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Beneath The Flame Azalea

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Deep in the mountains of western North Carolina, Jeff, a seasoned hiker stumbles upon an action camera covered in mud following Hurricane Helene. Curious, Jeff salvages the memory card and later, back in the safety of his home, loads the footage onto his laptop.

What he sees shakes raw, unedited footage of a solitary fly fisherman casting peacefully in a mountain stream—until the moment the serenity breaks. The footage ends in a blur of the fisherman’s shaky retreat and a series of screams.

Disturbed and intrigued, Jeff takes the mystery to a popular true crime podcast, Southern Crime All The Time. The podcast, known for solving long-cold southern disappearances, agrees to take the case. Listeners become obsessed with the footage and possible outcomes, sparking internet sleuthing and local headlines.

Jeff searches for answers while also trying to keep a long-held secret from his time on the Appalachian Trail hidden forever.

274 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2026

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Mitch Goddard

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5 stars
40 (55%)
4 stars
15 (20%)
3 stars
11 (15%)
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5 (6%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Kreamer.
326 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2026
The plot pulled me in right away having lived next to the area Helene affected while it was happening. Such a horrible disaster for the community. The mystery created in this book was very intriguing and I had to know the answer to it! The only difficulty I had was that the dialogue felt so unnatural and not at all how people would speak in their real lives. Otherwise a good, quick read that will definitely entertain!
Profile Image for JennaJustReading.
78 reviews
June 7, 2026
A Haunting Appalachian Mystery That Will Stay With You

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑

There is something special about a book that manages to pull you into a place so completely that you can practically smell the mountain air and hear the rushing water. That's exactly what Mitch Goddard's Beneath the Flame Azalea did for me.
Honestly, if I hadn't known this was Mitch's debut novel, I never would have guessed it. The confidence in the storytelling, the atmosphere, and the way the mystery unfolds all felt like the work of a seasoned author.
Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of western North Carolina, Beneath the Flame Azalea opens with an irresistible mystery. When a seasoned hiker named Jeff discovers a mud-covered action camera deep in the wilderness, he expects to find footage of someone's outdoor adventure. Instead, he uncovers something far more disturbing: video of a peaceful fly-fishing trip that abruptly descends into panic, screams, and unanswered questions.
From there, the story expands into a fascinating blend of wilderness mystery, small-town secrets, and true crime obsession. When the footage finds its way to the popular podcast Southern Crime All The Time, internet sleuths and armchair detectives become consumed with uncovering what happened to the missing fisherman. But as the investigation gains momentum, it also threatens to expose secrets that some people have spent years trying to bury.
One of my favorite things about this book was its atmosphere. Mitch Goddard captures the rugged beauty and danger of western North Carolina so vividly that the setting becomes a character in its own right. The Appalachian wilderness, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the isolated trails, and the deep canyons of Linville Gorge create a constant feeling of unease. Not horror exactly, but that sense that nature is vast, unpredictable, and capable of hiding secrets for a very long time.
If you're someone who loves atmospheric mysteries where the setting plays a major role, this book absolutely delivers.
The pacing worked really well for me, too. This isn't a nonstop action thriller racing from one twist to the next. Instead, it's a deliberate, slow-burning mystery that allows the characters and their relationships to develop naturally. The story takes its time building tension, layering clues, and exploring the emotional baggage carried by its cast. Then, when the momentum starts to build, it becomes incredibly difficult to put down.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in the characters. Jeff's journey is about far more than solving a mystery. Beneath the surface lies guilt, regret, and the weight of choices made long ago. The supporting cast feels equally real, especially Officer Petal, whose flaws and struggles make her feel wonderfully human. The relationships, community dynamics, and personal histories add depth that elevates the story beyond a traditional mystery.
I also loved the incorporation of the true crime podcast element. As someone who enjoys true crime content, it felt both modern and believable. The way the story explores internet sleuthing, media attention, and public fascination with unsolved mysteries added another layer to the investigation. It raises interesting questions about how quickly people become invested in real-life mysteries and whether that attention ultimately helps or hurts the search for truth.
And then there's the ending.
Book besties, I cannot say much without spoiling anything, but wow.
The final chapters left me with so many thoughts and questions. It's one of those endings that doesn't simply wrap everything up and send you on your way. Instead, it lingers. Days later, I found myself still thinking about the characters, the choices they made, and the implications of what I had just read. Those are often my favorite kinds of books—the ones that refuse to leave your head after you've turned the final page.
Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, literary suspense, wilderness thrillers, and character-driven stories will find a lot to love here. If you enjoyed books like The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, or Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, I think Beneath the Flame Azalea deserves a spot on your reading list.
Overall, I gave Beneath the Flame Azalea 4 stars. It was mysterious without being frightening, thoughtful without feeling slow, and engaging from beginning to end. Most importantly, it's a story that has stayed with me long after finishing it, and that's always a sign of a memorable read.
I cannot wait to see what Mitch Goddard writes next.
Thank you to Mitch Goddard and Village Editorial for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Hannah.
72 reviews
June 17, 2026
While I have never done a substantial hike like the Pacific North West or the Appalachian Trail, my love for being in nature and hiking was my first interest grabber when I saw the opportunity to read Mitch Goddard’s debut novel, Beneath the Flame Azalea.

When I learned the story would be taking place in the mountains of Western Carolina post Hurricane Helene, I knew I wanted to read this story. My family lived in the eastern part of North Carolina during Hurricane Helene; while we weren’t significantly impacted directly it was still devastating to witness surrounding counties as they reocvered.

Our MMC, Jeff, is out on the trails volunteering to help clean up the trails post-hurricane. While out helping with the clean up he discovers and old video camera. Once home and the memory stick connected to his computer, he discovers tragedy struck.
With the help of a local crime podcaster, his friends, and park rangers, we follow his journey in solving the mystery of what happened to the person on camera.
We also are given glimpses into Jeff’s journals that document his time out on the AT and his own secrets.

What I liked:
A minimal romance story: this story is not about romantic relationships. There is supporting romance tropes but it’s negligible
The podcast dialect. A unique way to experience the story and crime solving.
A MMC and his friends. My book selections are heavily FMC driven so having an almost all male cast was refreshing
Setting the scenes; it felt authentic and like I really was out in the mountains
The last 5ish chapters carried the entire book

What led me to giving it a 3/5 star rating:
Jeff, the MMC, is supposedly a journalist but his journal entries and poetry were hard to get through. They felt rudimentary and forced.
The dialogue between The Three Amigos - I can’t put my finger on it but anytime Jeff was speaking with the Three Amigos it felt so unnatural
Overall the book was just OK. It didn’t blow me away, but it wasn’t awful. It honestly didn’t hold my attention like other titles have. I wish the pace and vibes of the last 5ish chapters had been better developed in the story as a whole. There was a lot of missed potential
220 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2026
Beneath The Flame Azalea is an atmospheric and compelling mystery that expertly combines psychological suspense, modern investigative intrigue, and the haunting beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Mitch Goddard delivers a story that immediately captures the reader's attention and steadily builds tension through carefully layered revelations and unforgettable settings.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its intriguing premise. The discovery of an abandoned action camera following a devastating hurricane serves as a fascinating catalyst for a mystery that unfolds with intelligence and precision. As the investigation deepens, the narrative skillfully balances suspense with emotional complexity, revealing that the greatest mysteries often lie within the people searching for the truth.

The novel thoughtfully explores themes of hidden secrets, guilt, survival, redemption, memory, trauma, resilience, justice, community, and the enduring consequences of past choices. Goddard's vivid descriptions of western North Carolina provide a richly immersive backdrop, allowing the landscape itself to become an integral part of the story's suspense and emotional weight.

Written with confident pacing, engaging characters, and an ever-present sense of unease, Beneath The Flame Azalea is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy mystery, psychological suspense, and crime fiction with strong emotional depth. Mitch Goddard has crafted a memorable novel that keeps readers guessing while delivering a satisfying and emotionally resonant journey.
Profile Image for Paige Turner.
2 reviews
June 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had such a fun time with this one!

I’ll be honest: the beginning was a little slow for me, but I am begging you not to hold that against this book because the payoff is SO worth it. By the end, I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open, staring into space, trying to process everything I had just read.

What I loved most was the structure. The combination of found footage, podcast transcripts, and POV chapters made the whole story feel like a puzzle. I genuinely enjoyed piecing together clues alongside the characters, and the podcast sections in particular were so well written that I felt like I was listening to a real show rather than reading text on a page.

As someone whose thrillers usually involve a murder every other chapter, this was a different experience for me. I would almost classify this as suspense more than thriller. It relies less on constant action and more on slowly unraveling the truth, and I found that incredibly satisfying.

Also, they mentioned physical therapy, which means I was contractually obligated to be excited.

Overall, if you enjoy found footage, creepy Appalachian settings, podcast narratives, and books that make you feel like you’re actively solving a mystery, I definitely recommend giving Beneath the Flame Azalea a chance.

And seriously… that ending.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
118 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2026
Beneath the Flame Azalea is a haunting mystery that takes place in the mountains of western North Carolina. There are 3 distinct timelines, all of which are connected. Jeff, our protagonist, is helping with cleanup after Hurricane Helene and finds a camera with a memory card. What he sees on it has him shook. Is the guy in the video dead? How did he die? Was it the bear that was also captured on camera? Or was it something else?

The mystery is compelling, and Michael’s podcast was a great vehicle for storytelling. I found the initial story setup to be clunky, but once the story got going, I had to keep reading to find out what happened! I do wish that Gemma and Camden’s story had been a bit more fleshed out — I need to know what really happened there too.

I have hiked a bit of the Appalachian Trail, but I may have to re-think my bucket list item of a thru-hike….

If you like:
🥾 mystery
🥾 hiking stories
🥾 western NC
🥾 podcast as storytelling
🥾 more than 1 timeline
Profile Image for Laura.
102 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2026
Beneath the Flame Azalea is a mystery set along the Appalachian Trail that follows the story of a thru-hiker whose journey takes a dark and unexpected turn when he finds a camera on the trail. The novel blends the beauty of the wilderness with an eerie sense of danger, making the setting feel just as important as the characters.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how it’s written. The chapters are short and fast-paced, which keeps the story moving quickly and makes it hard to stop reading. Each chapter ends with just enough suspense to make you want to keep going. This structure really builds tension and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Beneath the Flame Azalea is a gripping and fast-moving mystery. With its short chapters, strong sense of suspense, and unique outdoor setting, it’s a great choice for every reader.
Profile Image for Anna Hartzog.
4 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2026
This book was such a fun read and really brought me into the experience of hiking on the trail. Goddard's writing (especially about the Appalachian Mountains) is very immersive, and I got spooked at times while reading it. The mystery of what happens to the fisherman is intriguing, and I was surprised by the ending (I loved the true crime podcast episodes!). The relationships formed between the other characters is what really made me invested in the story and wanting to know what would happen next. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the outdoors or mystery novels in general.
Profile Image for Laura Wright.
3 reviews
February 23, 2026
Beneath The Flame Azalea is an intriguing mystery novel that quickly pulled me in. I started it on a Friday and finished it the same weekend. The suspense kept me guessing the entire time, and the ending genuinely surprised me. The plot is both creative and compelling, and I enjoyed trying to piece together what really happened on the trail. The podcast episodes woven into the story were such a fun and unique addition. Mystery isn’t a genre I often gravitate toward, but this book definitely made me want to read more of them. Five stars for a superb debut novel!
Profile Image for Gayathri.
69 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2026
Beneath the Flame was an engaging thriller with an atmospheric forest setting that completely pulled me into the story. The mystery surrounding the missing fisherman kept me curious, while the hiking trails and wilderness added so much depth to the reading experience.

At first, I wasn't sure how all the storylines connected, but the author tied everything together beautifully. The final reveal genuinely surprised me, and I never saw it coming. A suspenseful and thought-provoking read with memorable characters and a twist that made the journey worthwhile.
Profile Image for Meagan Michael Ross.
1 review1 follower
February 28, 2026
This mystery set along the Appalachian trail is an absolute page-turner. From the opening chapter, the tension builds steadily, pulling you deeper into a web of old, and not so old, secrets. The main character is especially well developed and you can’t help but root for him. His determination and passion make the stakes feel real.

The Carolina forests are described with striking detail. The author’s vivid descriptions create more than just a backdrop, it allows for an immersive presence that heightens the suspense.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys hiking, the Appalachian trail, or just a fun mystery!
Profile Image for Booktokita.
96 reviews
June 15, 2026
This was a quick and interesting mystery read! The chapters are short but packed with so much information! The plot was different than what I’ve read and that was so enjoyable especially since it wasn’t too predictable! Most of the time, I really had no idea which way the story was going. I really loved the writing style and loved the podcast aspect!
My jaw really dropped during the last 2 chapters! I wasn’t expecting that!
Profile Image for Jenn.
280 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2026
Really enjoyed this! Especially since it was set in the region where I live off the AT! A haunting page-turner for sure. I got bogged down in details some, but I really enjoyed the mix of narrative, text messages, podcasts, etc. Kept it super interesting. Still thinking about it and probably will for a while!
2 reviews
July 14, 2026
I've seldom hiked, but I've always enjoyed it.

Now I want to hike with the author of this book… because he's more in tune with the dangers of the woods, and of human nature, than I could ever imagine.

Enjoy a tale that builds momentum slowly, until you find yourself sprinting toward the finish…. out of breath, and with every turn of the page hoping for just one more.
Profile Image for Casey Greer.
53 reviews29 followers
February 19, 2026
5/5 stars. Full disclosure, the author is my brother in law, but this was a fantastic read. It’s not the typical genre I read, but it was well paced, the mystery hooked me, and the ending had a really amazing pay off. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery novel.
Profile Image for Emily Vanderpool.
2 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2026
Southern gothic mystery at its finest. This novel makes the dangers of the Appalachian come to life in a way that is both beautiful and brutal. A haunting tribute to the AT… you won’t want to put it down!
Profile Image for Courtney Dove.
23 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2026
I won’t be hiking the AT anytime soon. With no prior knowledge of it, Mitch really brought it to life for me! Cool idea for a mystery novel!
1 review2 followers
March 17, 2026
Beneath The Flame Azalea

Interesting read! Many twists and turns, hard to put down and didn’t want it to end! Thanks to my friend for recommending. tlj
Profile Image for Delway Burton.
340 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2026
An AT mystery

A good yarn. I’m an AT enthusiast and live in the Blue Ridge where this takes place. A good mystery and a surprising ending.
Profile Image for Katie.
254 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2026
Beneath the Flame Azalea is an amazing, suspenseful read that will have you turning page after page, not wanting to put it down.

A little bit scary, but not a horror story. I promise you wont regret reading this one at all!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews