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In the Woods
In the woods a creature was buried centuries ago...a creature of unlimited power and capable of unspeakable terror. Unleashed upon the world during the Medieval ages, its rest has been undisturbed...until now.
Two firefighters entered the forest and found a grave. Not knowing whether they would find the remains from another victim of the serial killer stalking their town or simply someone's pet, they dug. The two men ran out of the forest that day, only to bring hell with them ...
- GenresHorror
206 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Gideon
51 books1,026 followersWith over 72 sales to her credit since her first publication in 1987, Michigan author Nancy Gideon’s writing career is as versatile as the romance market, itself. Her books encompass genres from historicals and regencies to contemporary suspense and the paranormal. Her works have been published overseas in Romanian, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Danish, German, Icelandic and Chinese, among other languages.
Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on the indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played the character “Bar Extra.”
A national speaker on writing in general and romance in particular, Gideon is a Western Michigan University honors grad with a major in journalism and minors in history and communications. She’s a member of Novelist, Inc. and the Mid-Michigan, Greater Detroit, PASIC and FF&P chapters of Romance Writers of America®, and is former vice-president, published author co-liaison and award-winning newsletter editor for MMRWA.
The mother of two grown sons, one married and proud producer of her grandson and the other shanghaied into being her occasional assistant, she 's retired from 18 years as a legal assistant.
A prolific writer, Gideon who also writes as Dana Ransom and Lauren Giddings, attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and scheduling writing time around diaper changes, Scout meetings, band lessons and outings to the Zoo Boo...and, of course, OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day...and both were early! When on deadline, she'd turn on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before work.
While the pace is often hectic, Gideon, a Gemini, enjoys tackling diverse projects. One month it’s researching the gritty existence of 1880’s Texas Rangers only to jump to modern themes of intrigue and possibly a legal thriller or two. Then, it’s back to the shadowy netheworld of shape shifters, vampires and movie serial killers. When not working on her latest plot twist before sunrise, even now that she no longer works 9-5, she enjoys indulging in Netflix, hosting her critique group, and feeding all things fur, fin and fowl. And, of course, reading.
Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on the indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played the character “Bar Extra.”
A national speaker on writing in general and romance in particular, Gideon is a Western Michigan University honors grad with a major in journalism and minors in history and communications. She’s a member of Novelist, Inc. and the Mid-Michigan, Greater Detroit, PASIC and FF&P chapters of Romance Writers of America®, and is former vice-president, published author co-liaison and award-winning newsletter editor for MMRWA.
The mother of two grown sons, one married and proud producer of her grandson and the other shanghaied into being her occasional assistant, she 's retired from 18 years as a legal assistant.
A prolific writer, Gideon who also writes as Dana Ransom and Lauren Giddings, attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and scheduling writing time around diaper changes, Scout meetings, band lessons and outings to the Zoo Boo...and, of course, OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day...and both were early! When on deadline, she'd turn on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before work.
While the pace is often hectic, Gideon, a Gemini, enjoys tackling diverse projects. One month it’s researching the gritty existence of 1880’s Texas Rangers only to jump to modern themes of intrigue and possibly a legal thriller or two. Then, it’s back to the shadowy netheworld of shape shifters, vampires and movie serial killers. When not working on her latest plot twist before sunrise, even now that she no longer works 9-5, she enjoys indulging in Netflix, hosting her critique group, and feeding all things fur, fin and fowl. And, of course, reading.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 5, 2015
4.5 heart-stopping stars! Anytime a book can make me question reality, fear dark shadows, & afraid to turn off the lights, it's horror done right!
In The Woods opens in medieval times with Prince Freeacas leading the charge to save his lands and heritage from an evil force so deadly, so horrifying, that even the bravest of knights turn tail and run. King Haggert travels to Sethrye, making a deal with a sorcerer for dark magic to save his people and loved ones. He doesn't realize that dark magic comes at a high price - one more precious than silver or gold. The evil beast is eradicated, its body journeying with men traveling to the New World, bearing instructions to bury the beast in the middle of a forest, and so they do. The grave lies within a circle of barren ground, guarded only by a cross, as centuries come and go. But is true evil immortal? Is it dead and buried forever…or just lying in wait?
Fast forward many years to a small town community, living in fear. People are disappearing without a trace. Could one of the town’s people be a serial killer? Two friends entered the woods on a day hike, a day away to unwind. They came upon a grave lying in a circle of barren ground, guarded by a cross. Could this be where the serial killer is burying victims? If so, the families deserve closure…the chance to give their loved ones a proper burial. The men tossed aside the cross and began digging. One of them removed an old bag wrapped in ancient leather thongs from the grave, ripped it open, and an evil transcending centuries sent them racing from the woods.
"Behind them in the woods, in the strange clearing that had been unvisited for centuries, where dirt spilled back from a gaping rave, a thick mist rose. From out of that blanket of fog, something shifted and began to move. Something that had no business stirring in this modern century. The dark form gathered and grew, taking a monstrous, unholy shape that lingered only an instant to taste the air, to stare in the direction the firemen had taken, before disappearing into the trees." (from In The Woods)
An evil force descends upon the town. Bloody body parts begin appearing in one of the men’s backyards, almost like a gift, an offering. Are they pointing an accusatory finger at this firefighter. Are the bloody offerings from the bodies of victims of the serial killer? Could this firefighter be the serial killer? Something is horribly amiss here. No one is safe. A reign of terror has begun.
In The Woods should be experienced firsthand. It’s hard to talk about the storyline without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just say it has all the elements of horror done right. But it’s the author's expert use of what I call the human element and a soft kiss of romance that upped the stakes and took it to the next level – making me really care about these characters. The couple struggling to save their marriage, the firefighter trying to drown his guilt in alcohol, the young, innocent girl lured from her first car on a dark road at night – all people I fear for and all in danger from the unknown evil descending upon the community. And there it is - horror done right. Nancy Gideon’s In The Woods will have you looking over your shoulder, peering into shadows, and sleeping with the lights on. Fans of horror, thrillers, and suspense will love this book. It is a Must Read! Crack open the book and…don’t forget to leave the lights on!
Full review @ Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
In The Woods opens in medieval times with Prince Freeacas leading the charge to save his lands and heritage from an evil force so deadly, so horrifying, that even the bravest of knights turn tail and run. King Haggert travels to Sethrye, making a deal with a sorcerer for dark magic to save his people and loved ones. He doesn't realize that dark magic comes at a high price - one more precious than silver or gold. The evil beast is eradicated, its body journeying with men traveling to the New World, bearing instructions to bury the beast in the middle of a forest, and so they do. The grave lies within a circle of barren ground, guarded only by a cross, as centuries come and go. But is true evil immortal? Is it dead and buried forever…or just lying in wait?
Fast forward many years to a small town community, living in fear. People are disappearing without a trace. Could one of the town’s people be a serial killer? Two friends entered the woods on a day hike, a day away to unwind. They came upon a grave lying in a circle of barren ground, guarded by a cross. Could this be where the serial killer is burying victims? If so, the families deserve closure…the chance to give their loved ones a proper burial. The men tossed aside the cross and began digging. One of them removed an old bag wrapped in ancient leather thongs from the grave, ripped it open, and an evil transcending centuries sent them racing from the woods.
"Behind them in the woods, in the strange clearing that had been unvisited for centuries, where dirt spilled back from a gaping rave, a thick mist rose. From out of that blanket of fog, something shifted and began to move. Something that had no business stirring in this modern century. The dark form gathered and grew, taking a monstrous, unholy shape that lingered only an instant to taste the air, to stare in the direction the firemen had taken, before disappearing into the trees." (from In The Woods)
An evil force descends upon the town. Bloody body parts begin appearing in one of the men’s backyards, almost like a gift, an offering. Are they pointing an accusatory finger at this firefighter. Are the bloody offerings from the bodies of victims of the serial killer? Could this firefighter be the serial killer? Something is horribly amiss here. No one is safe. A reign of terror has begun.
In The Woods should be experienced firsthand. It’s hard to talk about the storyline without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just say it has all the elements of horror done right. But it’s the author's expert use of what I call the human element and a soft kiss of romance that upped the stakes and took it to the next level – making me really care about these characters. The couple struggling to save their marriage, the firefighter trying to drown his guilt in alcohol, the young, innocent girl lured from her first car on a dark road at night – all people I fear for and all in danger from the unknown evil descending upon the community. And there it is - horror done right. Nancy Gideon’s In The Woods will have you looking over your shoulder, peering into shadows, and sleeping with the lights on. Fans of horror, thrillers, and suspense will love this book. It is a Must Read! Crack open the book and…don’t forget to leave the lights on!
Full review @ Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
October 30, 2016
Originally reviewed at My Devastating Reads. During the month of October I sometimes like to read books that have a supernatural/magic/paranormal feel to them. Last October I tried to read several books about witches, and that being slightly played out, and not all of them winners with me, this October I decided I would chose a novel by an author I liked. So I picked up this stand alone, horror novel by Nancy Gideon.
Yes, I said horror. Not usually the type of book you see me reading and reviewing but I figured, what the heck. Game changers are always nice and I know this author can pen amazing stories. I have to say, at first, I wasn't sure what to expect from a novel that featured a sort of drunk as its hero, but when the action got going, this was hard to put down!
I will warn you however, that many characters meet grisly endings and I was grossed out by the events, but it's nothing you wouldn't get in a horror movie--which this novel is a novelization of so I have to say, the author did a great job of portraying that carnage. And while I wasn't sure what I felt about the hero at the beginning of the novel, I came to admire his strength and determination as he fought the demon dog and sought to protect not only his beloved wife, but the entire town from this demon creature of hell.
On the subject of the demon dog I have to say how much this thing freaked me out. The descriptions made him sound massive and unholy and gross. The way he chomped through people made me queasy. I was very glad once he was gone. I won't say how that happens, but I will say I fist pumped the air once he was out of the picture.
Another great novel by Nancy Gideon, In the Woods will give you nightmares.
Yes, I said horror. Not usually the type of book you see me reading and reviewing but I figured, what the heck. Game changers are always nice and I know this author can pen amazing stories. I have to say, at first, I wasn't sure what to expect from a novel that featured a sort of drunk as its hero, but when the action got going, this was hard to put down!
I will warn you however, that many characters meet grisly endings and I was grossed out by the events, but it's nothing you wouldn't get in a horror movie--which this novel is a novelization of so I have to say, the author did a great job of portraying that carnage. And while I wasn't sure what I felt about the hero at the beginning of the novel, I came to admire his strength and determination as he fought the demon dog and sought to protect not only his beloved wife, but the entire town from this demon creature of hell.
On the subject of the demon dog I have to say how much this thing freaked me out. The descriptions made him sound massive and unholy and gross. The way he chomped through people made me queasy. I was very glad once he was gone. I won't say how that happens, but I will say I fist pumped the air once he was out of the picture.
Another great novel by Nancy Gideon, In the Woods will give you nightmares.
November 7, 2024
If you like reading novels that make your heart beat a little faster, leave the lights on, have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and captioned with every page! Then “In the Woods” novel is for you!!! Definitely deserves all five stars!
March 6, 2015
Horror is my favorite genre. Adding in something supernatural, not human, makes it even better. I had a great time reading In The Woods.
The very title, In The Woods, is scary. I can’t think of anything good coming out of there, and something very very bad does in this book.
Evil was born into the world a long, long time ago. A foul bargain was struck. One brother was rewarded, one condemned, and payment was made.
When the brothers clashed on the battlefield, a fiend from Hell was unleashed. To stay the beast, another bargain was struck. Again, payment was made. One beast is tasked with guarding the remains of the other. Deep in a forest, it keeps it’s vigil.
One day, many many years in the future, two firemen are out hunting and stumble upon a grave deep in the woods. They know a serial killer is stalking the people of their town, so they dig up the grave, sure they’ll find one of the killer’s victims. Instead, they find the bones of a beast, something that shouldn’t, couldn’t be. Now they’ve awakened the guardian, and luck is on their side when they escape it’s wrath. Or do they?
The beginning takes place long in the past and introduces the beast. Then you move into the present when the creature is unleashed again.
It gets creepy really quick. Something is leaving gifts for Alex, one of the firemen that survived the encounter in the woods. A bloody torso here, part of a shoulder there. Kind of like when a barn cat brings you the mice it kills. Such a pleasant surprise it is. My cat used to leave the feet and the tail by my bed. It was so gross when I’d get out of bed and step on the tiny body parts. I can only imagine how gruesome and terrifying it would be to find human body parts.
Soon the whole town is in danger. Don’t forget there’s also a serial killer out there, stalking his next kill too. The author ratchet’s up the suspense and thrills.
Alex goes from victim to suspect and the local chief of police has got his killer. Once he focuses on Alex, he looks no further. This could be big for him. Get his name in the papers, get him elected to a higher office. He’s such a jerk, you love to hate him.
Poor Alex. How can he prove he’s not the killer? Can he stay alive long enough to do that? Why is the beast following him, leaving his bloody gifts?
From the very beginning, I ate this book up, tearing through it, rubbing my hands together in glee. Creatures, a serial killer, suspense, thrills, terror. All things I love to read about.
I loved this bloody book and can’t wait for the movie!
I received this book for my honest review.
The very title, In The Woods, is scary. I can’t think of anything good coming out of there, and something very very bad does in this book.
Evil was born into the world a long, long time ago. A foul bargain was struck. One brother was rewarded, one condemned, and payment was made.
When the brothers clashed on the battlefield, a fiend from Hell was unleashed. To stay the beast, another bargain was struck. Again, payment was made. One beast is tasked with guarding the remains of the other. Deep in a forest, it keeps it’s vigil.
One day, many many years in the future, two firemen are out hunting and stumble upon a grave deep in the woods. They know a serial killer is stalking the people of their town, so they dig up the grave, sure they’ll find one of the killer’s victims. Instead, they find the bones of a beast, something that shouldn’t, couldn’t be. Now they’ve awakened the guardian, and luck is on their side when they escape it’s wrath. Or do they?
The beginning takes place long in the past and introduces the beast. Then you move into the present when the creature is unleashed again.
It gets creepy really quick. Something is leaving gifts for Alex, one of the firemen that survived the encounter in the woods. A bloody torso here, part of a shoulder there. Kind of like when a barn cat brings you the mice it kills. Such a pleasant surprise it is. My cat used to leave the feet and the tail by my bed. It was so gross when I’d get out of bed and step on the tiny body parts. I can only imagine how gruesome and terrifying it would be to find human body parts.
Soon the whole town is in danger. Don’t forget there’s also a serial killer out there, stalking his next kill too. The author ratchet’s up the suspense and thrills.
Alex goes from victim to suspect and the local chief of police has got his killer. Once he focuses on Alex, he looks no further. This could be big for him. Get his name in the papers, get him elected to a higher office. He’s such a jerk, you love to hate him.
Poor Alex. How can he prove he’s not the killer? Can he stay alive long enough to do that? Why is the beast following him, leaving his bloody gifts?
From the very beginning, I ate this book up, tearing through it, rubbing my hands together in glee. Creatures, a serial killer, suspense, thrills, terror. All things I love to read about.
I loved this bloody book and can’t wait for the movie!
I received this book for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews