In a Dark and Lovely Wood

by N.C. James

A summer-camp wedding. A serial killer on the loose. And a wedding party trapped in the woods.

Allie’s once best friend is tying the knot at a nostalgic summer-camp–themed wedding in a remote forest campground. But on the drive in, the wedding party hears chilling a serial killer has escaped custody nearby.

Authorities insist there’s no danger. The wedding goes on.

Allie hates the woods and she hates tense reunions even more. Once inseparable from the bride, she’s now barely more than a courtesy invite. Still, free booze and old friends are hard to turn down.

Gabe doesn’t want to attend either, but as the groom’s brother, he has no choice. Ben and Gabe have been locked in a lifelong rivalry, and things are about to get worse because Gabe has a secret.

And he’s not the only one.

When members of the wedding party start turning up dead, what began as a nostalgic weekend quickly spirals out of control. Cut off from help, stranded in the wilderness, and unsure who to trust, the guests must confront a horrifying

Is the killer stalking them from the dark woods… or hiding among them?

Told in a gripping dual timeline—set in 2004 with eerie present-day podcast snippets—this fast-paced psychological thriller blends locked-room mystery, small-town secrets, wedding drama, and slasher suspense into a page-turning whodunit that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Perfect for fans

Destination wedding thrillersSerial killer mysteriesIsolated wilderness suspenseFriends-with-secrets dramaA binge-worthy thriller you’ll devour in one night.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

I received a BFA in mixed media studio art. With a degree in the arts and no solid plan, I’ve had the opportunity to hold many different jobs; video store manager, barista, photographer’s assistant, toy store clerk, and yoga instructor at a retreat in Puerto Rico are just a few. Hands on research for my books. 


Currently, when I’m not writing, you can find me working at a title one elementary school library, crafting with my little girl, or hosting the podcast, So I Wrote a Book…Now What, where I interview fellow authors about their revision process. I write romances under the name NC Barton.

Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️I really enjoyed this one! It’s a gripping thriller that pulls you straight into a dark, eerie woodland where nothing feels quite right—and honestly, you don’t know who to trust.

From the start, there’s this unsettling atmosphere that just sticks with you. The killings in the woods make it all the more chilling, and it quickly turns into one of those “who did it?” stories where you’re constantly second-guessing everyone.

I loved how cleverly it was put together. There are so many twists, little clues, and moments that make you rethink everything. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and completely throw me off.

It’s definitely a page-turner—I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter” and ended up flying through it. The tension builds so well, and it really keeps you on edge the whole way through.

If you like thrillers that are a bit creepy, full of suspense, and keep you guessing, I’d definitely recommend this one.

⭐ A really clever, atmospheric mystery that kept me hooked right to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Story Club Books, and N. C. James for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, campy, locked room type thriller. It had classic horror movie vibes with modern-day podcasts. I still have some questions about Joe, but everything else is tied up nicely.

Thank you, NetGalley and Story Club Books, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without giving spoilers this book had me checking my doors and locks but also eager to get back to the book! It was good, nostalgic and mysterious. If you like the thrill of solving the mystery you will enjoy this book.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: *In a Dark and Lovely Wood* by N.C. James

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished *In a Dark and Lovely Wood* by N.C. James, and it was a solid four-star read for me. From the moment I saw the cover, I was drawn in—it’s eye-catching and perfectly sets the tone for this popcorn-style murder mystery.

The story kicks off at a summer-camp themed wedding set deep in the woods, where Allie, once the bride’s closest friend but now more of a distant acquaintance, arrives with mixed feelings. On their way in, the wedding party hears unsettling news: a serial killer has escaped nearby. Though the authorities assure everyone it’s safe to proceed, the tension is palpable.

Allie’s discomfort with the woods and the awkward reunion with old friends adds an extra layer of unease. Meanwhile, Gabe, the groom’s brother, is there begrudgingly—and he carries a secret that only complicates things. As guests start dying one by one, what should have been a nostalgic weekend spirals into a nightmare. Trapped and isolated, suspicion falls on everyone: is the murderer lurking in the dark forest, or is the threat closer than anyone expects?

The narrative flips between 2004’s unfolding events and present-day podcast snippets that add eerie context and keep you hooked. N.C. James does a great job blending elements of slasher suspense, classic whodunit mystery, and relationship drama into a fast-paced thriller that’s hard to put down.

If you enjoy stories with destination weddings, isolated settings, and plenty of secrets unraveling alongside a serial killer plotline, this one will definitely hit the spot. I devoured it in a single day—just the kind of light but gripping read perfect for a cozy night in.

Overall, *In a Dark and Lovely Wood* offers memorable characters, a clever dual timeline, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the final page. Definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun thriller that mixes nostalgia with murder in the wilderness.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[bookedupnurse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remote woodland wedding. A serial killer on the loose. What could go wrong?

It’s 2004. A group of 9 20-something’s are heading to the remote location of Lost Lake for the summer-camp themed wedding of their friends, Jennifer and Ben. The venue is perfect and they think nothing of it being the site of previous murders by serial killer Wyatt James, who has escaped custody. Surely he wouldn’t return to his old hunting grounds?

As the group begin to settle at the campsite, things just don’t seem right. There is no cell service, an old lodge where they should have access to landline if any emergency is missing its phone and the telephone lines have been cut. When they find their first body in the lake, with all the markings of killer Wyatt James, the group panics and as the fear spreads, the friends begin to disappear … and what was supposed to be a nostalgic weekend of love becomes deadly.

Has James found them? Or is someone within the group not who they say they are?

The book also jumps every so often to 2024 and to a Murder Mystery podcast that provides small crumbs of information around the case which provides a sense of what is to come, or in some cases, throw us completely off. It is such a good addition to the book and in keeping with modern demand from us at home; armchair detectives following podcasts/netflix/documentaries and needing more details and understand reasoning behind crimes.

The main protagonist in this book is Allie. On the edge of the friendship group, we see her realise how little she knows the people she has come to this dangerous territory with. We do experience other POV’s of others within the group, ensuring character depth and better understanding of the overall group, without all coming from Allie’s perspective. NC James does so well with the complex nature of this story and it flows well, keeping the reader hooked to the final chapter!

This is the perfect summer read, with murder, affairs, complex sibling relations and suspense aplenty! Highly recommend and I hope NCJ continues with crime writing!

Thanks to NetGallery, Story Club Books and N C James for the ARC copy of this book!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for my gifted book in exchange for my review.

In a Dark and Lovely Wood delivers exactly what it promises: a tense, atmospheric thriller that blends wedding drama with classic slasher energy—and for the most part, it works really well.

The premise is irresistible. A remote forest campground, a nostalgic summer-camp–style wedding, and a recently escaped serial killer lurking somewhere nearby—it’s the kind of setup that practically begs for chaos. The author leans into that unease from the start, creating a creeping sense of dread as the wedding party arrives and realizes just how isolated they are.

The dual perspectives of Allie and Gabe add depth to what could have been a straightforward survival story. Allie’s discomfort—both with the woods and with the strained friendships—grounds the emotional stakes, while Gabe’s complicated family dynamic and hidden secrets layer in tension beyond the external threat. The interpersonal drama is just as engaging as the mystery, and the book does a good job of making you suspicious of almost everyone.

The structure, with its dual timeline and podcast snippets, is a standout feature. It adds a true-crime edge that keeps the pacing sharp and gives the story a modern, slightly voyeuristic feel. It also drip-feeds information in a way that keeps you guessing without feeling overly confusing.

Where it falls slightly short is in character depth and payoff. While the cast is intriguing, not all of them feel fully fleshed out, and a few reveals don’t hit as hard as they could have. The final twist is clever, but depending on how closely you’re reading, you might see parts of it coming.

That said, the atmosphere is excellent—claustrophobic, eerie, and full of that “something is very wrong” tension that makes you want to keep turning pages. The setting really shines, turning the woods into a character in its own right.

Overall, this is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that’s perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries and survival horror with a psychological edge. It’s not flawless, but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat read

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Dark and Lovely Wood is the kind of thriller that takes a familiar setting — a nostalgic summer‑camp wedding — and slowly twists it into something far more unsettling. From the moment Allie drives into the remote forest campground, there’s a prickle of unease that never quite leaves the page. Old friendships, old tensions, and the looming presence of an escaped serial killer make for a deliciously claustrophobic mix.

Allie’s reluctance to be there gives the story its grounding. She’s the outsider, the almost‑forgotten friend, the one who’d rather be anywhere but in the woods with people she used to know too well. Gabe, equally unwilling and carrying secrets of his own, adds a second thread of tension that hums beneath the surface. The dynamic between them — wary, sharp, unexpectedly human — gives the novel a heartbeat amid the chaos.

What begins as awkward reunions and forced nostalgia quickly shifts into something darker as members of the wedding party start turning up dead. The isolation is palpable: no help coming, no way out, and the creeping dread that the danger might not be lurking in the trees at all, but sitting beside them at dinner. The dual timeline, woven with eerie podcast snippets, adds a clever layer of foreboding, like someone whispering the ending before you’re ready to hear it.

The pacing is brisk without ever feeling rushed, and the atmosphere is wonderfully thick — pine needles, campfire smoke, and the quiet terror of realising you don’t know the people you thought you did. It’s a slasher‑tinged whodunit with a sharp emotional edge, and the final twist lands with satisfying clarity.

Dark, tense, and irresistibly readable, In a Dark and Lovely Wood is a perfect blend of nostalgia and nightmare, the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop.

With thanks to NC James, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a Dark and Lovely Wood
By N. C. James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I totally get it—as someone used to her swoon-worthy romance novels, diving into a forest full of bodies was a wild pivot! But honestly, N. C. James proved she can slay a thriller just as well as she slays a love story. Under this new alias, she trades the rose petals for rain-soaked woods and tension-filled "who-done-its," and let me tell you, she did not disappoint. It’s the same addictive writing style we love, just with a much higher body count and way more goosebumps.
In a Dark and Lovely Wood is a sharp, binge-worthy psychological thriller that masterfully updates the "slasher" genre for modern readers. The story centers on Allie, who reluctantly attends a summer-camp-themed wedding for her estranged former best friend in a remote forest. The tension is already high due to a lifelong rivalry between the groom, Ben, and his brother Gabe, but it reaches a breaking point when news breaks of a serial killer escaping nearby. As members of the wedding party begin to die, Allie and Gabe must determine if the threat is lurking in the trees or sitting right at the rehearsal dinner.
N. C. James’s writing is exceptionally clever, utilizing a dual timeline (2004 and the present day) and creative media elements like podcast snippets and social media posts to piece together the mystery. The 2004 "throwback" vibes provide a nostalgic yet eerie backdrop that makes the escalating "locked-room" suspense feel even more claustrophobic. While some of the supporting characters are more "cannon fodder" than fully fleshed out, the fast pacing and relentless twists earn this a solid 5-star rating for fans of campy, high-stakes whodunits.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @ncjameswrites and @netgalley for an ARC of this book! I had so much fun reading it.

This was such a fun and campy kind of whodunnit/thriller kind of book. I at one point put on ambience music of spooky camping sounds that enhanced the experience of reading this book (10/10 would recommend doing that on any book you read!)

This book is told in multiple perspectives, and really leaves you wondering what is happening! The book follows a group of college friends who head to a summer camp for a glamping wedding weekend that suppose to lead up to the wedding.

The nine friends all get to relax and hang out, play games and do some drinking, at a beautiful camp ground, but soon the bodies start to pile up, and you’re left guessing who the killer is.

Is it the recently escaped serial killer or one of the guests? Is it one of the long time friends of the group? Or is it the last minute date?

I enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. I really liked that it was told in multiple perspectives, told in dual timelines of 2004 and 2024. I also found it really cool that some chapters were told from a podcast and various content creators who were talking about the murders. It made it so much fun trying to guess who the killer would be and why these killings were happening.

I enjoyed the characters bickering and their friendships, but overall I had some characters I didn’t care who lived. I had a couple I did care if they died. I did figure out part of the twist, and honestly I enjoyed it nonetheless.

My first book by this author and I would definitely read another!

[Amber Boos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A summer-camp wedding. A serial killer on the loose. And a wedding party trapped in the woods.

Those were the first lines of the cover description and pretty much all I needed to know. I was totally there for that! This book was a blast!! Allie and 8 of her college friends head to the dark and lovely woods for the wedding of 2 of the friends. Allie and the bride used to be super-close, then something happened. Now Allie is just barely a courtesy invite. Oh, and she hates the woods and camping. Geez! What could be worse? Well, an escaped serial killer for one and there's that dang avalanche that has cut off all means of getting back to civilization. And then the murders begin.......
Well, the escaped serial killer would be the obvious culprit, but is it really that easy? I had such fun figuring who would be the next to be offed, just like in my beloved 80's horror movies. The story is told from several POV's from both 2004 and 2024. We also have a podcast/news POV that discusses the murders and what could have happened. That added a fun twist. I loved learning how all the various characters' lives had intersected over the years. Nicely done creepy atmosphere and I loved the ending! I look forward to more from NC James!

Thank you to NC James, #NetGalley and Story Club Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Steven Lowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story That Feels Like a Quiet Ache You Can’t Shake

This book completely swept me away. It’s the kind of story that unfolds gently at first, and then suddenly you realize you’re fully immersed—emotionally invested in every moment, every choice, and every connection.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere and emotional depth. The storytelling feels rich and layered, with a sense of longing woven through every page. There’s something almost haunting about the way the past and present intertwine, revealing pieces of the story at just the right pace.

The characters feel incredibly real—flawed, searching, and shaped by love, loss, and everything in between. Their journeys are not rushed, which makes the emotional payoff even more powerful as everything begins to come together.

The writing itself is beautiful and immersive, capturing both the quiet moments and the heavier emotional beats with equal strength. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read—you feel it.

This is a story that lingers. One that stays with you long after the final page, like a song you keep replaying because you’re not quite ready to let it go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Story Club Books for the ARC.

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
I don't know what you think. But I believe that a good thriller can increase your reading speed.
The setting is a forest, the suspects are many and you, as a reader, are called upon to find the solution. Who is the murderer?
The dark and claustrophobic environment of a forest is the ideal choice for murders. The mind plays games. The space is dark, damp and full of dangers. And the question.... But who did it?... swirls your mind.
The author of the book plays with your senses and your mind. The adrenaline hits red. The suspense shoots up to incredible levels. The heartbeat breaks the speedometer as if you are doing a sprint race. And the twists and turns combined with the tension and the rapid changes, make you feel part of the story. As if you are being chased and you have to run if you want to be saved.
In the midst of all this, her writing is atmospheric, fast-paced, full of mystery, smart, stormy and has suspense. In other words, everything I ask for from a thriller book!
Look it up, read it and immerse yourself in the world that the author created for all of us!

Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Julia Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. I recieved 'In a Dark and Lovely Wood,' by N.C. James in exchange for my opinion. This book falls in the thriller/mysery genre. A wedding weekend turns into a deadly nightmare when someone may -or may not-be hunting the wedding guests. This book uses a dual-timeline, which includes the present as wel as pod-cast style sements that slowly build tension in the reader and slowly reveal the plot.
The setting takes this book to anoher level. The '"locked room" feeling and the claustrophobic feeling it evokes adds to the story. The pace is great. The short chapters will make you feel like you're flying through the story. The whole vibe of "trust no one" adds to the parinoia. Instead of teling the story thru the characters, N.C. leans more on feelings; tension, isolation and paranoria to develop the story. In the end, we learn that the real horror element of this story is not the murderer, but the fear and isolation as well as how people quickly switch to a 'save myself'' mentality.
Overall I am giving this book 3.5 stars rounded down to 3! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this the thriler genre.

[Mya Joan Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved In a Dark and Lovely Wood by N.C. James. From the very beginning, the atmosphere pulled me in—the eerie woods, the creeping tension, and the feeling that something wasn’t quite right kept me turning pages.

What really stood out to me was how the suspense kept building without ever losing momentum. I never knew who to expect or who I could really trust, which made the mystery even more gripping. Every chapter had me questioning my assumptions, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would twist in a completely new direction.

And the ending… I loved it so much. It was satisfying, emotional, and perfectly tied everything together in a way that felt both surprising and earned. It’s one of those endings that sticks with you even after you close the book.

This was a gripping and memorable read, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark, atmospheric stories with plenty of twists and a strong payoff at the end. I’ll definitely be thinking about this one for a while.

[Ashley Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Story Club Books for the ARC of this book for an honest review.

This book was described as “binge-worthy” and it delivered!

This book interested me number one because I love a good true crime-murder mystery-thriller book! Second because I’m a millennial like the characters and last because I also had a camping wedding! (No serial killer involved)

Things I enjoyed about the book: it moved along nicely and I never felt bored or like I was “pushing through” the chapters. The multi character POV was fabulous! It was fun to be in the characters minds as things start to unravel and trust becomes an issue among the group. I went back and forth over and over with what I thought was going on and who the killer was. (This would be a great audio book!)

Things that were so-so about the book: The ending felt a tiny bit off/unrealistic (don’t want to give any spoilers) but I still was able to enjoy the book.

I really hope this author continues to write thrillers/murder mystery type books because this one was a fun read!

[Christa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie is attending two of her friends' wedding at a remote campground in the mountains. Their group of 9 heads up a few days early to enjoy the glamping experience before the other guests arrive for the ceremony. The site is picture perfect for a wedding but there is no cell service and they discover that the landlines in the empty lodge have been cut. Then they find a dead body in the lake that has all of the signatures of a serial killer who has recently escaped from prison. When they try to go for help, they discover a landslide has blocked the only way out. Over the next couple of nights more members of the group start disappearing and dying and Allie realizes that she doesn't really know her "friends" as well as she thought. This was great locked room mystery told from multiple POVs as they each try to discover who the killer is before they become the next victim. #NetGalley. #InaDarkandLovelyWood

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of friends go for a camping trip planned to culminate in a wedding. A convicted serial killer escapes from prison in the vicinity. What could possibly go wrong?

As you might guess, things go in inexplicably wrong quite quickly, but nothing is quite as in explicable as why this people would choose a secured camping ground, however luxurious, without even having some form of transports that would enable them to leave after a hired bus has dropped them off.

While it will remind you of every slasher movie you have ever come across, the book works surprisingly well. The characters are well differentiated, as a reader you find yourself emotionally invested in some of them, and the story is cleverly told. A very engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[meghin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Story Club Books for the digital copy of this book.

The twenty year old nostalgia of this book is great. So many little “Easter eggs” if you will, of the 00’s. I loved the multi POV and the back and forth between the wedding weekend and social media posts/podcast/etc. Hearing from people like the teen bumming a smoke and the bus driver, Rusty, were all thoughtfully written and an enjoyable piece to the novel.

The details were fantastic! The camping theme wedding setup sounded so cute! …then the suspense happens. I got to at about 50% into the story at 11:00 pm and just ended up losing sleep. It was dark and I was thoroughly on edge the remainder of reading. Even though the killer was always a prime suspect to me, the ending was a surprise. This is an under hyped book that I’m so excited to share and hope more people pick up!

[Stephanie Pohnl · Rating 5 out of 5]

NC James is my new favorite thriller writer. The setting was such a fun idea. A wedding at a summer camp in the middle of the woods, with all that tension building in the background. The eerie vibes were vibing. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, something would happen that surprised me and made me rethink everything which isn't always the case with thrillers. I also really loved how the book used the 2004 timeline. It was relatable (I was in my prime in 2004!) and brought back many memories and made the story feel even more real. A great read. I loved it and think you will too!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! This was such a fun read. It had that classic And Then There Were None-style setup where you know something is off from the start and everyone feels like a suspect, which made it hard to put down. The story was full of twists and turns, and I loved how easy it was to picture everything… it played out so vividly in my head like a movie. It had a slightly campy slasher vibe at times, but with enough real intrigue and mystery to keep me fully invested. Definitely one of those books that keeps you guessing and makes for a very satisfying read.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, thank you Netgalley and also Story Club Books for this ARC!

A summer camp wedding and a serial killer on the lose! Count me in! I was drawn to the book by it's cover, the title, and of course the blurb. And, at least in my opinion, the story itself was also able to hold up to this promise!

It was all eerie, thanks to the atmosphere in the woods, suspenseful, and also emotional on a level I really did not expect. All the characters just felt so real, and I could relate to them all in some level. Can only very much recommend!

[Caitlan Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild ride! I really enjoyed this book, with its sinister vibes and never ending twists and turns! I found myself being unable to trust anyone and suspecting every single character- constantly switching between theories and guesses. I loved the multiple POV aspect and thought it really added to the experience. A friendship group full of lies, deception and secret hatred plus being stranded in the woods, what could possibly go wrong? Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this, I look forward to more from this author!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Story Time Books for the arc of In a Dark and Lovely Wood by NC James

It was a 4 star read for me - It pulled your right in like you was a part of the story in a dark eerie wood where everything dont seem or feel right, I dont want to spoil the book because you will want to find out for yourselves as it is very suspenesful, page turning, seatgrabbing, I read this within 24 hours I was hooked, thoroughly recommend if you like dark creepy thrillers with insane twists and turns

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, The publishers and NC James for the ARC.

In a dark and lovely wood was an alright read overall, but It did struggle to keep my interest unfortunately.

I liked the podcast/social media chapters, but they sometimes felt quite jarring and took me out of the actual story a little bit.

The ending would have benefited from another chapter or two to pad it out more I think, as it felt quite rushed for me.

[Theresa Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis, it had the premise of a great story.

It did not disappoint, a five star read. I'd say it's one of my favourite thrillers I've read. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the podcast. It made the story both fast paced and immersive.

I worked at a summer camp in Rhode Island for a summer, so enjoy books with some relation to a camp settings. Just glad I have a more positive memories!

A must read.

Thank you NC James and netgalley for the eARC.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Story Club Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy.

A couple is getting married and decides to have the wedding at a summer camp. They invite their friends along to party before the wedding. Things get interesting when a known serial killer escapes near by.
This book was an absolute thriller! I enjoyed how it was set in woods, and took me through such an adventure. It was pretty unpredictable and very twisty. The ending was great and did not disappoint!

[Elizabeth Benavidez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!! I loved this story so much and I don’t honestly think I ever realized how much I love mysteries. Juicy secrets unravel in the past and future through multiple POVs. The nostalgic pop culture and digital media references made it feel familiar and so easy to slip into. I need to make a playlist out of the songs mentioned, so good! I loved the way it ended and it was set up so cleverly.

[Madison Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from NetGalley! I absolutely enjoyed every moment of reading this book. The chapters were short enough that it made this book fun and enjoyable to pick up whenever I wanted! The atmosphere was so well done, and I saw none of the twists coming! Super fun summer thriller, highly recommend!

[Sarah Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved this mystery book! It was the best mystery, whodunit I’ve read so far! From the beginning it had me hooked and pulled in, I read it in one night. NC James did such a good job building the characters and backstory, flipping between past and present. The switch between what was happening in the camp to listening to the current day podcast was done so well!

[Alyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4. I liked the story, though the ending was pretty unrealistic. The writing irritated me at times, feeling kind of juvenile. But I would probably read another thriller from this author in the future.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.