystery vibes 🧩 coded messages & hidden truths 🕯️ creepy traditions that made me side eye EVERYONE ❤️🔥 a hint of romance wrapped in suspense ⚰️ a cliffhanger that left me staring at the wall like… excuse me?
Willow is fierce, curious, and refuses to stay quiet.
And the tension? Whew. Every chapter felt like peeling back another layer of something rotten hiding beneath perfect smiles.
Let’s just say… wearing red felt appropriate because by the end I was ready for chaos, truth, and maybe a little symbolic bloodshed🍏
If you love: 🔎 YA mystery thrillers 🌲 dark small town secrets 🖤 twisty plots that keep you guessing 🩸 endings that leave you SHOOK
…then Beneath Blackwood deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
Now excuse me while I sit here waiting for book two because that ending?? So freaking RUDE. 😭
Because listen… not everything in Blackwood Grove is what it seems.
And honestly? Neither is this story.
After her mother’s death, Willow Lane refuses to accept the silence everyone else calls “peace.”
One hidden note turns into a trail of secrets, traditions, and people who watch a little too closely when you start asking the wrong questions. The deeper she digs, the more it feels like the town itself is bleeding secrets and yes… things definitely get a little bloody along the way 🩸👀
This book gave me: 🌲 eerie small town mystery vibes 🧩 coded messages & hidden truths 🕯️ creepy traditions that made me side eye EVERYONE ❤️🔥 a hint of romance wrapped in suspense ⚰️ a cliffhanger that left me staring at the wall like… excuse me?
Willow is fierce, curious, and refuses to stay quiet.
And the tension? Whew. Every chapter felt like peeling back another layer of something rotten hiding beneath perfect smiles.
Let’s just say… wearing red felt appropriate because by the end I was ready for chaos, truth, and maybe a little symbolic bloodshed🍏
If you love: 🔎 YA mystery thrillers 🌲 dark small town secrets 🖤 twisty plots that keep you guessing 🩸 endings that leave you SHOOK
…then Beneath Blackwood deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
Now excuse me while I sit here waiting for book two because that ending?? So freaking RUDE. 😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath Blackwood is the debut novel by Courtney N. Johnson. This teen suspense thriller had me absolutely captivated in the story - and then to learn that this is Book 1 in the series? Yassss!!!!!
The writing was wonderfully descriptive, allowing me to get to know the characters and start to form unspoken alliances with some, and cast suspicion on others.
The main character Willow, is one tough teen. Despite her recent past being full of tragedy and sadness, you don't feel sorry for her, not one bit. You want to ride into battle with her and be her bestie. You'll feel her frustrations, blush when she crushes, and clench your fists when she's been hard done by!
With budding romance, small town secrets, clever detective work, teen angst and all the emotions, this novel delivers a twisty storyline and then..... the cliff hanger! Just when you think that everything is going to be wrapped up with a pretty bow, the story takes a turn!
Overall, it was an entertaining book, and the writer's style and tone is perfect for YA readers transitioning to more adult novels, or adults readers who enjoy smut free stories.
The writing was wonderfully descriptive, allowing me to get to know the characters and start to form unspoken alliances with some, and cast suspicion on others.
The main character Willow, is one tough teen. Despite her recent past being full of tragedy and sadness, you don't feel sorry for her, not one bit. You want to ride into battle with her and be her bestie. You'll feel her frustrations, blush when she crushes, and clench your fists when she's been hard done by!
With budding romance, small town secrets, clever detective work, teen angst and all the emotions, this novel delivers a twisty storyline and then..... the cliff hanger! Just when you think that everything is going to be wrapped up with a pretty bow, the story takes a turn!
Overall, it was an entertaining book, and the writer's style and tone is perfect for YA readers transitioning to more adult novels, or adults readers who enjoy smut free stories.
October 6, 2026
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author @courtneynjohnsonwrites and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book.
If you’re looking for a creepy, atmospheric YA thriller for spooky season, add this one to your TBR! 🌲🖤
Blackwood Grove is the kind of small town where everything looks perfectly normal on the surface… but the deeper Willow digs, the more secrets she uncovers. After discovering a coded note hidden among her late mother’s belongings, Willow finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her family and her town.
I loved the small-town secrets, generational lies, coded notes and cipher clues! There’s a slow-burn mystery surrounding a pattern of deaths that just doesn’t sit right, and I was constantly wondering who could actually be trusted. The town itself felt like a character—creepy, secretive, and SO atmospheric!
Willow is exactly the kind of character I love in a mystery: a girl who refuses to stop asking the questions everyone else wants buried. Add in morally gray and unreliable characters, corruption hiding beneath tradition, and a best-friend sidekick with the perfect energy, and you have a really fun YA thriller!
And fair warning… there is a BIG cliffhanger! The story leaves some major questions unanswered and definitely feels like it’s setting the stage for another book. So if you need every mystery wrapped up neatly by the final page, prepare yourself! I’m definitely curious to see where the story could go next.
For my fellow YA readers: this is a great option if you’re looking for something spooky with appropriate language and no spice.
Thank you to the author @courtneynjohnsonwrites and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book.
If you’re looking for a creepy, atmospheric YA thriller for spooky season, add this one to your TBR! 🌲🖤
Blackwood Grove is the kind of small town where everything looks perfectly normal on the surface… but the deeper Willow digs, the more secrets she uncovers. After discovering a coded note hidden among her late mother’s belongings, Willow finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her family and her town.
I loved the small-town secrets, generational lies, coded notes and cipher clues! There’s a slow-burn mystery surrounding a pattern of deaths that just doesn’t sit right, and I was constantly wondering who could actually be trusted. The town itself felt like a character—creepy, secretive, and SO atmospheric!
Willow is exactly the kind of character I love in a mystery: a girl who refuses to stop asking the questions everyone else wants buried. Add in morally gray and unreliable characters, corruption hiding beneath tradition, and a best-friend sidekick with the perfect energy, and you have a really fun YA thriller!
And fair warning… there is a BIG cliffhanger! The story leaves some major questions unanswered and definitely feels like it’s setting the stage for another book. So if you need every mystery wrapped up neatly by the final page, prepare yourself! I’m definitely curious to see where the story could go next.
For my fellow YA readers: this is a great option if you’re looking for something spooky with appropriate language and no spice.
October 16, 2026
Thank you to Booked with The Emilys and the author, Courtney Johnson, for the digital copy of the book “Beneath Blackwood.” (Which by the way is free on Amazon today and tomorrow! 10/16-10/17)
In "Beneath Blackwood", seventeen-year-old Willow discovers a coded note from her late mother, uncovering dark secrets about her town's history and the truth behind her mother's death. Read of you enjoy small towns with dark secrets, amateur sleuths, coded messages/clues, paranoia, grief as a catalyst, slowburn romance, and a cliffhanger ending. ( I’m not so patiently awaiting book 2!)
This was such an atmospheric read with enjoyable twists and fast pacing to keep me engaged. I was also guessing what was going to happen and completely rooting for Willow. Our FMC is a force to be reckoned with. The fact that she doesn’t let grief consumer her as just as a seventeen year old girl was one of my favorite parts about her.
The dark setting feels almost like its own character. I loved the intensity Johnson delivers despite this thriller being a YA. That ending! I’d recommend this to anyone that’s a fan of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
In "Beneath Blackwood", seventeen-year-old Willow discovers a coded note from her late mother, uncovering dark secrets about her town's history and the truth behind her mother's death. Read of you enjoy small towns with dark secrets, amateur sleuths, coded messages/clues, paranoia, grief as a catalyst, slowburn romance, and a cliffhanger ending. ( I’m not so patiently awaiting book 2!)
This was such an atmospheric read with enjoyable twists and fast pacing to keep me engaged. I was also guessing what was going to happen and completely rooting for Willow. Our FMC is a force to be reckoned with. The fact that she doesn’t let grief consumer her as just as a seventeen year old girl was one of my favorite parts about her.
The dark setting feels almost like its own character. I loved the intensity Johnson delivers despite this thriller being a YA. That ending! I’d recommend this to anyone that’s a fan of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
March 4, 2026
This book was addicting. I’ve been in such a dark romance mood lately so this was a nice change - I honestly love a good YA book - I’m never too old in my opinion 😂
I binged this book - at every turn, there was another secret I felt like. Going through her mom’s things, Willow finds little breadcrumbs to uncover what’s buried. The danger and mystery that follows as she gets closer - your heart will be racing and you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
I will warn you, there’s a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wowed, if not a little annoyed book 2 isn’t waiting in your hand 😂. If you get down with creepy, small towns/secrets/hidden truths/secret messages/murder mystery vibes, pick this one up! You might even get a little blood on your hands trying to figure everything out (not really). Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Courtney N. Johnson for the early copy! Enjoyed this one! All opinions are my own but I hope you like it!
I binged this book - at every turn, there was another secret I felt like. Going through her mom’s things, Willow finds little breadcrumbs to uncover what’s buried. The danger and mystery that follows as she gets closer - your heart will be racing and you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
I will warn you, there’s a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wowed, if not a little annoyed book 2 isn’t waiting in your hand 😂. If you get down with creepy, small towns/secrets/hidden truths/secret messages/murder mystery vibes, pick this one up! You might even get a little blood on your hands trying to figure everything out (not really). Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Courtney N. Johnson for the early copy! Enjoyed this one! All opinions are my own but I hope you like it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath Blackwood is such an interesting mystery novel set in a small town, with hidden truth and quiet courage.
Beneath Blackwood was such a good story and was nearly impossible to put down. There are so many twists and turns that keep you hooked. The entire time you're reading, you'll be wondering who is safe to trust and who is not. With relatable characters and a good mystery, Beneath Blackwood catches your attention quickly.
Some of my favorite things were the pacing of the novel, the dynamics between the characters, and how far people are willing to go to keep their secrets buried.
I'd recommend Beneath Blackwood to anyone who loves suspense, cliffhangers, and shocking truths.
This novel has easily become one of my favorite mysteries and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have!
Beneath Blackwood was such a good story and was nearly impossible to put down. There are so many twists and turns that keep you hooked. The entire time you're reading, you'll be wondering who is safe to trust and who is not. With relatable characters and a good mystery, Beneath Blackwood catches your attention quickly.
Some of my favorite things were the pacing of the novel, the dynamics between the characters, and how far people are willing to go to keep their secrets buried.
I'd recommend Beneath Blackwood to anyone who loves suspense, cliffhangers, and shocking truths.
This novel has easily become one of my favorite mysteries and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have!
February 28, 2026
Apples to Rot.
Holy secrets. Willow is grieving and uncovering secrets. The two fall hand in hand. The suspense and suspicion of this town is immediate. There was such a skeptical feel in the air without getting overly detailed in the scene. I truly enjoyed the writing style. The writing is in such a manner that everything moves so quickly. Willow is one determined MC and not willing to let things go. There are so many twisted vines to follow and people who are hiding things. It’s an encapsulating read with an ending dragging you into the next.
I have 4 instead of 5 because I feel like I don’t fully understand what is happening. What exactly or why they’re hiding or paying off certain people. There seem to be still so many questions with what exactly is being hidden. Also, did I miss how her mom died?
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
Holy secrets. Willow is grieving and uncovering secrets. The two fall hand in hand. The suspense and suspicion of this town is immediate. There was such a skeptical feel in the air without getting overly detailed in the scene. I truly enjoyed the writing style. The writing is in such a manner that everything moves so quickly. Willow is one determined MC and not willing to let things go. There are so many twisted vines to follow and people who are hiding things. It’s an encapsulating read with an ending dragging you into the next.
I have 4 instead of 5 because I feel like I don’t fully understand what is happening. What exactly or why they’re hiding or paying off certain people. There seem to be still so many questions with what exactly is being hidden. Also, did I miss how her mom died?
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
October 11, 2026
Thank you to bookedwiththeemilys & courtneynjohnson for my gifted copy !!!
Seventeen-year-old Willow Lane has always called Blackwood Grove home—but lately, everything feels off. The house is colder. The town’s smiles feel rehearsed. While sorting through her late mother’s belongings, Willow discovers a coded note they once shared, pulling her into a mystery Blackwood Grove has long tried to bury.
Fast paced and thrilling ! I really enjoyed how Beneath Blackwood unfolds its chilling mystery of small town corruption dipped in tradition. You’re piecing together the bigger story along with Willow and her friends that feels very reminiscent of Harriet The Spy ,but definitely much darker.
What we get in this book is just the tip of the iceberg, because there so much more unraveling around them in this mystery. It ends on a cliffhanger that has you NEEDING more.
Seventeen-year-old Willow Lane has always called Blackwood Grove home—but lately, everything feels off. The house is colder. The town’s smiles feel rehearsed. While sorting through her late mother’s belongings, Willow discovers a coded note they once shared, pulling her into a mystery Blackwood Grove has long tried to bury.
Fast paced and thrilling ! I really enjoyed how Beneath Blackwood unfolds its chilling mystery of small town corruption dipped in tradition. You’re piecing together the bigger story along with Willow and her friends that feels very reminiscent of Harriet The Spy ,but definitely much darker.
What we get in this book is just the tip of the iceberg, because there so much more unraveling around them in this mystery. It ends on a cliffhanger that has you NEEDING more.
March 6, 2026
👧🏻 review: Small town story is usually fraught with mystery, uncertainty, darkness and fear; thus I really enjoyed this book is apropos of secret-laden, hidden-clues and finally cliffhanger. Personally this intense story about Willow, her mom and family members absolutely stunned me to the end. While reading this book I was thinking of the movie Hocus Focus but in a serious tone that has buried history, small town and some crazy characters. I thought I had seen and figured out the clues and yet the twists!!! Seriously, this is the reason why this book simply had me turning on the pages even reading through the night. Will there be a second book?!? Hmmm. If you love YA thriller, look no further. Finally, I have to say the cover is eye-catching!
September 26, 2026
This was such an easy read. I love the setting and the quick pace of the story line. It had me pulled in from the beginning.
If you love the small town vibes of Gilmore Girls this book gives that feeling. Everyone knows everyone and you can’t breathe without someone noticing.
Then you have the small town mystery- people are leaving, people are dying. And to the average person it looks like accidents. But was it all an accident? Or is this small town not all that it seems?
Willow is set that she needs to figure it out and with the help of her friends she just might.
If you love the small town vibes of Gilmore Girls this book gives that feeling. Everyone knows everyone and you can’t breathe without someone noticing.
Then you have the small town mystery- people are leaving, people are dying. And to the average person it looks like accidents. But was it all an accident? Or is this small town not all that it seems?
Willow is set that she needs to figure it out and with the help of her friends she just might.
October 7, 2026
Thank you to the author (Courtney N. Johnson) and Booked with the Emilys for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Beneath Blackwood is a YA mystery/thriller that is perfect for spooky season! Mysterious things happen in Blackwood Grove, and the main character, Willow, is determined to figure out what happened to her mother. Along with her friends, Willow goes digging for the secrets hidden beneath Blackwood. This book was fun to read and fast paced, which kept me engaged. It also ended on a cliffhanger, so I hope we will get a sequel!
Beneath Blackwood is a YA mystery/thriller that is perfect for spooky season! Mysterious things happen in Blackwood Grove, and the main character, Willow, is determined to figure out what happened to her mother. Along with her friends, Willow goes digging for the secrets hidden beneath Blackwood. This book was fun to read and fast paced, which kept me engaged. It also ended on a cliffhanger, so I hope we will get a sequel!
October 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book & loved the atmosphere. You’re swept into a cozy autumn town, getting ready for an apple festival… but it turns 𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 real quick! 👀
Poor Willow lost her mother under sneaky suspicions and doesn’t know who to trust!
Just when I thought I knew where the story was going it had me wracking my brain! I may have re-read the last two chapters twice! 😅😂 It definitely leaves you on a cliff hanger. So you’ll want to read this one before book 2 releases in December! 🍏
Thank you to bookedwiththeemilys and the author for the gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Poor Willow lost her mother under sneaky suspicions and doesn’t know who to trust!
Just when I thought I knew where the story was going it had me wracking my brain! I may have re-read the last two chapters twice! 😅😂 It definitely leaves you on a cliff hanger. So you’ll want to read this one before book 2 releases in December! 🍏
Thank you to bookedwiththeemilys and the author for the gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
October 14, 2026
I was completely sucked in to the mystery with Willow!!!! I didn’t see the ending coming and it kicked me in the butt!!! I was entrapped in this book!!! Meaning it cost me lots of sleep because I had to find out what happened at the end. Then boom CLIFFHANGER!!!! I am ready for book 2 to see how the story continues on. Small town secrets, hidden cryptic messages and suspense is the words to describe how this book gets you sucked in and won’t let go. Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for the gifted ebook!!!!
October 8, 2026
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted copy.
Took a bit to draw me in but once it did I wasn’t moving. Inhaled this in two sittings. Certainly didn’t expect this to be a series but that ending and the epilogue… I need book two NOW!
Willow is such a strong character. I love that she has a bestie, Taylin, who is always there for her. The semi love triangle with Chase and Dryden left me pulling for one, for sure.
I think I need a snack— apples anyone?
Took a bit to draw me in but once it did I wasn’t moving. Inhaled this in two sittings. Certainly didn’t expect this to be a series but that ending and the epilogue… I need book two NOW!
Willow is such a strong character. I love that she has a bestie, Taylin, who is always there for her. The semi love triangle with Chase and Dryden left me pulling for one, for sure.
I think I need a snack— apples anyone?
October 12, 2026
"Everything looks perfect, but I've learned that in Blackwood Grove, perfection is just a costume."
I don't normally read a lot of YA, but Beneath Blackwood sounded so intriguing that I decided to give it a try.
This book did not go in the direction I was anticipating at all, so it was a bit hard to get into for me. However, a little over the half way mark I got invested in the story and the mystery.
Full of town politics, hierarchy, and secrets mixed with a couple love interests, and fall aesthetic, and you got yourself a book as juicy as an apple!
Beneath Blackwood will have you questioning everything and everyone!
And the twist at the end...well, there is a sequel coming, right? RIGHT?
*Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I don't normally read a lot of YA, but Beneath Blackwood sounded so intriguing that I decided to give it a try.
This book did not go in the direction I was anticipating at all, so it was a bit hard to get into for me. However, a little over the half way mark I got invested in the story and the mystery.
Full of town politics, hierarchy, and secrets mixed with a couple love interests, and fall aesthetic, and you got yourself a book as juicy as an apple!
Beneath Blackwood will have you questioning everything and everyone!
And the twist at the end...well, there is a sequel coming, right? RIGHT?
*Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
November 5, 2026
Beneath Blackwood is a mysterious and compelling novel that had me clamoring for more with every page.
The book follows high school student Willow as she unravels the dangerous secrets of her corrupt small town, and each new twist left me questioning who could be trusted.
I adored the close friendship between the main characters, and the romance added many interesting layers to the plot.
This was an incredible debut novel, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book when it’s released!
The book follows high school student Willow as she unravels the dangerous secrets of her corrupt small town, and each new twist left me questioning who could be trusted.
I adored the close friendship between the main characters, and the romance added many interesting layers to the plot.
This was an incredible debut novel, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book when it’s released!
February 24, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up. This was an interesting book for me. It hits the ground running, a little too fast for my taste, I would have liked some more backstory, but it grips you regardless and it doesn’t let you go. The writing is very whimsical, and the plot very atmospheric. The book is long but it reads quickly. Overall, a solid YA read. I am excited for the sequel that will surely come!
February 27, 2026
Thank you to Courtney N. Johnson and Kate Rocks Book Tours for the ARC!
Lately YA thrillers are my jam so this came along at the perfect time! The atmosphere was rich - I love small towns with big secrets - and the fast pace kept me engaged. Overall a solid debut!
Lately YA thrillers are my jam so this came along at the perfect time! The atmosphere was rich - I love small towns with big secrets - and the fast pace kept me engaged. Overall a solid debut!
March 8, 2026
Whoa! Does this debut thriller pack a punch! I’m so excited I got to read this YA book that kept me turning pages until I got to the exciting end….that left me anxious for book 2 in the series from #CourtneyNJohnson!
August 1, 2026
I picked up Beneath Blackwood expecting a mystery, but I got so much more. The atmosphere was incredible creepy, addictive, and impossible to shake. Every time I thought I knew where the story was heading, another clue pulled me deeper into Blackwood.
September 11, 2026
This is a great book with a fantastic plot line. At some points it was hard to read because the paragraphs were a little bit choppy. Specifically during heavy dialogue scenes, the paragraphs were 1 sentence long each. Otherwise, this book was great and I can’t wait for book 2!
October 18, 2026
I loved following Willow on this journey of re-connecting with her mom. The last half had me questioning who she could trust with every turn of the page. I kept doubting who felt safe. Great mystery!!!
Did Not Finish
August 24, 2026I usually like YA books but this one is waaaaay too YA for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews