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Margot Phalen FBI #2

The Wolf at the Door

Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26
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When seven skeletons are unearthed along the Appalachian Trail, FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen thinks she already knows who put them there.

Margot knows how predators hunt. As the daughter of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, she’s turned her dark past into a weapon, becoming the Bureau’s expert at getting inside the minds of monsters.

Wyatt Holmes has been behind bars for a decade, convicted of hunting hikers like animals through the Tennessee wilderness. He claims wolves led him to his prey. Everyone thinks he’s insane and surely responsible for the newly discovered skeletons—until the bodies start telling a different story. The burial patterns are wrong. The timeline doesn’t fit.

And as Margot ventures deeper into the wilderness where Holmes once stalked hikers, she discovers a horrifying truth: someone else is out there.

This time, she isn’t the only one hunting—in fact, she’s become the target.

A heart-pounding thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter and Gregg Olsen.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

15 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Kate Wiley

7 books87 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,602 reviews207 followers
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March 14, 2026
5 ⭐

With so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, I stuffed my week with feel-good, predictable, sweet romance novels. When my brain was comforted, and I needed something more…maybe from a sense of trying to understand the chaos, I knew a good psychological thriller should be next on my reading list. This release couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Thankfully, book one was on Kindle Unlimited, so I was able to get familiar with Special Agent Margot Phalen and her background before reading the sequel. This safe way to learn about threats was a welcome read.

I liked getting closure on the accusations presented in book one so that I could focus on the new challenge facing SA Margot. I also appreciated the author giving us more background on the Classified Killer. The pacing was perfect, and the questioning and clue following kept me flipping pages. It was good to see how Margot mentally approached the crime scene, eliminating and collaborating before she came to a working hypothesis. My mind needed this workout. I like how this author writes and I’ll be searching out more of her books.

Margot is a great heroine; she faces the evil and puts in the effort to understand it and overcome the fear.

If you are new to this series, start with book one. It's worth it (super creepy), and it’ll give you the background you need to understand Wes Fox’s case and SA Margot Phalen’s drive. That being said, this book could stand alone if reading time is a factor.

I’m excited to have a new series to follow.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
334 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2026
3.5 rounded up for GR

I don’t think this one was necessary this soon after book one.

It almost felt like a repeat of book 1. The same structure, same pacing, just a different case, location, and characters. We get a crime, Margot steps in, works the angles, and everything unfolds in a very familiar way. I found myself feeling like I had just read this story, just told slightly differently.

That said, I’m still invested.

I’m attached to Margot at this point, and the action and pacing are strong enough to keep the pages turning. Even though I figured out who the killer was pretty early on, the full reveal and details at the end did pull it back up for me.

I just wish there was more progression from book one, something that made this feel like a true continuation instead of a copy and paste formula.

Overall, a solid read, just not as original or impactful as I was hoping.
264 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 13, 2026
4.75* I stood Eve Dallas up for Margot Phalen, and have no regrets.

Book 2 in the new MP FBI series can't be read as a standalone. The discovery that MP made, that I thought was just a bit too convenient at the very end of book 1, helping to exonerate Wes, makes another appearance (or few) here, and we get to hear the unsub's voice throughout the tale. We also find out that they/another unsub? want what's theirs back - this is cleverly done, and there wasn't a doubt in my mind as to what said voice was referring to. But, I was big time wrong as to their identitiy/ies and to what was wanted back. This author does beautifully with setting her scene and unsub/s.

The wolf character of the tale and the title sounded weirdly believable, to the point it had me pondering mental health as an illness versus delusions/indoctrination/cult. I'm still no closer to understanding the guy by the end of the tale, but suspect that he's done for in this series.

There is more than one thread being played out - to say how many would spoiler this tale. I was shocked and in a tiny bit of disbelief at the killer/killers' (?) identity/ies, how they could go undetected for so long and how no one noticed there was something wrong with them. Were they all that good actors? The ending was the teeniest bit unsatisfying because the issue of getting the victims to their graves wasn't explained enough. The blood sacrifice aspect, yes. The 'Imhotep'-ish bit, yes. But not the physical distance, and as the killer/s were described physically, unless their beliefs/delusions/indoctrination/cult absorption gave them superhuman strength, then no, that doesn't work.

Again, not spoilering here but it was nice to see a bit more of Wes in this book, seeing that distance and the storyline kept him mostly out of the thick of things. Could it happen irl without screams of compromise and without defence lawyers screaming "set up!"? Not sure.

And, thank goodness for motels in obscure little American towns that haven't been decorated or refurbished since the 70s, that provided a perfect means of self-defence and MP socking the baddie/s where it hurt. No shrinking violet, her.

Book 3 has seemingly already been written, as there's a full blurb at the end of this one. I'm so glad KW is such a prolific author, and that Storm Publishing know what a gem they have on their hands in her, as they don't delay putting her tales out, so I'm expecting the next in about 4-6 weeks going on the gap between books 1 and 2.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,051 reviews98 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 24, 2026
The Wolf at the Door is a taut, breath‑catching thriller that pulls you straight into the shadowed wilderness of the Appalachian Trail and refuses to let go. From the moment seven skeletons are unearthed, there’s a sense of something ancient and hungry stirring beneath the surface, and the novel leans beautifully into that primal unease.

FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen is the kind of protagonist who lingers with you. As the daughter of a notorious serial killer, she carries a darkness she’s learned to weaponise, and watching her navigate the blurred line between hunter and hunted gives the story its sharpest edge. Her expertise, her instincts, and the quiet ache of her past make her compelling in a way that feels both fierce and deeply human.

Wyatt Holmes, the convicted killer who once stalked hikers through the Tennessee wilderness, adds another layer of tension. Everyone is ready to pin the newly discovered bodies on him—until the evidence starts whispering a different truth. The burial patterns don’t match. The timeline fractures. And suddenly the trail Margot is following begins to twist into something far more dangerous.

The wilderness itself becomes a character here—vast, watchful, and indifferent. As Margot ventures deeper into the terrain where Holmes once hunted, the atmosphere tightens beautifully. You can almost feel the trees closing in, the silence sharpening, the sense that something unseen is tracking her steps. When Margot realises she’s become the target, the story shifts into a breathless, pulse‑quickening chase that’s as atmospheric as it is unsettling.

This is a thriller that thrives on tension, psychology, and the quiet terror of being truly alone with something that means you harm. Perfect for readers who love their crime fiction dark, character‑driven, and edged with danger, The Wolf at the Door delivers a gripping, wilderness‑soaked mystery that keeps its teeth in you long after the final page.

With thanks to Kate Wiley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Sue.
885 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 17, 2026
This is the second of the Margot Phalen series where she is working for the FBI.
She mainly works from her ranch, but occasionally has to go to the office or to crime sites.
A mass grave has been found in a remote Appalachian area, and it looks as though one of the victims was buried alive!
A serial killer who operated in the area is in prison, but he left his victims out for the wolves.... not in graves.

Oh, Margot is such a character. Her past has made her into the woman she is, and while there is darkness in her, she is a good person, just needing to make the world a better place.

This book centres on a serial killer who has been apprehended, and who could not have been responsible for some of the victims in the grave, some are too recent.

Margot and her team have to figure out how the victims got to this remote site - a difficult climb up a trail.

Margot's gut instincts are always spot on. She senses danger before it rears it's ugly head - and in this book it saves her life.

How was she to know that she was a target?
It was a shock to me who the killer was - and the motive. Really creepy.

I don't want to give away any of this book's plot, but there are twists and turns that will grab the reader and like me, they will read far into the night, unable to put the book down.

Another fantastic Kate Wiley thriller - do yourself a favour and read the whole series prior to this, where Margot is a Homicide Detective. Will give you insight to what type of person she is, and why she is like she is.
I am so pleased she has Wes by her side, he is her anchor.

I have read them all, and honestly can't wait for the next instalment.

5/5 stars
Profile Image for Ree.
68 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 19, 2026
I was SO excited for book 2 because I absolutely devoured book 1 and immediately dove into the entire Margot Phalen homicide detective series.

While I absolutely love this series and book 2 delivered in a lot of ways, there were a few things that left more to be desired.

I was shaking in my boots the way book 1 ended, and I was REALLY looking forward to getting more into the "orange bucket killer" as I like to call him. But I noticed it was not the main event of book 2 as I had hoped and expected. I felt like we were just given crumbs in regard to him so it was hard for me to really get into the story and I couldn't figure out why. Then around 40% in I realized why. I understand it's because this isn't technically Margot's jurisdiction, but now that she has been asked to assist with the case I really hope book 3 delivers.

Another thing I missed was the little town she lives in, with her farm and rescue animals. I LOVED that setting so much and I hope we can get more of it in book 3.

I think those were the main things that ultimately made me rate this 4 stars instead of 4.75 like book 1.

I didn't think this book was very twisty but I don't really need a bunch of twists to be honest. But if you're expecting this to be a very twisty thriller type book, it's not. It is, however, written well and a very great fbi series! If you like crime novels, or tv shows like Criminal Minds, you definitely need to check this out! This is definitely 1 of my top 2 crime series novels.

And also, "I want them back" was CRAZY.

Thank you Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Kate Wiley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,256 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thanks to Storm Publishing for them pre-approval to read this book.

The Wolf at the Door continues extraordinarily the Margot Phalen series with bone chilling fashion.

This time for Margot and her colleagues, their serial killer could case brings them to Tennessee and to the winding, rugid Appalachian Trail; and to the woods and the wilds where murderer Wyatt Holmes made this stage of death. Being back deep into the actual field means putting one's thoughts into how in the HELL did Holmes kill for so long in such in an untamed place- given as the team learns- it takes so much physicality to achieve to kill in this trail, Holmes couldn't be behind a set of graves discovered deep within the woods. What Margot ( along with readers themselves ) that Wyatt Holmes is a kind of killer that while many will write off as crazy; Margot believes the way Holmes hunts his victims is to give back to "his" pack of wolves that her truly believes he was a member off. These haunting graves and unknown victims means the team has found something far more daunting: a serial killer no one knew of... until now. As the case twists into the unknown, unearthing the identities of the victims and understand a killer that's as comfortable as Holmes was in his own death space; the team becomes the hunted... and their killer wants what was his back buried in the ground. No matter how.

Unmasking this shadowy UNSUB means unlocking a darker links of a chain that would come to define a serial killer.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for TheNovelNomad.
58 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
The Wolf at the Door is the kind of thriller that sinks its claws in early and refuses to let go.

The premise alone is chilling, but what truly makes this story stand out is the creeping sense that nothing is as straightforward as it first appears. Every new discovery pushes the investigation further into unsettling territory, turning certainty into doubt and keeping the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen is a fascinating character to follow. Her understanding of predators isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal—and that perspective gives the story an edge that feels sharper than the typical crime thriller. Watching her navigate a case where the truth keeps shifting adds an intense psychological layer to the suspense.

The wilderness surrounding the Appalachian Trail becomes more than just a backdrop. It amplifies the unease, creating the constant feeling that danger could be waiting just beyond the next ridge. That atmosphere of isolation makes every step of the investigation feel more precarious.

Author Kate Wiley builds the story with a steady hand, balancing psychological intrigue with pulse-pounding momentum. The result is a thriller that feels both immersive and unsettling, pulling readers deeper into the mystery with every chapter.

Dark, tense, and impossible to ignore, this is the kind of read that will have thriller fans racing toward the final pages just to see how it all unfolds.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
615 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026
Chilling Return for Margot Phalan

The Wolf at the Door is another gripping triumph from Kate Wiley, delivering everything fans of her writing have come to love and a story that lingers long after the final page. At the heart of the novel is Margot Phalan, a character who continues to evolve in compelling and unpredictable ways. Margot is sharp, complex, and emotionally real, drawing you deeper into her world with every chapter. Wiley has a real gift for crafting protagonists who feel authentic, and Margot is no exception as she is the kind of character you invest in completely. Margot is sharp, complex, and emotionally real, drawing you deeper into her world with every chapter. Wiley has a real gift for crafting protagonists who feel authentic, and Margot is no exception as she is the kind of character you invest in completely. The story itself is tightly woven, full of suspense and unease, with that signature slow-burn intensity Wiley does so well. There’s a constant sense that something is just around the corner something dangerous and it keeps the pages turning with gripping plot twists.

What truly stands out is Wiley’s writing style with just the right amount of detail to bring scenes vividly to life without ever slowing the momentum. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books, this one absolutely delivers on every level. For fans of Margot Phalan The Wolf at the Door is must-read Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Simone (mysterypageturners) Ketchum.
56 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
📚Book: The Wolf At The Door
Author: Kate Wiley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Crime Thriller
Pages: 310
Coming May 2026


📚My Book Review:

The Wolf At The Door by Kate Wiley is a crime thriller, book 2 of the Margot Phalen FBI Series.

When seven skeletons are unearthed along the Appalachian Trail, FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen thinks she already knows who put them there. Margot knows how predators hunt. As the daughter of one of America's most notorious serial killers, she's turned her dark past into a weapon, becoming the Bureau's expert at getting inside the minds of monsters.
This time, she isn't the only one hunting-in fact, she's become the target.


I was so excited to read this book because I loved book 1! Much like the first book, the second book was a fantastic read and did not disappoint! I was on the edge of my seat the whole book. It was a fast paced read! The story is told from the main character’s POV but the author also incorporates a sinister unknown person’s POV as well. Lots of suspense and twists. I did not see the big twist coming! The book left me wanting to read the next book immediately.


I rated this book 5 stars! If you like FBI crime thrillers and books about serial killers, this book is for you! My suggestion is to read the first book of the series to be able to fully enjoy this story because it is a carry over from book 1. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
Profile Image for Paula.
1,332 reviews48 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 24, 2026
The Wolf at the Door by Kate Wiley is a very engaging thriller that blends suspense and psychological depth. I was immediately drawn into the story, especially getting back with familiar characters of FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen, Wes, Andrew, Sydney, Alana, and Greg. Margot’s unusual background, as the daughter of a notorious serial killer, adds a fascinating layer to her role as an investigator. Her ability to navigate the twisted minds of criminals is compelling, making her a standout protagonist. The author constructs a story filled with tension as Margot delves into the chilling case of the seven skeletons found along the Appalachian Trail. The way the author weaves together forensic details with Margot’s personal struggles kept me interested in what would happen and provided insight into the case and a deeper understanding of Margot’s motivations.

I was never truly able to guess who the culprit was until it was revealed as the author throws in clever twists that challenged my assumptions, making for an unpredictable and thrilling read.

Overall, The Wolf at the Door is a well-crafted thriller that kept me guessing until the final pages. With its intricate plot and a chilling backdrop, it’s a great read. I would recommend this book, this series, and this author.

#TheWolfattheDoor #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
Profile Image for Suesyn Zellmer.
535 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 19, 2026
Several bodies have been found in a mass grave on the Appalachian Trail, and the FBI believes them to be victims of Wyatt Holmes, a serial killer who hunted and slaughtered several people over many years. FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen is brought in to talk to him and get him to admit that they are his victims. But after meeting with him, she fears the worst – he wasn’t responsible for these crimes, so there is another serial killer out there.

As part of their investigation, they visit The Body Farm, otherwise known as The Anthropology Research Facility at The University of Tennessee. I’ve heard of this place and always thought it would be fascinating to visit, but the closest I’ll ever get is reading about it in books like this one. It’s really cool how they can determine the years (to a degree) each of the bodies was buried.

There are also more clues regarding the unknown perpetrator who buried a disturbing bucket that Margot discovered. Each story in this series provides more information about him as we see from his perspective, and I’m hoping he’ll become the main focus of a book soon!

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Profile Image for Concha.
581 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Once again, Margot is on the trail of a convicted serial killer and his yet-to-be-identified victims, but there is a new burial site and Margot isn’t convinced they are the work of the same killer.
The story picks up six months after the previous book, but provides enough clues to follow it even if you haven’t read the previous one
In this case, Margot not only has to interview the killer but, together with the rest of the team, must also find out who is responsible for these new murders.
Meanwhile, picking up the thread from the previous book, we continue with the plot involving the mysterious killer who murdered the teenager in her hometown and for whom Wes was accused.
Of course, I love the characters of Margot and Wes and how they complement and support each other. Alana is another strong point and I can’t wait to see how she performs in her new role in the next instalment.
The balance between action and more relaxed moments is spot on, making for a very entertaining and gripping read.
As always, the ending leaves everything set up to continue with this fantastic series, which I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of a good thriller featuring serial killers.
Profile Image for Jeff.
361 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 13, 2026
Kate Wiley continues the adventures of her creation, Margot Phalen. This is the second book in the series that follows her as an FBI agent. There is a previous series that follows her as a police officer. “Tell Me Her Name”, the first book in the FBI series, was my introduction to both the writing of Kate Wiley and Margot Phalen. I have since gone back and I am working my way through the first Phalen series.

Both series are well worth your time. Kate Wiley has really found her voice for Margot and each book, although good, continues to improve. I didn’t think that was possible after “Tell Me Her Name”, but man, oh man, “The Wolf at the Door” takes it up a notch.

The mystery on this one adds to the creep out factor. The investigation is so thorough and provides non-stop action.

At the end of this novel, she announces the next novel and the subject matter. I am so ready for it.

Buy this book and hold on tight. And while you’re at it, join me in going back in Margot’s history and buy the first series. It is worth it.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
1,037 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
The Wolf at the Door is a chilling tale of serial killers. Margot Phalen and the team head to the Appalachian Trail when a case there seems tied to a case of theirs. Random hikers are murdered and there seems to be no pattern. Margot is there to talk to the man in prison responsible for these murders, a man who believes wolves talk to him and he kills for the pack. When bodies are found that were killed after he was already in prison, they realize there is another serial killer.
Margot is a wonderful, complex character. The daughter of a famous serial killer, she has evolved from a closed-off, paranoid state to having a life partner in Wes and living in the country with rescue animals. Thanks to her father teaching her to trust no one and defend herself she is able to protect herself.
We also hear the thoughts of another serial killer who, like her father, hides behind a normal life he has created. A clue has been sent to Margot and may be their next case.
This is a terrifying and fascinating story which will hold you spellbound with its suspense, action, and the setting on the Appalachian Trail.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Joan Jordan.
239 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 26, 2026
FBI Special Agent Margo Phalen works with a cold case team. Her specialty is interviewing convicted serial killers in order to determine if there are other victims that were not originally linked to the killer. When her team is called to the scene where seven skeletons have been found, she's pretty sure that a man, Wyatt Holmes, who has been incarcerated for other murders in the area must have put them there. But, some things don't fit, including the timeline indicating that at least one of these sets of remains were buried while Wyatt was already in prison. When other clues start pointing elsewhere, Margo and her team start hunting elsewhere, all while she is being hunted as well.

I love this series. Margo is flawed, but still uniquely gifted and positioned to do what she does -- get inside the head of serial killers. Her team members are all well developed with their own strengths and quirks. The plot is intriguing with no loose threads at the end. Kate Wiley creates a satisfying mystery with near flawless writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Simone.
387 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 19, 2026
Another incredible read!

The Wolf at the Door is the second installment in the Margot Phalen FBI series, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I’m a huge fan of Kate Wiley’s work, and this book is nothing short of amazing.

Dark, creepy, and intensely gripping, this story kept me on edge from start to finish. The twists genuinely caught me off guard, there were moments I had to stop and process what I just read!

Margot continues to shine as a strong, dedicated leader, relentlessly pursuing serial killers while uncovering long buried secrets. Her character growth and determination make her such a compelling protagonist.

It’s hard to say too much without giving anything away, but trust me, this is a series you’ll want on your TBR immediately.

Kate Wiley’s writing is sharp and immersive, with richly developed characters on both sides of the story. Even the villains are layered and fascinating, which makes the book impossible to put down.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Kate Wiley for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,543 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
Anyone want to take a trip and go to the body farm with me? Think they’ll let me in? Anyone have a research project I could join to get access? lol
Also I loved the comparison of police station coffee to Pap smears made me giggle a bunch.
Though maybe giggling with a serial killer thriller isn’t the best bet

I said many many times and I’ll continue to say it but Kate Wiley’s books read like a Criminal Minds episode, and I’m so intrigued with where she’s taking this FBI series, I’m betting some inspiration came from Criminal Minds Evolution (or maybe I’m projecting) but I’m so obsessed with Margot Phalen (and honestly Wes too he’s amazing no matter how brief his appearance is in this series)
I’m obsessed with this, and binged it! I want to know what happens next I can’t wait to see who the big bad is that we are seeing throughout the first book and this book.

I’m so grateful to have been able to ARC read this book and I can’t wait to have it on my shelf!
404 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 14, 2026
I started this series and read the five Detective Margot Phalen – now turned FBI agent. I read the first book and couldn’t wait for this one, and it didn’t disappoint!

When seven skeletons are unearthed along the Appalachian Trail, FBI Special Agent Margot Phalen thinks she already knows who put them there. Thanks to her father, she knows a lot about serial killers. Will Margot be the prey this time?

If you like compelling female protagonists, strong psychological tension, all in a secluded wilderness setting – this book is for you! I love the way it blends the psychology with personal trauma and survival suspense. It’s fast pace and short, suspense-filled chapters kept me thoroughly engaged throughout the entire book – I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Love FBI Margot Phalen!
Profile Image for Chelsea  Vande zande .
124 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026
Kate Wiley did it again!!
This is the 2nd book in this series and I ate it up! I didn't wanna set it down, it pulled me right in.
Margot is a special agent with the FBI, most of the time she is working from home with her beloved animals. Other times she's on the field hunting down killers. This case takes her to a massive burial ground in the Appalachian mountains.
They thought it was none other than Wyatt Holmes but some of the bodies don't add up with when he was put in prison.
I don't want to give too many spoilers!!! Margot's gut feeling is always tingling when it needs to! After a close call she is able to put the victims to rest and call it a day.
I appreciate that there was some closure when it came to the allegations with Wes. I hope to find out more about that unsolved serial killer in books to come!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an earc for my honest review!
Profile Image for Natalie.
860 reviews
March 18, 2026
Another unputdownable instalment of the Margot Phalen series. Margot and her FBI colleagues tackle a series of bodies found along the Appalachian Trail that they believe are the work of jailed serial killer Wyatt Holmes. Meanwhile, in a nearby town, some evidence has been uncovered which might have links to Margot and her partner Wes's town.

Kate Wiley really turns up the slightly forboding atmosphere as the mystery twists and turns. I love that she builds upon each book, with none of the characters - especially Margot - in stasis. And boy does poor Margot really have to deal with her fears head on in this book. There's even changes afoot within the team. However, for me the best thing about this book was more Wes in this book. As much as I love them finally getting together living in their small town with their menagerie, I missed them working together. He is the perfect complement for her.

I absolutely am giddy with excitement for the next book. In the meantime I am going to re-read all of them again.
Profile Image for Nat’s Bookshelf.
108 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2026
4.75/5⭐️ (Rounded to 5)

This novel went from yee-haw to hell-naw real quick! After Special Agent Margot Phalen and the rest of the cold case until discover bodies on the Appalachian Trail, they wonder if this case is connected to one closer to Margot’s home. I loved the accuracy and descriptions that the author used to tell this case. It made you feel like you were helping to solve the murders.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes serial killers, psychological thrillers, and a good ol’ who dunnit mystery. This series has become a fast favorite of mine!

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Sadie.
305 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 21, 2026
Another amazing read from the talented Kate Wiley. I immediately moved it to the top of my to be read pile as I always do with Ms. Wiley's books.
I can't say enough good things about this author and her books. Both the Margot Phalen Detective series and this series, which has Margot working with the FBI, are amongst my favourite books in the whole world. I've already pre-ordered the paper copy of this book and am eagerly anticipating the 3rd installment of the Margot Phalen FBI series. I hope that Ms. Wiley never runs out of stories, including Margot. I super highly 100% recommend this book to everyone!

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and of course, Kate Wiley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nicola Richardson.
553 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
A good follow up to the first one, with more of Special Agent Margot Phalen and her cold case team. This time they are location in Nashville, looking at the murders by Wyatt Holmes who says he was inspired by wolves. I would have liked that aspect to be more investigated, but there was still a lot going on as they find new cases on the Appalachian Trail. Against the backdrop of Andrew's upcoming retirement, we find out a little more about the team members and their quirks. I did work out one of the perpetrators, but liked the way another one is weaved throughout the book, setting up another case hopefully as it has now been part of both books. I look forward to the next one, and more of the animals hopefully!
Profile Image for Louise Allan.
387 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

FBI agent Margot Phelan and the cold case team are investigating bones they think belong to a known serial killer. However they find more bones that point to another killer. The investigation leaves lives at risk.

This was an exciting second book in the series. No spoilers, but a return to the first was very welcome although my desire to find out the who was frustrating. The books are well written with great characters. The pace is fast and the storyline twists and turns. In this one I was able to figure out the killer but there was still things I had missed that caught me by surprise.

Definitely one to add to the must read pile!
Profile Image for Alexa Brown.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Wiley for the ARC of The Wolf at the Door. I really enjoyed reading the second installment in FBI Agent Margot’s story. The suspense and pacing kept me engaged throughout, and I appreciated how part of the mystery from the first book continues into this one—while still leaving questions unanswered. It definitely has me eager for the next book in the series! I genuinely enjoy the main characters, especially Margot, Wes, and the rest of the FBI team, and I look forward to seeing where their story goes next.
Profile Image for Serena Smith.
439 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
I’m now scared to leave my house. Serial killer mysteries are what nightmares are made of! Thanks to storm publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this truly twisted story. An FBI agent that solves cold cases all dealing with serial killers. Guess what her father was one. While she comes to grip with what he did and who she is, she tries to help solve unsolved murder cases. I would have given it more stars had I not figured it out as soon as the killer came on the scene. One mystery though, the traveling killer from Indiana, I hope they find him in the next book!
Profile Image for Caroline Lewis.
558 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 27, 2026
Kate Wiley can do no wrong. This series (and the series that led to it) are what all mystery/crime authors should be aiming for. More suspenseful and intriguing than a cozy mystery but not so grisly or horrific that you need a therapist while you're reading it. There's something so comfortable about delving into a book that's part of a series where you love the main characters and the writing is consistently perfect. Bring on the next one!

I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,573 reviews49 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 18, 2026
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC.

Margot Phalen returns as a forensic investigator who unearths more remains than expected on the Appalachian trail, as she determines a burial site is housing the remains of the victims of more than one serial killer.

Luckily, serial killers are not as common as this book would lead you to believe!
Profile Image for Esther.
114 reviews
March 16, 2026
Book #2 in this series didn’t disappoint! This intriguing story plays on book #1 but follows a new serial killer / plot while maintaining the subplot and its progression, as well. I really enjoy Kate Wiley’s books, and this won’t be my last. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
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