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In the Woods They Wait
A park ranger in Devil’s Den becomes obsessed with the case of a missing child—a case that mirrors the disappearance of her own brother, whom she lost in the woods many years ago—and the possibility that both were taken by something vicious and unnatural that lives deep in the Ozarks.
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg's little brother, Benny, vanished on a family vacation to Devil's Den state park, a day that split her life in two.
Now, Audrey is a park ranger in the very same woods with expertise in wilderness search and rescue. Audrey has found a rhythm to her training new rangers, tending to injured hikers, protecting the backcountry, and still, searching.
When a little girl, Ivy, suddenly goes missing on the trails, Audrey can’t help but notice the similarities to her own brother’s case. As Audrey widens the scope of her search, she begins to believe Ivy wasn't merely lost; it looks like she was taken by something—and maybe Benny was too. Yet the closer Audrey comes to answers, the more old memories push to the surface. Audrey is haunted not only by her brother's loss, but a terrible secret from that day. A secret she has never shared with anyone.
Utterly absorbing and disquieting, In the Woods They Wait is an enthralling page-turner, one that asks how far you would go for a sense of closure—and what would you be willing to face to get it.
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg's little brother, Benny, vanished on a family vacation to Devil's Den state park, a day that split her life in two.
Now, Audrey is a park ranger in the very same woods with expertise in wilderness search and rescue. Audrey has found a rhythm to her training new rangers, tending to injured hikers, protecting the backcountry, and still, searching.
When a little girl, Ivy, suddenly goes missing on the trails, Audrey can’t help but notice the similarities to her own brother’s case. As Audrey widens the scope of her search, she begins to believe Ivy wasn't merely lost; it looks like she was taken by something—and maybe Benny was too. Yet the closer Audrey comes to answers, the more old memories push to the surface. Audrey is haunted not only by her brother's loss, but a terrible secret from that day. A secret she has never shared with anyone.
Utterly absorbing and disquieting, In the Woods They Wait is an enthralling page-turner, one that asks how far you would go for a sense of closure—and what would you be willing to face to get it.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! This was a title that I was invited to view by NetGalley, and accepting this book to read was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year regarding books. I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, because I’m not sure if the cover appealed to me that much (sorry, I still judge a book by its cover 🤷🏻♀️). However, this was a book that I did not want to put down! I also had to double check to see if this was a debut from the author, and it is! Which means, if this book was this good, I can only imagine what we will get moving forward- and I will be reading it!
This story centers on Audrey Figg, who works as a park ranger at Devil’s Den State Park, in Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. This is the same State Park that her brother, Benny, disappeared from fifteen years ago. Audrey has made it her life mission to find out what happened to her missing brother that was never found. Through this, the story goes back and forth between present day (2019), and also the year of Benny’s disappearance (2004).
While Audrey is training her new ranger/coworker, Porter, another young girl goes missing in Devil’s Den. The young girl, Ivy, is only six years old, and Audrey promises the parents that she will find this girl. Through this search mission, many memories of Benny occur, along with the secret that Audrey has kept for years. Audrey also begins to detect many unnatural and unusual happenings in the woods.
I haven’t read such an atmospheric book in a very long time. I felt claustrophobic in the woods with Audrey and her search troops. I felt entrapped in the darkness, and felt every chill run down my spine. I felt the mosquitoes biting my skin, the humming of the cicadas, and spiderwebs getting tangled in my hair as I swatted the webbing off of my face. I also learned a lot about cairns, and the disadvantages of moving rocks and rock stacking in protected areas, such as national state parks.
I also connected with Audrey’s character immensely. I felt every ounce of pain and grief that she was carrying, and I understood why she made the life choices that she did.
The writing in this book was just superb, and this is one book that I would definitely recommend. However… the ending was a little inconceivable for me- and for that I am knocking half a star.
(4.5 stars ⭐️)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Company, and the author for an advanced DRC, in which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: September 22, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Horror
This story centers on Audrey Figg, who works as a park ranger at Devil’s Den State Park, in Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. This is the same State Park that her brother, Benny, disappeared from fifteen years ago. Audrey has made it her life mission to find out what happened to her missing brother that was never found. Through this, the story goes back and forth between present day (2019), and also the year of Benny’s disappearance (2004).
While Audrey is training her new ranger/coworker, Porter, another young girl goes missing in Devil’s Den. The young girl, Ivy, is only six years old, and Audrey promises the parents that she will find this girl. Through this search mission, many memories of Benny occur, along with the secret that Audrey has kept for years. Audrey also begins to detect many unnatural and unusual happenings in the woods.
I haven’t read such an atmospheric book in a very long time. I felt claustrophobic in the woods with Audrey and her search troops. I felt entrapped in the darkness, and felt every chill run down my spine. I felt the mosquitoes biting my skin, the humming of the cicadas, and spiderwebs getting tangled in my hair as I swatted the webbing off of my face. I also learned a lot about cairns, and the disadvantages of moving rocks and rock stacking in protected areas, such as national state parks.
I also connected with Audrey’s character immensely. I felt every ounce of pain and grief that she was carrying, and I understood why she made the life choices that she did.
The writing in this book was just superb, and this is one book that I would definitely recommend. However… the ending was a little inconceivable for me- and for that I am knocking half a star.
(4.5 stars ⭐️)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Company, and the author for an advanced DRC, in which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: September 22, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Horror
September 27, 2026
This book completely pulled me in and kept me thinking about it long after I finished. It was so incredibly well written, and I loved the way the story unfolded through the back-and-forth timelines. That structure worked so well for this story because every time I thought I understood what happened years ago, I’d get another piece of the puzzle that made me question everything again. I was constantly wanting to get back to both timelines because I needed to know how the past connected to what was happening in the present.
Audrey’s story absolutely broke my heart. Fifteen years ago, her little brother Benny disappeared while her family was visiting Devil’s Den State Park, and that moment changed her life forever. Now she’s working as a park ranger in those same woods, using her search-and-rescue skills to help others while still carrying the pain of never knowing what happened to her brother. I loved how her grief wasn’t just something mentioned in the background. You could feel how deeply his disappearance shaped the person she became.
Then another child, Ivy, goes missing in the same woods, and suddenly Audrey is faced with a case that feels terrifyingly familiar. The similarities between Ivy’s disappearance and Benny’s made it impossible for Audrey to walk away, especially when she starts wondering if her brother wasn’t simply lost all those years ago. Maybe something took him. Something unnatural hiding deep within the Ozarks.
The atmosphere in this book was incredible. The woods felt beautiful, mysterious, and genuinely unsettling all at once. I loved the feeling that there was something out there just beyond what Audrey could see, and the deeper she went into the mystery, the more I felt that same sense of uneasiness. It had that perfect combination of wilderness, mystery, grief, and something dark lurking underneath it all.
But what really got me was the emotional side of the story. Audrey is searching for more than just answers about missing children. She’s searching for closure, for an explanation, and maybe for a way to finally make peace with something that has haunted her for most of her life. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she has to confront memories she has spent years trying to bury.
I was completely invested in her journey. I loved watching the pieces come together, especially as the past and present slowly began connecting in ways I wasn't expecting. The writing made everything feel so vivid, from the woods and the search-and-rescue elements to Audrey’s memories and fears. There was so much emotion woven into the mystery without taking away from the creepy atmosphere.
This was such an absorbing read for me. I loved the mystery, the unsettling supernatural elements, the setting, and especially the way the timelines worked together. But more than anything, I loved the emotional heart of this story. It’s about loss, guilt, family, secrets, and how desperately we sometimes search for answers when not knowing can be its own kind of torture.
This was one of those books where I felt completely lost in the story, and by the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best possible way. Absolutely a 5-star read for me.
Audrey’s story absolutely broke my heart. Fifteen years ago, her little brother Benny disappeared while her family was visiting Devil’s Den State Park, and that moment changed her life forever. Now she’s working as a park ranger in those same woods, using her search-and-rescue skills to help others while still carrying the pain of never knowing what happened to her brother. I loved how her grief wasn’t just something mentioned in the background. You could feel how deeply his disappearance shaped the person she became.
Then another child, Ivy, goes missing in the same woods, and suddenly Audrey is faced with a case that feels terrifyingly familiar. The similarities between Ivy’s disappearance and Benny’s made it impossible for Audrey to walk away, especially when she starts wondering if her brother wasn’t simply lost all those years ago. Maybe something took him. Something unnatural hiding deep within the Ozarks.
The atmosphere in this book was incredible. The woods felt beautiful, mysterious, and genuinely unsettling all at once. I loved the feeling that there was something out there just beyond what Audrey could see, and the deeper she went into the mystery, the more I felt that same sense of uneasiness. It had that perfect combination of wilderness, mystery, grief, and something dark lurking underneath it all.
But what really got me was the emotional side of the story. Audrey is searching for more than just answers about missing children. She’s searching for closure, for an explanation, and maybe for a way to finally make peace with something that has haunted her for most of her life. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she has to confront memories she has spent years trying to bury.
I was completely invested in her journey. I loved watching the pieces come together, especially as the past and present slowly began connecting in ways I wasn't expecting. The writing made everything feel so vivid, from the woods and the search-and-rescue elements to Audrey’s memories and fears. There was so much emotion woven into the mystery without taking away from the creepy atmosphere.
This was such an absorbing read for me. I loved the mystery, the unsettling supernatural elements, the setting, and especially the way the timelines worked together. But more than anything, I loved the emotional heart of this story. It’s about loss, guilt, family, secrets, and how desperately we sometimes search for answers when not knowing can be its own kind of torture.
This was one of those books where I felt completely lost in the story, and by the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best possible way. Absolutely a 5-star read for me.
September 22, 2026
A legitimately scary yet poignant read, In the Woods They Wait had me bingeing this book—with the lights on—cover to cover in one single sitting. A nightmare-inducing mix of missing-child thriller and eerie supernatural-slash-creature horror, this is one story sure to live rent-free in my head for a very long time. You see, the ominous atmosphere was everything I love. Oozing a haunting sense of claustrophobia and dread, I could feel the spider webs tickling my face and hear the oppressive din of the cicadas reverberating in the air. Immersive in quite the cinematic way, it will be an absolute crime if this book isn’t made into a movie. Paired with a found-family vibe and a deeply human cast, it all came together in a way that you don’t often find in a debut. After all, the depth to the story only made the thrills and chills even stronger as the emotional pull had me invested from page one.
Speaking of the characters, Audrey was one truly unforgettable narrator in both the past and present timelines. Emotionally complex, strong, but also vulnerable as well, she was easy to root for as things spiraled out of control. And spiral they did. Packed with gory, blood-filled scenes that had my skin crawling with fear, the fast-paced second half kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages. With an ever-present sense of unease that only grew more intense with each chapter, it was the epitome of an addictive, page-turning read even as it dove into some utterly thought-provoking themes. Exploring guilt, grief, and family with a deft hand, South delivered on multiple fronts. After all, there was still a very Stephen King-like Stranger Things-meets-Liz Moore feel. As much about unresolved trauma as it was about jump scares, it was an absolute home run. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Supernatural/creature horror
- Missing-child thrillers
- Emotional depth
- Claustrophobic scenes
- Jump scares
- Thought-provoking themes
- Unresolved trauma
- Dual timelines
- Complex characters
- Found-family vibes
- Immersive storytelling
- Wilderness setting
- A bit of blood and gore
SYNOPSIS:
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg's little brother, Benny, vanished on a family vacation to Devil's Den state park, a day that split her life in two. Now, Audrey is a park ranger in the very same woods with expertise in wilderness search and rescue. Audrey has found a rhythm to her days: training new rangers, tending to injured hikers, protecting the backcountry, and still, searching.
When a little girl, Ivy, suddenly goes missing on the trails, Audrey can’t help but notice the similarities to her own brother’s case. As Audrey widens the scope of her search, she begins to believe Ivy wasn't merely lost; it looks like she was taken by something―and maybe Benny was too. Yet the closer Audrey comes to answers, the more old memories push to the surface. Audrey is haunted not only by her brother's loss, but a terrible secret from that day. A secret she has never shared with anyone.
Thank you Carrie Lee South and Little, Brown for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 22, 2026
Content warning: missing person, grief, child abuse, hoarding, alcoholism, abandonment, death, violence, animal cruelty/death, body horror, gore, gun violence, child death, suicidal thoughts
Speaking of the characters, Audrey was one truly unforgettable narrator in both the past and present timelines. Emotionally complex, strong, but also vulnerable as well, she was easy to root for as things spiraled out of control. And spiral they did. Packed with gory, blood-filled scenes that had my skin crawling with fear, the fast-paced second half kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages. With an ever-present sense of unease that only grew more intense with each chapter, it was the epitome of an addictive, page-turning read even as it dove into some utterly thought-provoking themes. Exploring guilt, grief, and family with a deft hand, South delivered on multiple fronts. After all, there was still a very Stephen King-like Stranger Things-meets-Liz Moore feel. As much about unresolved trauma as it was about jump scares, it was an absolute home run. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Supernatural/creature horror
- Missing-child thrillers
- Emotional depth
- Claustrophobic scenes
- Jump scares
- Thought-provoking themes
- Unresolved trauma
- Dual timelines
- Complex characters
- Found-family vibes
- Immersive storytelling
- Wilderness setting
- A bit of blood and gore
SYNOPSIS:
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg's little brother, Benny, vanished on a family vacation to Devil's Den state park, a day that split her life in two. Now, Audrey is a park ranger in the very same woods with expertise in wilderness search and rescue. Audrey has found a rhythm to her days: training new rangers, tending to injured hikers, protecting the backcountry, and still, searching.
When a little girl, Ivy, suddenly goes missing on the trails, Audrey can’t help but notice the similarities to her own brother’s case. As Audrey widens the scope of her search, she begins to believe Ivy wasn't merely lost; it looks like she was taken by something―and maybe Benny was too. Yet the closer Audrey comes to answers, the more old memories push to the surface. Audrey is haunted not only by her brother's loss, but a terrible secret from that day. A secret she has never shared with anyone.
Thank you Carrie Lee South and Little, Brown for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 22, 2026
Content warning: missing person, grief, child abuse, hoarding, alcoholism, abandonment, death, violence, animal cruelty/death, body horror, gore, gun violence, child death, suicidal thoughts
September 22, 2026
Oh YES!!!!! I think I am getting better at picking out my kind of horror/spooky reads!
This debut novel was fantastic!
It has WOODS!!! 🌲🌲🌳🌲🌲🌲 and creatures!!
Fifteen years ago, while her family was camping in the woods of Devil's Den looking for a bird that hasn't been spotted in years, Audrey Figg's little brother goes missing. As an adult, she is now a park ranger who prefers the wilds of the mountains to people. She continues to search in the woods of Devil's Den for answers about what happened to her brother. A little girl has gone missing and as Audrey looks into it, she feels there are many aspects of this case that remind her of her brothers.
As the investigation progresses, you soon realize that something very dark and not quite human is lurking in the woods.
This story is told between 2 timelines through Audrey's perspective. We see her as a typical teen who gets irritated by her little brother and loves to play pranks. Adult Audrey is a strong character who seems gruff, honest and brave. As secrets about her brother's disappearance are revealed, the reader once again is given evidence that things are not always what you think they are.
The team of park rangers that are searching in the woods are are relatable, and provide more information. We learn that many other people and animals have disappeared from these woods. As the search continues, this mystery takes a turn right into the chilling. It is a superb blend of mystery and horror that I devoured in one sitting. The narrative and events are tight, the atmosphere is off the chain claustrophobic and creepy. As you read, you feel as if these woods are alive and closing in on you. I really don't want to say more, because it's best to go in blind.
And although it was a fast paced horror ride, the author completely fleshes out her characters. We see them struggling with issues of grief, guilt, desperation, and eventually an ending answers some things, and not others- BUT THIS IS PERFECT for this book!
Highly recommend this to anyone who likes a little mystery with the horror, strong likable characters, supernatural creatures, a sort of found family feeling, truly scary moments, and oh yeah- the WOODS!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This debut novel was fantastic!
It has WOODS!!! 🌲🌲🌳🌲🌲🌲 and creatures!!
Fifteen years ago, while her family was camping in the woods of Devil's Den looking for a bird that hasn't been spotted in years, Audrey Figg's little brother goes missing. As an adult, she is now a park ranger who prefers the wilds of the mountains to people. She continues to search in the woods of Devil's Den for answers about what happened to her brother. A little girl has gone missing and as Audrey looks into it, she feels there are many aspects of this case that remind her of her brothers.
As the investigation progresses, you soon realize that something very dark and not quite human is lurking in the woods.
This story is told between 2 timelines through Audrey's perspective. We see her as a typical teen who gets irritated by her little brother and loves to play pranks. Adult Audrey is a strong character who seems gruff, honest and brave. As secrets about her brother's disappearance are revealed, the reader once again is given evidence that things are not always what you think they are.
The team of park rangers that are searching in the woods are are relatable, and provide more information. We learn that many other people and animals have disappeared from these woods. As the search continues, this mystery takes a turn right into the chilling. It is a superb blend of mystery and horror that I devoured in one sitting. The narrative and events are tight, the atmosphere is off the chain claustrophobic and creepy. As you read, you feel as if these woods are alive and closing in on you. I really don't want to say more, because it's best to go in blind.
And although it was a fast paced horror ride, the author completely fleshes out her characters. We see them struggling with issues of grief, guilt, desperation, and eventually an ending answers some things, and not others- BUT THIS IS PERFECT for this book!
Highly recommend this to anyone who likes a little mystery with the horror, strong likable characters, supernatural creatures, a sort of found family feeling, truly scary moments, and oh yeah- the WOODS!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 23, 2026
This is a grief stricken mystery that piqued my interest in the beginning. The story starts with a boy who goes missing from the forest never to be found.
His older sister becomes a park ranger in hopes of finding out what happened that awful day. She can never really get over what happened.
This is what I would call an extremely slow burn, which, I enjoy slow burns really. However, I felt that it dragged all the way up until the 70% mark. Then the story picks up.
This is a creature feature and more of a mystery than a horror story. I wished the creature would’ve been featured much sooner than later, as it lost my interest. Please check out other reviews. I’m just not the right reader for it. Geared towards people dabbling with horror.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
His older sister becomes a park ranger in hopes of finding out what happened that awful day. She can never really get over what happened.
This is what I would call an extremely slow burn, which, I enjoy slow burns really. However, I felt that it dragged all the way up until the 70% mark. Then the story picks up.
This is a creature feature and more of a mystery than a horror story. I wished the creature would’ve been featured much sooner than later, as it lost my interest. Please check out other reviews. I’m just not the right reader for it. Geared towards people dabbling with horror.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2026
Man what a book. This was a slow burn that had me feeling extremely claustrophobic and had me holding my breath so many damn times. Many people know that there are MANY cold cases involving children in state and national parks, so reading this has me sucked in immediately. Obviously this book was purely fiction, but it had me thinking… how well do we TRULY know what creatures are lingering in the woods, yet to be discovered? I may sound crazy, but Carrie Lee South has me question everything about what may be undiscovered out there. 👀 Of you’re looking for a book that’ll fill you with dread and have you hyperventilating, look no further my friends, because here you go!
Lastly, I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to Carrie for gifting me a digital copy and refusing my offer of my first born. You’re a gem 😜
Lastly, I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to Carrie for gifting me a digital copy and refusing my offer of my first born. You’re a gem 😜
September 22, 2026
Early thoughts: The mystery at work here is extremely compelling. Also, I love hopelessly destroyed characters.
Feeling: There's more in the woods than the woods bro.
I’m curious about: how the FMC will develop. She has a brutal case of survivors guilt and it makes her miserable. How will that turn out?
"Maybe that’s what death felt like. You finish the adventure, someone switches off your power, and everything just goes black." p156
Final thoughts:
This book was such a good read. It's a monster story about a giant creature you will find familiar, with some terrifying twists. I'm impressed with the author's research on this animal, which is clearly extensive and, I think, well-used to support the plot and character choices.
Something I really enjoyed was that, once the antagonist gets identified as wildlife, the story several times interrogates the question about who or what deserves protection: a very rare animal or the humans it keeps eating? This was compelling work in part because the author keeps that theme in front of the reader while they read.
What worked:
🌲 Great setting. I love settings wild enough that the plot elements seem situated just right, no matter how wild they are!
🕷️ A very cool creature for this creature story! I enjoyed the inclusion of lots of scientific facts about similar creatures in reality, like spiders and assassin bugs.
Who this is for: fans of nature thrillers and monster horror
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Content Notes:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Caves, bats, claustrophobia, dirty places, the woods, darkness, spiders, being eaten alive, animal death, animal cruelty, grievous wounding, degreded bodies,
Feeling: There's more in the woods than the woods bro.
I’m curious about: how the FMC will develop. She has a brutal case of survivors guilt and it makes her miserable. How will that turn out?
"Maybe that’s what death felt like. You finish the adventure, someone switches off your power, and everything just goes black." p156
Final thoughts:
This book was such a good read. It's a monster story about a giant creature you will find familiar, with some terrifying twists. I'm impressed with the author's research on this animal, which is clearly extensive and, I think, well-used to support the plot and character choices.
Something I really enjoyed was that, once the antagonist gets identified as wildlife, the story several times interrogates the question about who or what deserves protection: a very rare animal or the humans it keeps eating? This was compelling work in part because the author keeps that theme in front of the reader while they read.
What worked:
🌲 Great setting. I love settings wild enough that the plot elements seem situated just right, no matter how wild they are!
🕷️ A very cool creature for this creature story! I enjoyed the inclusion of lots of scientific facts about similar creatures in reality, like spiders and assassin bugs.
Who this is for: fans of nature thrillers and monster horror
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Content Notes:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Caves, bats, claustrophobia, dirty places, the woods, darkness, spiders, being eaten alive, animal death, animal cruelty, grievous wounding, degreded bodies,
April 20, 2026
I must have skipped over the whole “unnatural” mention in the description, because I TOTALLY thought this was just your run of the mill thriller/kids gone missing in the wilderness.
Let me tell you, this was a PLEASANT surprise. I literally could not put this down. Carrie Lee South’s writing is absolutely addicting. Every single chapter ended on a note that left me wanting more. The pacing is such that you can literally feel Audrey’s every emotion: the panic, the confusion… I was right there with her.
There was an exceptional amount of character development and that made me that much more invested. There is also just something about going missing in a state or national park that makes me feel incredibly uneasy. Add in that funky, supernatural element…my goodness. Was literally biting my nails.
If you are a thriller/mystery reader looking to bridge the gap into horror, this would be really wonderful place to start.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this advanced copy for my unbiased opinion.
Let me tell you, this was a PLEASANT surprise. I literally could not put this down. Carrie Lee South’s writing is absolutely addicting. Every single chapter ended on a note that left me wanting more. The pacing is such that you can literally feel Audrey’s every emotion: the panic, the confusion… I was right there with her.
There was an exceptional amount of character development and that made me that much more invested. There is also just something about going missing in a state or national park that makes me feel incredibly uneasy. Add in that funky, supernatural element…my goodness. Was literally biting my nails.
If you are a thriller/mystery reader looking to bridge the gap into horror, this would be really wonderful place to start.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this advanced copy for my unbiased opinion.
Want to Read
February 20, 2026oooh this one sounds so good! I love missing person mysteries!
*** ARC REC'D THANK YOU SO MUCH!! **
*** ARC REC'D THANK YOU SO MUCH!! **
Review of advance copy
First of all thanks to Booktrovert for the gift of this ARC prior to publishing. It was definitely a slow burn but never boring. I really wasn’t sure where it was going and that made it really good. The last 30% was a wild panic-inducing thrill. It was terrifying. Before that, there were a few little hints that started to make me wonder where this was headed. The raw emotion, the constant guilt, and the penance Audrey put herself through could have seemed boring but it wasn’t. The ending was satisfying. The losses were real. A well written story that I really enjoyed. I will be avoiding Devil’s Den and all of the Ozark Mountains, for the record.
June 8, 2026
I was invited to read this eARC by Little, Brown & Company and NetGalley. When I read the description, I knew I had to read it. Set in the Ouachita National Forest at Devil’s Den in West Fork, AR, which is a mere 40 minutes north of where I live, I knew there was no way I was passing this one by.
Audrey lost her brother in this very forest when they were teenagers, and 15 years later, she is a ranger at the park and has spent those 15 years continuing to look for her brother. Strange things are happening here that she can’t quite put her finger on, as though there is something out there lurking in the woods. It had a “Stranger Things” vibe to it. The book goes back & forth to when her brother went missing to the current, where a 6 year old girl just went missing. It was a fast-paced, entertaining read with a darkness to it that still kept things interesting.
Many thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for an invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Audrey lost her brother in this very forest when they were teenagers, and 15 years later, she is a ranger at the park and has spent those 15 years continuing to look for her brother. Strange things are happening here that she can’t quite put her finger on, as though there is something out there lurking in the woods. It had a “Stranger Things” vibe to it. The book goes back & forth to when her brother went missing to the current, where a 6 year old girl just went missing. It was a fast-paced, entertaining read with a darkness to it that still kept things interesting.
Many thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for an invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 9, 2026
✨✨✨Oh, a creature…✨✨✨
I thought In the Woods They Wait was just a mystery/thriller. A search for a missing child in the Ozarks, but it definitely changed into a bit of a creature book also. It does say “unnatural” in the synopsis but I forgot about that. I didn’t mind that at all, but the direction it went (the reveal) was not anything I found exciting to be honest. I ended up wishing it didn’t go that supernatural direction since for me it was a bit lackluster. Also, some parts of the book were quite repetitive. Audrey was an interesting MC. At first I didn’t love her character, but as we got more depth with her I did start to really like her!! I loved the overall atmosphere and vibe of the book, but it was slow and just didn’t quite land for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 22, 2026.
I thought In the Woods They Wait was just a mystery/thriller. A search for a missing child in the Ozarks, but it definitely changed into a bit of a creature book also. It does say “unnatural” in the synopsis but I forgot about that. I didn’t mind that at all, but the direction it went (the reveal) was not anything I found exciting to be honest. I ended up wishing it didn’t go that supernatural direction since for me it was a bit lackluster. Also, some parts of the book were quite repetitive. Audrey was an interesting MC. At first I didn’t love her character, but as we got more depth with her I did start to really like her!! I loved the overall atmosphere and vibe of the book, but it was slow and just didn’t quite land for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 22, 2026.
March 14, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for the eARC!
In The Woods They Wait is a great suspense thriller/horror story and a victorious debut novel for Carrie Lee South. Unlike some other suspense thrillers I’ve read, this one lacked super surprising plot twists, but it did not lack character development, spookiness, dread, or gore.
Things come to a nice resolution at the end as well. I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Carrie Lee South. And remember, don’t follow the cairns 😱
In The Woods They Wait is a great suspense thriller/horror story and a victorious debut novel for Carrie Lee South. Unlike some other suspense thrillers I’ve read, this one lacked super surprising plot twists, but it did not lack character development, spookiness, dread, or gore.
Things come to a nice resolution at the end as well. I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Carrie Lee South. And remember, don’t follow the cairns 😱
September 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown and Company for the gifted eARC provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
In the first part of "In the Woods They Wait," I kept waiting for the horror to drop in. The story begins with a tragic event, then turns into a slowly developing mystery filled with grief, guilt, and long-buried secrets. Intriguing, but no shivers down my spine…yet. 💀
Then the second half bursts in with the chilling horror! HOLY MOLY. It gets dark, eerie, and spine-tingling, dragging me into the dark side!
Set in Devil’s Den State Park in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, the story centers on Audrey, a park ranger tormented by her younger brother's disappearance fifteen years earlier. Audrey kept secrets about what occurred on that day, and the guilt has stayed with her. When another child vanishes from the same park, Audrey is determined to find her before history repeats itself.
The narrative alternates between past and present, gradually revealing the full story. I love this approach. Each new piece of information adds another layer of tension and makes the park seem more menacing. Every shadow and rustling leaf feels like a warning.
Audrey is strong, stubborn, and not always easy to like. She speaks her mind without a filter, which can make her seem harsher than she actually is, but that rawness gives her a genuine feel. Her friendship with Corban reveals a more vulnerable side, and I found their bond compelling. Even the most flawed characters felt relatable, not just difficult.
The slower beginning might test readers who crave instant chills, but the payoff worked for me. With its setting (do you like eerie caves?), creeping dread, emotional family mystery, and a second half that delivers pure creepiness, "In the Woods They Wait" deserves a spot on your Spooky Season TBR.
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown and Company for the gifted eARC provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
In the first part of "In the Woods They Wait," I kept waiting for the horror to drop in. The story begins with a tragic event, then turns into a slowly developing mystery filled with grief, guilt, and long-buried secrets. Intriguing, but no shivers down my spine…yet. 💀
Then the second half bursts in with the chilling horror! HOLY MOLY. It gets dark, eerie, and spine-tingling, dragging me into the dark side!
Set in Devil’s Den State Park in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, the story centers on Audrey, a park ranger tormented by her younger brother's disappearance fifteen years earlier. Audrey kept secrets about what occurred on that day, and the guilt has stayed with her. When another child vanishes from the same park, Audrey is determined to find her before history repeats itself.
The narrative alternates between past and present, gradually revealing the full story. I love this approach. Each new piece of information adds another layer of tension and makes the park seem more menacing. Every shadow and rustling leaf feels like a warning.
Audrey is strong, stubborn, and not always easy to like. She speaks her mind without a filter, which can make her seem harsher than she actually is, but that rawness gives her a genuine feel. Her friendship with Corban reveals a more vulnerable side, and I found their bond compelling. Even the most flawed characters felt relatable, not just difficult.
The slower beginning might test readers who crave instant chills, but the payoff worked for me. With its setting (do you like eerie caves?), creeping dread, emotional family mystery, and a second half that delivers pure creepiness, "In the Woods They Wait" deserves a spot on your Spooky Season TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WTPhhfff?! This book is literally my worst nightmare. I stayed up last night to finish another book so I could stop thinking about this one! 5 nasty nightmare stars!
In The Woods They Wait by author Carrie Lee South took me by surprise. I did not expect that outcome.
I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the cover, but took a chance after reading good reviews, and I am so glad I did. I think…?
I can’t believe this book is a debut, and also, I will never set foot in Arkansas. Is that the goal? Is that Carrie Lee South’s mission? To keep people out of AK and the Ozarks. The writing is great, the character development is solid, and the story’s pacing has a slow simmer until it’s overflowing with boiling creep. I will read future books by this author for sure.
I highly recommend reading this horrifying terrible story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
In The Woods They Wait by author Carrie Lee South took me by surprise. I did not expect that outcome.
I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the cover, but took a chance after reading good reviews, and I am so glad I did. I think…?
I can’t believe this book is a debut, and also, I will never set foot in Arkansas. Is that the goal? Is that Carrie Lee South’s mission? To keep people out of AK and the Ozarks. The writing is great, the character development is solid, and the story’s pacing has a slow simmer until it’s overflowing with boiling creep. I will read future books by this author for sure.
I highly recommend reading this horrifying terrible story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars!
Going into this read blind was definitely the way to go! I knew it was horror, but I was not prepared for the suspense that unfolded.
The story kicks off immediately with park ranger Audrey Figg, who, as a child, experienced the traumatic disappearance of her brother Benny in the woods. That event left a lasting mark on her and her family, driving her to keep searching for answers even years later. When a small girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances, Audrey feels compelled to lead the search, knowing the woods intimately. But as the search progresses, things take a creepy turn, and there are moments that are difficult to explain. The tension was palpable. I could feel the chill in my bones when she spotted something lurking in the shadows!
Fifteen years on, Audrey is still seeking answers, but one fateful night, she reveals one of her most closely guarded secrets concerning her brother's disappearance. It’s heart-wrenching to uncover the truth behind that one fateful decision. We follow the search party and meet several characters, each of whom is likable and relatable, making you feel like part of the ranger team. However, it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. The ranger in charge has been secretly watching the woods because he suspects there's something out there that defies explanation. As the story unfolds, we gradually uncover details that shed light on the mysteries surrounding the disappearances of both people and animals.
The author captured my attention right from the start. I couldn’t put it down! It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because it's so compelling. I found myself on edge the whole time, half-expecting a goblin or some odd creature to jump out from the pages. The secluded setting was vividly depicted, creating an almost atmospheric sense of dread. Bravo to the author for such a well-crafted story!
If you enjoy heart-pounding, devastating tales filled with cathartic endings, an unexplainable monster in a dark narrative, and love the thrill of unraveling a mystery, this could become your new favorite. It’s fast-paced yet carefully weaves poignant themes of survival, long-held grief, and the guilt stemming from a family's unraveling, ultimately leading to closure regarding Benny's fate. In the Ozark wilderness, we’re left wondering what may be lurking in the dark, and honestly, some mysteries may be better left unsolved. I've been turning my house into a 24/7 nightclub this week because it seems that the darker the atmosphere, the more the plot twists thrive! Ha!
Thank you, Little Brown Company and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Going into this read blind was definitely the way to go! I knew it was horror, but I was not prepared for the suspense that unfolded.
The story kicks off immediately with park ranger Audrey Figg, who, as a child, experienced the traumatic disappearance of her brother Benny in the woods. That event left a lasting mark on her and her family, driving her to keep searching for answers even years later. When a small girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances, Audrey feels compelled to lead the search, knowing the woods intimately. But as the search progresses, things take a creepy turn, and there are moments that are difficult to explain. The tension was palpable. I could feel the chill in my bones when she spotted something lurking in the shadows!
Fifteen years on, Audrey is still seeking answers, but one fateful night, she reveals one of her most closely guarded secrets concerning her brother's disappearance. It’s heart-wrenching to uncover the truth behind that one fateful decision. We follow the search party and meet several characters, each of whom is likable and relatable, making you feel like part of the ranger team. However, it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. The ranger in charge has been secretly watching the woods because he suspects there's something out there that defies explanation. As the story unfolds, we gradually uncover details that shed light on the mysteries surrounding the disappearances of both people and animals.
The author captured my attention right from the start. I couldn’t put it down! It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because it's so compelling. I found myself on edge the whole time, half-expecting a goblin or some odd creature to jump out from the pages. The secluded setting was vividly depicted, creating an almost atmospheric sense of dread. Bravo to the author for such a well-crafted story!
If you enjoy heart-pounding, devastating tales filled with cathartic endings, an unexplainable monster in a dark narrative, and love the thrill of unraveling a mystery, this could become your new favorite. It’s fast-paced yet carefully weaves poignant themes of survival, long-held grief, and the guilt stemming from a family's unraveling, ultimately leading to closure regarding Benny's fate. In the Ozark wilderness, we’re left wondering what may be lurking in the dark, and honestly, some mysteries may be better left unsolved. I've been turning my house into a 24/7 nightclub this week because it seems that the darker the atmosphere, the more the plot twists thrive! Ha!
Thank you, Little Brown Company and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2026
I was given the ARC of "In the Woods They Wait" by Carrie Lee South, from NetGalley and the Publisher Little, Brown & Company in exchange for my honest Review.
I am always up for an in the woods thriller that follows a disappearance and the mystery that hangs heavy in the air with all the unknowns. This book was packed full of suspense and fear and got my heart rate up multiple times.
I liked the writing and it had a very nice flow to it but once I got into the thick of the reveal I was left a bit let down not just by the unrealistic circumstances but by the fact that the characters development was guiding you one place and took you some where else entirely. I felt let down by how certain long-term relationship were left unfinished and without closure or with what felt like the wrong wrap up.
This book moved along so quickly for me and was headed for a 4-5 star finish but didn't deliver. I am not one to give spoiler reviews so I am doing my best to steer clear of that but I was disappointed in the ending. In fact it was more than a little disappointing and It felt very unfinished and disconnected. If your going to have a book end like this one did then it should start and carry through in a much different tone and be in a completely different genre... There needed to be so much more as far as Audrey's relation ship with her life long BFF Corbin as well as with Audrey's mother. I also felt like Audrey's mentor Scott deserved so much more as well...
For some this book may hit the mark but for me I craved more body and completion to the characters relationships. Especially since it felt like it was leading you there just to be wrapped up in a way that left me with an immense sense of disbelief, and a WTF moment as if I was being punked or my Kindle must have switched books on me or something... It didn't..... so then came a sadness and frustration that I wasn't going to get the ending or even what felt like the rest of the same story that I got 80% of and then 20% of something else entirely....
But I am still grateful to NetGalley and the publisher, Little, Brown & Company for this ARC!
I try to never regret any book I have read! It could end up a recommendation for someone I have yet to encounter!
Happy Reading!
I am always up for an in the woods thriller that follows a disappearance and the mystery that hangs heavy in the air with all the unknowns. This book was packed full of suspense and fear and got my heart rate up multiple times.
I liked the writing and it had a very nice flow to it but once I got into the thick of the reveal I was left a bit let down not just by the unrealistic circumstances but by the fact that the characters development was guiding you one place and took you some where else entirely. I felt let down by how certain long-term relationship were left unfinished and without closure or with what felt like the wrong wrap up.
This book moved along so quickly for me and was headed for a 4-5 star finish but didn't deliver. I am not one to give spoiler reviews so I am doing my best to steer clear of that but I was disappointed in the ending. In fact it was more than a little disappointing and It felt very unfinished and disconnected. If your going to have a book end like this one did then it should start and carry through in a much different tone and be in a completely different genre... There needed to be so much more as far as Audrey's relation ship with her life long BFF Corbin as well as with Audrey's mother. I also felt like Audrey's mentor Scott deserved so much more as well...
For some this book may hit the mark but for me I craved more body and completion to the characters relationships. Especially since it felt like it was leading you there just to be wrapped up in a way that left me with an immense sense of disbelief, and a WTF moment as if I was being punked or my Kindle must have switched books on me or something... It didn't..... so then came a sadness and frustration that I wasn't going to get the ending or even what felt like the rest of the same story that I got 80% of and then 20% of something else entirely....
But I am still grateful to NetGalley and the publisher, Little, Brown & Company for this ARC!
I try to never regret any book I have read! It could end up a recommendation for someone I have yet to encounter!
Happy Reading!
July 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was intriguing enough to suck me in quickly, and straight forward enough that it left my jaw on the ground on more than one occasion. Not at all what you’d expect if you were setting out to read a typical “lost child” novel; not your usual suspects. And I loved that! I will definitely be recommending this book to my fellow book lovers! 🤓
April 9, 2026
Thank you to Carrie Lee South and NetGalley for the ARC offer!
It’s honestly best to go into this book knowing as little as possible, but suffice it to say I will never ever look at hiking cairns the same way again. Genuinely terrifying and deeply emotional, In the Woods They Wait is as much about the mystery as it is the nature of grief. I cried, but I also don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
It’s honestly best to go into this book knowing as little as possible, but suffice it to say I will never ever look at hiking cairns the same way again. Genuinely terrifying and deeply emotional, In the Woods They Wait is as much about the mystery as it is the nature of grief. I cried, but I also don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
July 31, 2026
In The Woods They Wait ended up being a bit different than what I expected but in a great way!
Audrey Figg’s life changed the day in 2004 when her brother Benny went missing in the Arkansas state park of Devil’s Den. Audrey subsequently dedicated her life to trying to find him, becoming a search and rescue expert at the park. Over the years since Benny was lost, weird things have happened, but she hasn’t lost a single child. When Ivy Summers, six years old, goes missing in 2019, Audrey is once again dedicated to finding her. But her case is more similar to Benny’s than she cares to admit.
I fully expected this to be like a crime fiction where there’s someone in the woods taking kids. But it actually isn’t. It’s so much more and I don’t want to give it away, but it was scary. Devil’s Den also has a large cave system with some pretty intense squeezes, so if you’re claustrophobic maybe be wary of this book. I was straight up shuddering at points! Either way, it was a great read with fantastic characters and a terrifying plot!
Audrey Figg’s life changed the day in 2004 when her brother Benny went missing in the Arkansas state park of Devil’s Den. Audrey subsequently dedicated her life to trying to find him, becoming a search and rescue expert at the park. Over the years since Benny was lost, weird things have happened, but she hasn’t lost a single child. When Ivy Summers, six years old, goes missing in 2019, Audrey is once again dedicated to finding her. But her case is more similar to Benny’s than she cares to admit.
I fully expected this to be like a crime fiction where there’s someone in the woods taking kids. But it actually isn’t. It’s so much more and I don’t want to give it away, but it was scary. Devil’s Den also has a large cave system with some pretty intense squeezes, so if you’re claustrophobic maybe be wary of this book. I was straight up shuddering at points! Either way, it was a great read with fantastic characters and a terrifying plot!
May 17, 2026
This book terrified me so much that I had to stop reading with 60 pages left, but I was so invested I made my boyfriend finish it for me and tell me everything that happened (minus the horrifying, unnerving descriptions). I fear I may be scarred for life just listening to it second-hand. I’m still counting this as read to compensate for my emotional damage.
September 28, 2026
Early in In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South, a sixteen-year-old hears her little brother call two words from somewhere deeper in the trees. She has just spent twenty minutes terrifying him, and watched him wander off looking for her. She runs toward the voice, the wrong way, and never finds him. Fifteen years later she hears those same two words again, in the same husky pre-adolescent pitch, played back at her like a tape that has been left in a hot car. That is the whole novel: not a mystery about where a boy went, but a slow demonstration that something out there has been keeping his voice.
In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Keeps a Stolen Voice
South builds the book out of things that get dismissed. A grandmother who hangs flowers over her doorframes because she and her husband used to hear crying from the tree line, and whose horses refused to cross it. A boy who woke in his tree house to something scratching at every surface at once. A girl who swore she heard her own scream come back out of a hole in the ground. A woman who wakes at three in the morning to a lost child sobbing for her mother, and realises the sob is identical each time.
Each is explained away by somebody sensible, usually with fond exasperation. Foxes sound like women. Sound bounces strangely off sandstone. You were exhausted and you had not eaten. The novel collects those explanations, one per chapter, then turns them over. Its real subject is not a monster. It is what happens to people who report one.
Two Clocks, One of Which You Already Know
The chapters carry no numbers. They carry a year, and under it a running count: three days, seven days, three weeks, three months, one year. The 2019 strand gets its own counter, hours at first, then days, as a six-year-old goes missing from a trail in the same park. Two tallies climbing in parallel, and the reader knows from the first page which of them never stops.
It is the best decision in the book, doing the emotional arithmetic without a word of commentary. The older number is up in the thousands by the time the newer one reaches fourteen, and every time In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South cuts back to 2004 the gap between them widens. Fifteen years, six days, the narrator notes at one point, a figure she has never needed to write down.
The Ranger Who Told the Truth and Was Hospitalised for It
The park superintendent is the most interesting adult here, and the most compromised. He ran the search for the brother in 2004 and runs the search for the girl in 2019, and in between he taught the narrator everything she knows: contour lines, fire, and how to make sure you can always find the way back to where you started.
He is also the man who saw something happen to a colleague in 1989, reported it in full, was treated for shock-induced psychosis, and was banned from his friend's funeral. What he did with that is the moral engine of In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South. He stopped talking. He barred the caves and gave a conservation reason for it that was not the real one. He set traps that are illegal and filed no paperwork. And he let a thirteen-year-old's search run for months without ever naming the possibility he privately believed. The novel gives him a superb confession scene and then, to its credit, does not let him off.
In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Knows How Searching Actually Works
The procedural layer is the reason the horror lands. South went and asked people. Probability of area. Sector searches drawn like spokes. Trail blazes that must each be within sight of the last. Desire paths that have to be kicked over with scree before hikers follow them off the map. Why a cadaver dog fails in a drought. The seventeen hours it takes to winch one woman out of a squeeze she slid into by accident.
Two sequences inside narrow cave passages are as unpleasant as anything I have read this year, and they work because they are written from inside the ribcage of the woman in them: exhale to make yourself small enough to move, breathe in and the rock is already there. Nothing supernatural is required. The ground is doing it.
Where In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Gives Itself Away
The plot needs its heroine to break her own rules. She enters unsecured caves without gear, twice, and sets off into the backcountry without telling anyone where she is going, days after lecturing a trainee about precisely that. The book says so out loud, which flags the contrivance rather than fixing it.
The 2005 and 2006 chapters drift. The grandmother material and one brutal hospital sequence earn their place. A prom subplot and a satirical funeral director do not.
The entomologist exists to deliver a lecture and a locked door. One scene of information, one grudge, then a reappearance in the closing pages as an author of the paper.
The rescued child is a device more than a person. She is given four or five eerie lines while sedated and then goes home offstage, and the novel wants more feeling from her survival than it has built.
The last act explains itself in press clippings. A news story, a closure notice, a public alert, a science feature. Efficient, and it lets the air out of the most frightening thing in the book by giving it a taxonomy.
Content Notes
Unusually heavy, and one item is a structural spoiler that arachnophobic readers need anyway: In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South becomes a spider novel, sustained and specific, and no version of it will be survivable for that phobia. Also: a teenager frightens and abandons a younger child, narrated from her side. Two named adults are killed by predation on the page, at length, and a third death is recounted in the same detail. A horse is killed. A small farm's chickens are killed. Animal remains, a human jawbone and a dead child's shoe are found in a nest. A six-year-old is kept alive as bait. Parental abandonment, including the legal surrender of a child. Compulsive hoarding and squalor, described closely. A parent's alcoholism, cleaned up by her teenage daughter. Withdrawal of life support. A bear-trap injury released by hand. Sustained survivor guilt, and one passage of suicidal resignation. Severe claustrophobia. Snakebite.
The Last Word
The family is in Arkansas in the first place because of a bird. In 2004 a kayaker reported an ivory-billed woodpecker in a Cache River swamp, a species thought gone since the 1940s, and birders came from everywhere to look for a ghost. South opens on that and never labours it, but it sits under all five hundred pages: an entire search built on the possibility that something is still out there, sustained by people who cannot afford to be told otherwise.
What makes In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South better than its premise is that it takes the guilt seriously without letting it become the answer. The narrator did a genuinely cruel thing. She has spent fifteen years certain it was the cause, and the book will not confirm that or clear her, which is harder and truer than either. The best line anyone offers her is arithmetical: think how many teenagers have made exactly that choice, and how few of them lost a brother to it. She declines the comfort. So does the novel. There is a dedication at the front to the author's own brother, and once you have finished, it is difficult to read this as anything other than a book written to give a real absence a shape.
In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Keeps a Stolen Voice
South builds the book out of things that get dismissed. A grandmother who hangs flowers over her doorframes because she and her husband used to hear crying from the tree line, and whose horses refused to cross it. A boy who woke in his tree house to something scratching at every surface at once. A girl who swore she heard her own scream come back out of a hole in the ground. A woman who wakes at three in the morning to a lost child sobbing for her mother, and realises the sob is identical each time.
Each is explained away by somebody sensible, usually with fond exasperation. Foxes sound like women. Sound bounces strangely off sandstone. You were exhausted and you had not eaten. The novel collects those explanations, one per chapter, then turns them over. Its real subject is not a monster. It is what happens to people who report one.
Two Clocks, One of Which You Already Know
The chapters carry no numbers. They carry a year, and under it a running count: three days, seven days, three weeks, three months, one year. The 2019 strand gets its own counter, hours at first, then days, as a six-year-old goes missing from a trail in the same park. Two tallies climbing in parallel, and the reader knows from the first page which of them never stops.
It is the best decision in the book, doing the emotional arithmetic without a word of commentary. The older number is up in the thousands by the time the newer one reaches fourteen, and every time In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South cuts back to 2004 the gap between them widens. Fifteen years, six days, the narrator notes at one point, a figure she has never needed to write down.
The Ranger Who Told the Truth and Was Hospitalised for It
The park superintendent is the most interesting adult here, and the most compromised. He ran the search for the brother in 2004 and runs the search for the girl in 2019, and in between he taught the narrator everything she knows: contour lines, fire, and how to make sure you can always find the way back to where you started.
He is also the man who saw something happen to a colleague in 1989, reported it in full, was treated for shock-induced psychosis, and was banned from his friend's funeral. What he did with that is the moral engine of In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South. He stopped talking. He barred the caves and gave a conservation reason for it that was not the real one. He set traps that are illegal and filed no paperwork. And he let a thirteen-year-old's search run for months without ever naming the possibility he privately believed. The novel gives him a superb confession scene and then, to its credit, does not let him off.
In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Knows How Searching Actually Works
The procedural layer is the reason the horror lands. South went and asked people. Probability of area. Sector searches drawn like spokes. Trail blazes that must each be within sight of the last. Desire paths that have to be kicked over with scree before hikers follow them off the map. Why a cadaver dog fails in a drought. The seventeen hours it takes to winch one woman out of a squeeze she slid into by accident.
Two sequences inside narrow cave passages are as unpleasant as anything I have read this year, and they work because they are written from inside the ribcage of the woman in them: exhale to make yourself small enough to move, breathe in and the rock is already there. Nothing supernatural is required. The ground is doing it.
Where In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South Gives Itself Away
The plot needs its heroine to break her own rules. She enters unsecured caves without gear, twice, and sets off into the backcountry without telling anyone where she is going, days after lecturing a trainee about precisely that. The book says so out loud, which flags the contrivance rather than fixing it.
The 2005 and 2006 chapters drift. The grandmother material and one brutal hospital sequence earn their place. A prom subplot and a satirical funeral director do not.
The entomologist exists to deliver a lecture and a locked door. One scene of information, one grudge, then a reappearance in the closing pages as an author of the paper.
The rescued child is a device more than a person. She is given four or five eerie lines while sedated and then goes home offstage, and the novel wants more feeling from her survival than it has built.
The last act explains itself in press clippings. A news story, a closure notice, a public alert, a science feature. Efficient, and it lets the air out of the most frightening thing in the book by giving it a taxonomy.
Content Notes
Unusually heavy, and one item is a structural spoiler that arachnophobic readers need anyway: In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South becomes a spider novel, sustained and specific, and no version of it will be survivable for that phobia. Also: a teenager frightens and abandons a younger child, narrated from her side. Two named adults are killed by predation on the page, at length, and a third death is recounted in the same detail. A horse is killed. A small farm's chickens are killed. Animal remains, a human jawbone and a dead child's shoe are found in a nest. A six-year-old is kept alive as bait. Parental abandonment, including the legal surrender of a child. Compulsive hoarding and squalor, described closely. A parent's alcoholism, cleaned up by her teenage daughter. Withdrawal of life support. A bear-trap injury released by hand. Sustained survivor guilt, and one passage of suicidal resignation. Severe claustrophobia. Snakebite.
The Last Word
The family is in Arkansas in the first place because of a bird. In 2004 a kayaker reported an ivory-billed woodpecker in a Cache River swamp, a species thought gone since the 1940s, and birders came from everywhere to look for a ghost. South opens on that and never labours it, but it sits under all five hundred pages: an entire search built on the possibility that something is still out there, sustained by people who cannot afford to be told otherwise.
What makes In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South better than its premise is that it takes the guilt seriously without letting it become the answer. The narrator did a genuinely cruel thing. She has spent fifteen years certain it was the cause, and the book will not confirm that or clear her, which is harder and truer than either. The best line anyone offers her is arithmetical: think how many teenagers have made exactly that choice, and how few of them lost a brother to it. She declines the comfort. So does the novel. There is a dedication at the front to the author's own brother, and once you have finished, it is difficult to read this as anything other than a book written to give a real absence a shape.
April 17, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. The writing style pulls you in immediately and never lets go. There wasn’t a single slow chapter. The author kept the tension and momentum high throughout without ever feeling overstuffed or chaotic. Whether it was any action/suspenseful scenes or characters interacting in a social setting. I especially liked the unique structure. Instead of traditional chapters, the story is told through the past and present with the specific time stamps tied to the disappearances.
At first, I didn’t think I’d connect with Audrey. She came across as a typical annoyed older sister in the early pages. I just wanted to hug Benny in that chapter. The authors writing made me feel like when he disappeared, I lost someone I knew.
As the story progresses, you watch her grapple with deep guilt and grief as an adult, and it gets you to feel it with her. She’s also a smart, capable main character. She pieces things together quickly, trusts her instincts, and doesn’t waste time denying the impossible when it’s staring her in the face.
Her relationship with Corbin was one of my favorite parts. Their 15 year friendship felt warm and authentic, with just enough subtle tension to hint that something deeper might have been there. The ending hit me hard. I did not see Corbin’s death coming.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that I was a little disappointed by the reveal of the creature. I was hoping for something more mythological or entirely original, so landing on a giant spider (or spider-like being) felt a bit underwhelming compared to the direction I thought the story was heading. Overall, I liked this book and I’m already looking forward to whatever this author writes next!
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. The writing style pulls you in immediately and never lets go. There wasn’t a single slow chapter. The author kept the tension and momentum high throughout without ever feeling overstuffed or chaotic. Whether it was any action/suspenseful scenes or characters interacting in a social setting. I especially liked the unique structure. Instead of traditional chapters, the story is told through the past and present with the specific time stamps tied to the disappearances.
At first, I didn’t think I’d connect with Audrey. She came across as a typical annoyed older sister in the early pages. I just wanted to hug Benny in that chapter. The authors writing made me feel like when he disappeared, I lost someone I knew.
As the story progresses, you watch her grapple with deep guilt and grief as an adult, and it gets you to feel it with her. She’s also a smart, capable main character. She pieces things together quickly, trusts her instincts, and doesn’t waste time denying the impossible when it’s staring her in the face.
Her relationship with Corbin was one of my favorite parts. Their 15 year friendship felt warm and authentic, with just enough subtle tension to hint that something deeper might have been there. The ending hit me hard. I did not see Corbin’s death coming.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that I was a little disappointed by the reveal of the creature. I was hoping for something more mythological or entirely original, so landing on a giant spider (or spider-like being) felt a bit underwhelming compared to the direction I thought the story was heading. Overall, I liked this book and I’m already looking forward to whatever this author writes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2026
In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South is a haunting, atmospheric mystery that turns the wilderness into something both beautiful and deeply threatening. Part Southern Gothic, part psychological suspense, and part horror, this is the kind of story that makes you wonder whether the most frightening thing lurking in the woods is something supernatural—or something buried in the past.
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg’s younger brother, Benny, disappeared during a family trip to Devil’s Den State Park. He was never found, and Audrey has spent the years since living in the shadow of that loss. Now a park ranger specializing in wilderness search and rescue, she has returned to the very place where Benny vanished. She knows these woods better than almost anyone, but some part of her is still searching for the one person she could never bring home.
Then a little girl named Ivy disappears.
The similarities between Ivy’s disappearance and Benny’s are impossible for Audrey to ignore, and what begins as a desperate search for a missing child gradually becomes something much darker. Audrey starts questioning whether Ivy simply wandered away—or whether something in these woods took her. And if that's true, she has to confront the possibility that the same thing may have happened to Benny.
I loved how effectively Carrie Lee South makes the setting feel like a character of its own. The woods are simultaneously gorgeous, claustrophobic, and menacing. There’s a constant sense that something is watching from beyond the trail, and even the quiet moments carry this low hum of dread. It isn't necessarily about nonstop scares; it's the feeling that something isn't quite right that makes the story so unsettling.
Audrey is also such a compelling protagonist because her determination to find Ivy is tangled up with fifteen years of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions. Her career makes perfect sense for someone who once experienced the unbearable helplessness of having a loved one disappear. She can rescue other people now. She can search harder, know more, and maybe prevent another family from experiencing what hers did. But returning to those same woods also means she can never completely escape Benny.
And then there’s the secret Audrey has been carrying since the day her brother disappeared.
That layer adds an especially interesting psychological element because the deeper Audrey ventures into the mystery surrounding Ivy, the more she has to confront her own memories. The past and present begin folding together until finding Ivy and discovering what happened to Benny feel almost inseparable.
The mystery kept me turning pages, but it was the atmosphere that really worked for me. This is a story filled with grief, obsession, memory, guilt, and the desperate human need for closure. There's something especially unnerving about a place that's supposed to be familiar becoming unknowable, and South captures that beautifully.
Dark, eerie, and wonderfully atmospheric, In the Woods They Wait is perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a supernatural edge and their horror wrapped around an emotional core. It left me with exactly the feeling I want from a story like this: maybe don't wander into the woods alone.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Fifteen years ago, Audrey Figg’s younger brother, Benny, disappeared during a family trip to Devil’s Den State Park. He was never found, and Audrey has spent the years since living in the shadow of that loss. Now a park ranger specializing in wilderness search and rescue, she has returned to the very place where Benny vanished. She knows these woods better than almost anyone, but some part of her is still searching for the one person she could never bring home.
Then a little girl named Ivy disappears.
The similarities between Ivy’s disappearance and Benny’s are impossible for Audrey to ignore, and what begins as a desperate search for a missing child gradually becomes something much darker. Audrey starts questioning whether Ivy simply wandered away—or whether something in these woods took her. And if that's true, she has to confront the possibility that the same thing may have happened to Benny.
I loved how effectively Carrie Lee South makes the setting feel like a character of its own. The woods are simultaneously gorgeous, claustrophobic, and menacing. There’s a constant sense that something is watching from beyond the trail, and even the quiet moments carry this low hum of dread. It isn't necessarily about nonstop scares; it's the feeling that something isn't quite right that makes the story so unsettling.
Audrey is also such a compelling protagonist because her determination to find Ivy is tangled up with fifteen years of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions. Her career makes perfect sense for someone who once experienced the unbearable helplessness of having a loved one disappear. She can rescue other people now. She can search harder, know more, and maybe prevent another family from experiencing what hers did. But returning to those same woods also means she can never completely escape Benny.
And then there’s the secret Audrey has been carrying since the day her brother disappeared.
That layer adds an especially interesting psychological element because the deeper Audrey ventures into the mystery surrounding Ivy, the more she has to confront her own memories. The past and present begin folding together until finding Ivy and discovering what happened to Benny feel almost inseparable.
The mystery kept me turning pages, but it was the atmosphere that really worked for me. This is a story filled with grief, obsession, memory, guilt, and the desperate human need for closure. There's something especially unnerving about a place that's supposed to be familiar becoming unknowable, and South captures that beautifully.
Dark, eerie, and wonderfully atmospheric, In the Woods They Wait is perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a supernatural edge and their horror wrapped around an emotional core. It left me with exactly the feeling I want from a story like this: maybe don't wander into the woods alone.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the Woods They Wait is a creepy read from Carrie Lee South.
"Fifteen years ago Audrey's little brother disappeared during a family visit to Devil's Den State Park. Now, Audrey is a park ranger at the park and an expert in search and rescue. A little girl goes missing with similarities to her brother's case. It looks like Ivy wasn't lost but taken. Is there someone or something in the woods taking children?"
Audrey has a secret that's been eating at her for fifteen years. She did something that makes her feels responsible for her brother's disappearance and her family's disintegration. She's always looking for answers to what happened to her brother. She hears things and sees things in the woods that she can't explain. Her boos is squirrelly about it. The author is setting you up - there's something, but what is it? Why has no one seen it? Or have they? South dribbles out clues to make you wonder. Woods are creepy already but she makes you question why anyone is in these woods. Many will be freaked out by what's in these woods. You will never want to hear cicadas again.
This is a horror story from South that's perfect for spooky season.
"Fifteen years ago Audrey's little brother disappeared during a family visit to Devil's Den State Park. Now, Audrey is a park ranger at the park and an expert in search and rescue. A little girl goes missing with similarities to her brother's case. It looks like Ivy wasn't lost but taken. Is there someone or something in the woods taking children?"
Audrey has a secret that's been eating at her for fifteen years. She did something that makes her feels responsible for her brother's disappearance and her family's disintegration. She's always looking for answers to what happened to her brother. She hears things and sees things in the woods that she can't explain. Her boos is squirrelly about it. The author is setting you up - there's something, but what is it? Why has no one seen it? Or have they? South dribbles out clues to make you wonder. Woods are creepy already but she makes you question why anyone is in these woods. Many will be freaked out by what's in these woods. You will never want to hear cicadas again.
This is a horror story from South that's perfect for spooky season.
September 6, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
I really enjoyed this! First of all to whoever is just picking this up, this is a horror thriller, not just a mystery thriller. In case you didn’t realize like I didn’t 🫣
This book follows park ranger Audrey as a little girl goes missing in her park. The disappearance mirrors her brothers fifteen years prior. Her brother was never found, and it destroyed her family in the process. This flips back and forth between timelines of Benny’s disappearance and Ivy’s as Audrey and the other rangers search for any sign of the little girl.
It begins to become apparent something is hunting within the park.
I really liked the writing of this book. It had some beautiful prose and it was very introspective regarding Audrey’s thought process and her family’s overall trauma.
This has a hit of a slower pace up until around 60% when the action truly picks up. I think some readers won’t enjoy the pacing, but it had me gripped the entire time and I read it in 24 hours. Great summer creepy read!
I really enjoyed this! First of all to whoever is just picking this up, this is a horror thriller, not just a mystery thriller. In case you didn’t realize like I didn’t 🫣
This book follows park ranger Audrey as a little girl goes missing in her park. The disappearance mirrors her brothers fifteen years prior. Her brother was never found, and it destroyed her family in the process. This flips back and forth between timelines of Benny’s disappearance and Ivy’s as Audrey and the other rangers search for any sign of the little girl.
It begins to become apparent something is hunting within the park.
I really liked the writing of this book. It had some beautiful prose and it was very introspective regarding Audrey’s thought process and her family’s overall trauma.
This has a hit of a slower pace up until around 60% when the action truly picks up. I think some readers won’t enjoy the pacing, but it had me gripped the entire time and I read it in 24 hours. Great summer creepy read!
August 23, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the arc. This was 4 stars rounded up to 4.5 for me.
Okay so honestly it took me some time to actually put the pieces together of this book to figure out what was going on and wow that was fun. Let me tell you, reading this at night??? Had me all different levels of creeped out and scared. I also really don't like caves and those scenes got to me. I really could not put this down, I devoured it in like a day. I was not expecting this to be a creature feature but LOVED it!
We follow our FMC, Audrey, who's little brother disappeared in this state park when she was a teenager. Her emotions are palpable. The deep grief, sense of responsibility, the anxiety, the guilt. Though I feel like we didn't get a satisfying ending moment with Audrey's mother (who honestly while I felt for, was seriously creeped out by), The emotions depicted in this book were so well done. I also really enjoyed the other characters and how they were weaved into the story. Highly recommend this one!
Okay so honestly it took me some time to actually put the pieces together of this book to figure out what was going on and wow that was fun. Let me tell you, reading this at night??? Had me all different levels of creeped out and scared. I also really don't like caves and those scenes got to me. I really could not put this down, I devoured it in like a day. I was not expecting this to be a creature feature but LOVED it!
We follow our FMC, Audrey, who's little brother disappeared in this state park when she was a teenager. Her emotions are palpable. The deep grief, sense of responsibility, the anxiety, the guilt. Though I feel like we didn't get a satisfying ending moment with Audrey's mother (who honestly while I felt for, was seriously creeped out by), The emotions depicted in this book were so well done. I also really enjoyed the other characters and how they were weaved into the story. Highly recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars
There are many unsavoury things that can happen in the woods.
Thank you to Hachette Books for my gifted copy of In The Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South.
On the surface, it's every parent's nightmare. A child goes missing in Devil's Den State Park in 2004. Ozark National Forest seems to have scooped up Benny away from his sister Audrey, without any trace at all.
Fifteen years later, Audrey is a ranger in the same park. And six-year-old Ivy goes missing from a hike in much the same manner.
There are local legends of unnatural beings living in the area. Dual timelines of Audrey's childhood with Benny being missing, to Ivy's disappearance, reveal an ending I absolutely wasn't expecting.
A great read from a new-to-me author.
For release on Sept. 22.
There are many unsavoury things that can happen in the woods.
Thank you to Hachette Books for my gifted copy of In The Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South.
On the surface, it's every parent's nightmare. A child goes missing in Devil's Den State Park in 2004. Ozark National Forest seems to have scooped up Benny away from his sister Audrey, without any trace at all.
Fifteen years later, Audrey is a ranger in the same park. And six-year-old Ivy goes missing from a hike in much the same manner.
There are local legends of unnatural beings living in the area. Dual timelines of Audrey's childhood with Benny being missing, to Ivy's disappearance, reveal an ending I absolutely wasn't expecting.
A great read from a new-to-me author.
For release on Sept. 22.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book describes the breath-taking beauty of Arkansas’s Ozark National Forest with 1.2 million acres – a place where it’s easy to go astray.
Audrey was 16 when her annoying 13-year-old brother, Benny, got lost. She kept the truth of how he veered off course feeling a huge sense of guilt. Her parents grieved for their young son when he wasn’t found. It changed their lives.
Audrey was determined to find Benny after volunteers and experts scoured the area for days. She learned as much as she could from Scott, the park superintendent. After high school, she started working there as a tour guide and educational presenter.
However, her main objective was to find out what happened to her little brother. Then in 2019, Ivy was six years old when she went missing. There could be numerous possibilities of what could happen with vast dangers in the forest. Once again, there was a huge team in place trying to find her.
I was hooked at the start learning about the caves, cairns and all sorts of wild animals so it became hard to understand how anyone could survive in this forest alone.
There were three parts: the present in 2023, the number of days that Benny was missing and the number of days that Ivy was missing. It was a challenge to keep track of the flashbacks switching back and forth. However, it led to a mystery that I didn’t see coming. It was enough to give me chills.
My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC with an expected release date of September 22, 2026. The views I share are my own.
Audrey was 16 when her annoying 13-year-old brother, Benny, got lost. She kept the truth of how he veered off course feeling a huge sense of guilt. Her parents grieved for their young son when he wasn’t found. It changed their lives.
Audrey was determined to find Benny after volunteers and experts scoured the area for days. She learned as much as she could from Scott, the park superintendent. After high school, she started working there as a tour guide and educational presenter.
However, her main objective was to find out what happened to her little brother. Then in 2019, Ivy was six years old when she went missing. There could be numerous possibilities of what could happen with vast dangers in the forest. Once again, there was a huge team in place trying to find her.
I was hooked at the start learning about the caves, cairns and all sorts of wild animals so it became hard to understand how anyone could survive in this forest alone.
There were three parts: the present in 2023, the number of days that Benny was missing and the number of days that Ivy was missing. It was a challenge to keep track of the flashbacks switching back and forth. However, it led to a mystery that I didn’t see coming. It was enough to give me chills.
My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC with an expected release date of September 22, 2026. The views I share are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What the heck did I just read?! I didn't have a clue what I was getting into. When I started this book. I went into it based on the title and the book cover and without reading the blurb. And I am just flabbergasted by the twist and turns that took place here and the thrill of reading this book totally in the dark it was fan-freaking-tastic
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