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Ozarks Mysteries #4
A Wolf in the Woods: A Tense Legal Thriller – Elsie Arnold Uncovers Human Trafficking in Missouri Ozarks
“A gripping story with dramatic twists, and a memorable heroine.” —James Patterson, #1 New York Times bestselling author
McCown County assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold is prepping an assault case when a girl is found beaten and bloodied at a roadside no-tell motel. Elsie tries to convince the teen to reveal who attacked her, but Mandy is too scared—and stubborn—to cooperate… and then she disappears. Elsie’s positive a predator is targeting the Ozark hills, yet the authorities refuse to believe their small town could be plagued by sex trafficking.
Then middle school student Desiree Wickham goes missing, but only Elsie suspects it could be connected to Mandy’s assault. As she digs deeper into the events leading up to Desiree’s disappearance, she stumbles upon an alarming discovery: local girls are falling prey to a dubious online modeling agency, and never seen again. Elsie shares her concerns with Detective Ashlock and the FBI, but they shut her out.
She takes matters into her own hands and lands an interview with the head of the modeling agency. But when she meets him face-to-face, she discovers the fate of Desiree and Mandy… and becomes his newest captive. Elsie’s desperate to free the girls—and save herself—before the unspeakable happens. And she’s in for the fight of her life.
McCown County assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold is prepping an assault case when a girl is found beaten and bloodied at a roadside no-tell motel. Elsie tries to convince the teen to reveal who attacked her, but Mandy is too scared—and stubborn—to cooperate… and then she disappears. Elsie’s positive a predator is targeting the Ozark hills, yet the authorities refuse to believe their small town could be plagued by sex trafficking.
Then middle school student Desiree Wickham goes missing, but only Elsie suspects it could be connected to Mandy’s assault. As she digs deeper into the events leading up to Desiree’s disappearance, she stumbles upon an alarming discovery: local girls are falling prey to a dubious online modeling agency, and never seen again. Elsie shares her concerns with Detective Ashlock and the FBI, but they shut her out.
She takes matters into her own hands and lands an interview with the head of the modeling agency. But when she meets him face-to-face, she discovers the fate of Desiree and Mandy… and becomes his newest captive. Elsie’s desperate to free the girls—and save herself—before the unspeakable happens. And she’s in for the fight of her life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 31, 2018
A Wolf in the Woods in the fourth book in the Ozarks Mysteries series and they are perfectly alright to read stand alone. I should know this is the first one I have read.
I always like reading books that right from the start are interesting and this one fits that category. There are several POV in the book, we have of course the main character, assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold, we also got the girls that are taken advantage off in this book and the people behind the false model website. I found this way of telling the story to be just the right kind of narrative, giving the story the extra kind of tension as the story progresses. I'm actually kind of surprised how fast I read this book, despite the fact that I'm a fast reader. It felt like a rollercoaster ride, we are going up up and then when we are at the top, its free fall. That's how I felt about the book, no ups and downs, just a story that starts off and constantly moving forward without ever feeling slow.
It took a while for me to "like" Elsie Arnold, she's the kind of characters that I found myself a bit wary of at first, her attitude and way of living just rubbed me the wrong way. She feels like a woman that still thinks acts younger than her years, at least that's the expression I got. However, she did grow on me as the story progressed and when the final chapter came was I sad to leave her behind, especially after, let's say a very surprising ending.
A Wolf in the Woods is a book that definitely left an impression on me, the story is addictive and I found myself completely engrossed in it and, despite my wariness of the main character did she grow on me so much that I long for the next book in the series. And of course the previous ones...
I always like reading books that right from the start are interesting and this one fits that category. There are several POV in the book, we have of course the main character, assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold, we also got the girls that are taken advantage off in this book and the people behind the false model website. I found this way of telling the story to be just the right kind of narrative, giving the story the extra kind of tension as the story progresses. I'm actually kind of surprised how fast I read this book, despite the fact that I'm a fast reader. It felt like a rollercoaster ride, we are going up up and then when we are at the top, its free fall. That's how I felt about the book, no ups and downs, just a story that starts off and constantly moving forward without ever feeling slow.
It took a while for me to "like" Elsie Arnold, she's the kind of characters that I found myself a bit wary of at first, her attitude and way of living just rubbed me the wrong way. She feels like a woman that still thinks acts younger than her years, at least that's the expression I got. However, she did grow on me as the story progressed and when the final chapter came was I sad to leave her behind, especially after, let's say a very surprising ending.
A Wolf in the Woods is a book that definitely left an impression on me, the story is addictive and I found myself completely engrossed in it and, despite my wariness of the main character did she grow on me so much that I long for the next book in the series. And of course the previous ones...
May 25, 2024
Nancy Allen’s collaborative work in the legal thriller genre pales in comparison to her own writing in this series. I sped through the first few novels and have not been disappointed. Not only is this novel a great legal thriller, but there are social elements that force the reader to synthesise what they are reading. Allen sets her stories in the Missouri Ozarks, where the rules do not follow the mainstream, which adds another layer and flavor to an already great series. I am so pleased that I took the time to read these books and will have to hope for more!
The Missouri Ozarks are nothing like many places in the United States. McCown County is at its heart and assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold has lived here her entire life. While she is preparing an assault case to go before the jury, Elsie is alerted to a girl who has been found beaten and bloodied at a cheap motel along the highway. Seeking to act swiftly, Elsie tries to get Mandy to share the name of her attacker, but the teen is too scared and stubborn to prove helpful. It is only when Mandy disappears that the investigation gains momentum. With what she knows, Elsie is sure that there is a predator lurking around the area, though no one is yet ready to believe that sex trafficking could have made its way into this part of the Ozarks.
All the while, Desiree Wickham goes missing after attending a ‘photo shoot’ on her own. The narrative is blotchy and Elsie is sure that it has something to do with Mandy’s assault. Pushing through to investigate on her own, Elsie discovers that numerous young girls have been targeted by a dubious modelling agency and are never seen again. When she seeks to share this with the authorities, including her current beau, Detective Ashlock, she is shunned and told not to be so dramatic.
As Elsie pushes to reveal the truth about the modelling agency, she is soon pulled into the middle of the trouble and finds herself fighting for her life, as well as those of the other girls. With little to go on, the authorities will have to try tracing Elsie’s whereabouts and rescue her, all while a predator seeks to advance his own agenda. Allen does a stunning job with this novel and the entire series, which proves addictive and a sure page-turner.
Nancy Allen’s solo work proves highly enjoyable and full of thought provoking moments. Allen engages the reader with a solid narrative, contrasting the strength of the law with some of the social choices found in the Missouri Ozarks. Done thoroughly and yet respectfully, Allen keeps the reader thinking as they enjoy the ride. The legal aspects fuel a strong narrative, gaining speed while personal events push things in another direction, culminating in a revelation that will shock the attentive reader. Characters make the story even better with their Ozark-centric presentation. Elsie Arnold, whose backstory is further enriched with some personal moments in the story, proves to be a stellar protagonist and has me eager to learn more about her.
Plot points make this book even better, juggling legal and social elements effectively. Allen advances things with strong twists and numerous pieces of commentary embedded in the narrative,
sure to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Handling numerous highly controversial subjects, the story takes on a life of its own. I have really enjoyed this series to date and hope Allen pens more before long!
Kudos Madam Allen, for perhaps the most impactful novel of the series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Missouri Ozarks are nothing like many places in the United States. McCown County is at its heart and assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold has lived here her entire life. While she is preparing an assault case to go before the jury, Elsie is alerted to a girl who has been found beaten and bloodied at a cheap motel along the highway. Seeking to act swiftly, Elsie tries to get Mandy to share the name of her attacker, but the teen is too scared and stubborn to prove helpful. It is only when Mandy disappears that the investigation gains momentum. With what she knows, Elsie is sure that there is a predator lurking around the area, though no one is yet ready to believe that sex trafficking could have made its way into this part of the Ozarks.
All the while, Desiree Wickham goes missing after attending a ‘photo shoot’ on her own. The narrative is blotchy and Elsie is sure that it has something to do with Mandy’s assault. Pushing through to investigate on her own, Elsie discovers that numerous young girls have been targeted by a dubious modelling agency and are never seen again. When she seeks to share this with the authorities, including her current beau, Detective Ashlock, she is shunned and told not to be so dramatic.
As Elsie pushes to reveal the truth about the modelling agency, she is soon pulled into the middle of the trouble and finds herself fighting for her life, as well as those of the other girls. With little to go on, the authorities will have to try tracing Elsie’s whereabouts and rescue her, all while a predator seeks to advance his own agenda. Allen does a stunning job with this novel and the entire series, which proves addictive and a sure page-turner.
Nancy Allen’s solo work proves highly enjoyable and full of thought provoking moments. Allen engages the reader with a solid narrative, contrasting the strength of the law with some of the social choices found in the Missouri Ozarks. Done thoroughly and yet respectfully, Allen keeps the reader thinking as they enjoy the ride. The legal aspects fuel a strong narrative, gaining speed while personal events push things in another direction, culminating in a revelation that will shock the attentive reader. Characters make the story even better with their Ozark-centric presentation. Elsie Arnold, whose backstory is further enriched with some personal moments in the story, proves to be a stellar protagonist and has me eager to learn more about her.
Plot points make this book even better, juggling legal and social elements effectively. Allen advances things with strong twists and numerous pieces of commentary embedded in the narrative,
sure to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Handling numerous highly controversial subjects, the story takes on a life of its own. I have really enjoyed this series to date and hope Allen pens more before long!
Kudos Madam Allen, for perhaps the most impactful novel of the series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 28, 2019
The premise is good, dealing with sex trafficking, yet not much of the story stood out as provoking or revealing. The bad guys and the whole setup was just too simple.
The characters are rather flat, as I'm finding in many genre novels these days. I'm one of those who needs just a little bit more than pure pulp fiction.
Some good legal stuff from the author's background as a prosecutor, but just snippets and not enough for what I expect in a legal thriller. Parts of the story are not very realistic.
I couldn't understand why the heroine's detective boyfriend treated her with an attitude that bordered on scorn, and lacking respect. This was irksome to me, she being a prosecuting attorney.
The characters are rather flat, as I'm finding in many genre novels these days. I'm one of those who needs just a little bit more than pure pulp fiction.
Some good legal stuff from the author's background as a prosecutor, but just snippets and not enough for what I expect in a legal thriller. Parts of the story are not very realistic.
I couldn't understand why the heroine's detective boyfriend treated her with an attitude that bordered on scorn, and lacking respect. This was irksome to me, she being a prosecuting attorney.
March 26, 2018
A Wolf in the Woods by Nancy Allen is an example, for me, of the perfect use of a Prologue. She hooked me!
Every computer, cell phone…should come with a warning, Internet Predators Are Looking For You!
All the alarm bells should have went off for Breeon, but they did for her friend and coworker, assistant prosecutor, Elsie Arnold. I am so glad I did not have to deal with this fear for my child, it was the pre computer days.
Predators are alive and well in the Ozarks, even in the small town of Barton. Child and women abusers, and sex traffickers are on the prowl for the young and innocent, but they won’t pass up the opportunity to take advantage of anyone at any age.
Elsie is so frustrated, she takes matters into her own hands. I can feel her frustration with her boyfriend and the justice system. It’s almost as if prostitutes, whether in the profession voluntarily or kidnapped and forced, are the criminals and disposable. She feels no one cares, but she does and is going to do something about it.
I feel her frustration as I read through the pages. I have watched and read a lot of true crime, and I feel women were treated as second class citizens when it came to sex and violence, domestic violence…I felt law enforcement was almost as bad as the criminals who perpetrated the crimes. They sure did get my dander up in A Wolf in the Woods. The book shines the light on some people’s views of women caught in violent and dangerous situations, whether voluntarily or through kidnapping, drugging and force. The victims are left feeling their is no hope, no one to turn to, no one to trust. How true is this today?
Elsie is a hot mess. She scares me. She makes me laugh. She makes it easy for me to relate to her, as she struggles to find her way through life.
A Wolf in the Woods by Nancy Allen deals with tough subject matters in as tactful a way as possible. She fills the pages when an ominous feeling of danger and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more Ozark stories, especially more of Elsie’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Wolf in the Woods by Nancy Allen.
See more at fundinmental
Every computer, cell phone…should come with a warning, Internet Predators Are Looking For You!
All the alarm bells should have went off for Breeon, but they did for her friend and coworker, assistant prosecutor, Elsie Arnold. I am so glad I did not have to deal with this fear for my child, it was the pre computer days.
Predators are alive and well in the Ozarks, even in the small town of Barton. Child and women abusers, and sex traffickers are on the prowl for the young and innocent, but they won’t pass up the opportunity to take advantage of anyone at any age.
Elsie is so frustrated, she takes matters into her own hands. I can feel her frustration with her boyfriend and the justice system. It’s almost as if prostitutes, whether in the profession voluntarily or kidnapped and forced, are the criminals and disposable. She feels no one cares, but she does and is going to do something about it.
I feel her frustration as I read through the pages. I have watched and read a lot of true crime, and I feel women were treated as second class citizens when it came to sex and violence, domestic violence…I felt law enforcement was almost as bad as the criminals who perpetrated the crimes. They sure did get my dander up in A Wolf in the Woods. The book shines the light on some people’s views of women caught in violent and dangerous situations, whether voluntarily or through kidnapping, drugging and force. The victims are left feeling their is no hope, no one to turn to, no one to trust. How true is this today?
Elsie is a hot mess. She scares me. She makes me laugh. She makes it easy for me to relate to her, as she struggles to find her way through life.
A Wolf in the Woods by Nancy Allen deals with tough subject matters in as tactful a way as possible. She fills the pages when an ominous feeling of danger and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more Ozark stories, especially more of Elsie’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Wolf in the Woods by Nancy Allen.
See more at fundinmental
February 6, 2018
Elsie Arnold is an assistant prosecutor in Southern Missouri. Mandy, the teenaged assault victim in Elsie's latest case, disappears before she can testify against her attacker. When middle school student Desiree Wickham also goes missing, Elsie is afraid both girls may be in danger. Elsie thinks the two girls may have been targeted by a ruthless man posing as an agent for a modeling placement company who has other plans for the girls. Elsie is anxious to take action, but authorities are dragging their feet. Since Elsie can't get any cooperation from her boyfriend, Detective Bob Ashlock, she starts her own investigation. Elsie follows a promising lead, but soon is in as much danger as the girls she is trying to protect.
"A Wolf in the Woods" is the fourth book in Nancy Allen's Ozarks Mystery series. I’ve read the others and they would allow the reader to get to know Elsie better, but new readers will easily connect with Elsie and get caught up in her latest case. The author isn't afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects, showing that big cities aren’t the only places in which serious crimes take place. It's hard reading about young, vulnerable women being taken advantage of predators in the sex trafficking trade. However, the book shines a light on this disturbing issue and provides a suspenseful and scary story.
The main character of the series, Elsie, is one-of-a-kind. She is strong and independent, but far from perfect. She makes bad decisions in her love life and often acts and speaks impulsively. However, her flaws make her real and relatable. She is someone to root for, even when you're frustrated with her. Often her own actions create extra obstacles for her as she tries to succeed in a highly competitive profession. It’s hard to be taken seriously investigating a serious crime when the witness has seen you stumbling out of the local bar after a night of overindulging! Elsie often puts herself in terrible danger, but it's out of her sincere dedication to victims of crimes the she ends up in so many precarious situations.
Elsie's current love interest, Detective Bob Ashlock, is also dedicated to his job, as well as his son. Elsie's mom feels Bob is the perfect match for Elsie, but I’m not so sure. Although he is a good guy, I think he often comes across as judgmental and unappreciative of Elsie. Decisions are made regarding their relationship in this book, but I don't know if a bombshell revealed at the end of the story will have any effect on this or not. Fans of the author won't want to miss "A Wolf in the Woods", and new readers who enjoy author Hank Phillippi Ryan or Sara Paretsky will enjoy the fierceness of main character, Elsie.
This review was originally written for Smitten by Books review site and blog. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"A Wolf in the Woods" is the fourth book in Nancy Allen's Ozarks Mystery series. I’ve read the others and they would allow the reader to get to know Elsie better, but new readers will easily connect with Elsie and get caught up in her latest case. The author isn't afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects, showing that big cities aren’t the only places in which serious crimes take place. It's hard reading about young, vulnerable women being taken advantage of predators in the sex trafficking trade. However, the book shines a light on this disturbing issue and provides a suspenseful and scary story.
The main character of the series, Elsie, is one-of-a-kind. She is strong and independent, but far from perfect. She makes bad decisions in her love life and often acts and speaks impulsively. However, her flaws make her real and relatable. She is someone to root for, even when you're frustrated with her. Often her own actions create extra obstacles for her as she tries to succeed in a highly competitive profession. It’s hard to be taken seriously investigating a serious crime when the witness has seen you stumbling out of the local bar after a night of overindulging! Elsie often puts herself in terrible danger, but it's out of her sincere dedication to victims of crimes the she ends up in so many precarious situations.
Elsie's current love interest, Detective Bob Ashlock, is also dedicated to his job, as well as his son. Elsie's mom feels Bob is the perfect match for Elsie, but I’m not so sure. Although he is a good guy, I think he often comes across as judgmental and unappreciative of Elsie. Decisions are made regarding their relationship in this book, but I don't know if a bombshell revealed at the end of the story will have any effect on this or not. Fans of the author won't want to miss "A Wolf in the Woods", and new readers who enjoy author Hank Phillippi Ryan or Sara Paretsky will enjoy the fierceness of main character, Elsie.
This review was originally written for Smitten by Books review site and blog. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2018
In A Wolf In The Woods, the fourth book in the Ozarks Mysteries Series, author Nancy Allen once again draws upon her professional legal experience to weave a riveting legal thriller that captivates the reader's attention from beginning to end. Set in the small town of Barton, Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks, the reader follows Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold as she aggressively pursues a predator who targets the town's teenage girls with a ruse of an online modeling agency that is really a front for human sex trafficking.
The author transports the reader into the small Ozark town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold views an online modeling agency's website and the selfie of the agent, a dark-haired man with a tattoo on his neck, has alarm bells ringing in her head, that goes into overdrive when she stumbles upon the discovery that local teenage girls are disappearing. When Elsie's boyfriend Detective Bob Ashlock and the FBI dismiss her concerns, Elsie embarks on her own investigation even though danger lurks around the corner, especially when she finds her own life at risk!
A Wolf In The Woods is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, suspenseful twists and turns, and enough drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her latest investigation, as she is determined to seek justice in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading the Ozarks Mysteries Series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The author transports the reader into the small Ozark town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold views an online modeling agency's website and the selfie of the agent, a dark-haired man with a tattoo on his neck, has alarm bells ringing in her head, that goes into overdrive when she stumbles upon the discovery that local teenage girls are disappearing. When Elsie's boyfriend Detective Bob Ashlock and the FBI dismiss her concerns, Elsie embarks on her own investigation even though danger lurks around the corner, especially when she finds her own life at risk!
A Wolf In The Woods is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, suspenseful twists and turns, and enough drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her latest investigation, as she is determined to seek justice in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading the Ozarks Mysteries Series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
February 19, 2018
When Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold finds out that young girls have been disappearing, her curiosity begins an investigation that lands with a connection to an online modeling agency. With no one to believe in the connection, Elsie relies on an assaulted girl named Mandy who escaped to find the missing girls and those behind it. While trying to work with uncooperative Mandy, another young girl goes missing. With no help from anyone and no facts, Elsie takes matters into her own hands but ends up being the captor’s newest prey. A Wolf In The Woods was captivating, thrilling and addicting. I finished this book rather quickly because I could not put it down! I loved Elsie she was such a brave, strong and determined woman who had a huge heart. 5 out of 5 stars!
March 1, 2018
I always enjoy novels set in a time/place that has special meaning to me. As the daughter of a Missouri Bootheel lawyer and a resident of Columbia, MO for over 30 years, the Ozark Mysteries ring true for me. Ms. Allen's heroine, Elise, is gutsy, intelligent, but also vulnerable -- a "real" person. I find her plots captivating, her characters well drawn, and her prose fluid and honest. I can't wait for #5 of the Ozarks Mysteries and would love an opportunity to meet Ms. Allen and/or to hear her speak.
June 11, 2021
Quick and easy read that sucked me in from the first page even though apparently it’s the 4th in a series. The characters and their problems were believable even though the overall storyline made me a bit sick to think about (sex trafficking) but it doesn’t go into too much graphic detail. Some swearing.
February 11, 2018
Add Elsie Arnold to your list of intrepid women. I'd not read this series before and I was really impressed. Loved the Ozark setting, which is new to me and Allen made good use of a topical issue- sex trafficking. Elsie is a tough, complex character who makes some bad choices, chief among them the one that gets her into the pickle that is at the core of this well paced novel. She's got a love interest in Bob (although let's keep an eye on this relationship going forward) that's not tops on her list of concerns, largely because she's focused on her case. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This was an engaging and suspenseful read with good atmospherics and a careful plot. Thumbs up!
March 4, 2018
This is a very well written book. This is a very emotionally engaging book. Yet it was a very hard book for me to read – because of the subject matter. That evil people would lure girls into forced prostitution through a phony modeling job is just disgusting. That young girls would desire the glamour so much that they are taken in by promises is just heart breaking.
While this is a heart wrenching novel, it is well written, has excellent character development, a well developed plot, and more than enough suspense. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary digital galley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
While this is a heart wrenching novel, it is well written, has excellent character development, a well developed plot, and more than enough suspense. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary digital galley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 24, 2018
Nancy does it again with another great book that exposes the underbelly of humanity while retaining her own humanity and passion for others! Elsie takes into her own hands the recovery of a juvenile victim of sex trafficking while law enforcement procrastinates. The struggle that ensues is so well articulated you will feel you are a witness. Couldn’t put it down and now want more tales of Elsie. Can’t wait for the next masterpiece.
February 17, 2018
A Wolf in the Woods has it all: an exciting plot, a relevant crime, and a heroine you will cheer for. This book is Elsie Arnold and Nancy Allen at their finest.
January 9, 2022
I enjoyed Nancy’s first three books in this series with The Wages of Sin being my favorite thus far. But this one…. Was annoying.
More specifically, Elsie is annoying. I didn’t like how Elsie, a prosecutor, is doing all of the investigating, her immature actions outside the courtroom, her carelessness and downright stupidity at some points.
I almost quit reading halfway through because of the things left unsaid between Elsie and Ashlock. Not to mention the blatant stupidity of some of the characters. I know this is set in rural Missouri, (I actually live in the Springfield area) but the naïveté and irresponsibility of some of the adult characters was maddening. We’re not all dumb bumpkins around here.
I was expecting more. Elsie is irresponsible, immature, and infuriating. I want to see some growth with her. But I don’t like the direction Nancy is taking her character with the ending. That kind of “growth” doesn’t fit Miss Arnold’s current conduct.
Not to mention the hint of an alternate plot twist later to come. I know I’m being vague trying not to give away any of the story, sorry.
Nancy is a very descriptive writer, almost too much at times, but the last 20 chapters felt rushed and chaotic. I hope the next Ozark Mysteries has a little more character development and believable plot line. I also wouldn’t mind a shift in perspective, from Breeon Johnson in fact. Especially considering her involvement in the events that transpired.
This is still a great read, I am just being critical because I really want to see Elsie grow and bloom, maybe even move cities or up the ranks, but she has got to grow up!
More specifically, Elsie is annoying. I didn’t like how Elsie, a prosecutor, is doing all of the investigating, her immature actions outside the courtroom, her carelessness and downright stupidity at some points.
I almost quit reading halfway through because of the things left unsaid between Elsie and Ashlock. Not to mention the blatant stupidity of some of the characters. I know this is set in rural Missouri, (I actually live in the Springfield area) but the naïveté and irresponsibility of some of the adult characters was maddening. We’re not all dumb bumpkins around here.
I was expecting more. Elsie is irresponsible, immature, and infuriating. I want to see some growth with her. But I don’t like the direction Nancy is taking her character with the ending. That kind of “growth” doesn’t fit Miss Arnold’s current conduct.
Not to mention the hint of an alternate plot twist later to come. I know I’m being vague trying not to give away any of the story, sorry.
Nancy is a very descriptive writer, almost too much at times, but the last 20 chapters felt rushed and chaotic. I hope the next Ozark Mysteries has a little more character development and believable plot line. I also wouldn’t mind a shift in perspective, from Breeon Johnson in fact. Especially considering her involvement in the events that transpired.
This is still a great read, I am just being critical because I really want to see Elsie grow and bloom, maybe even move cities or up the ranks, but she has got to grow up!
March 30, 2021
Real
Elsie is good at helping catch the bad guys and a kick-ass prosecuting attorney and also someone you would like for a friend. She's funny, not pretentious and has a hard time understanding her boyfriend's need to balance his time with her and his children. A great read, you want her to stay out of trouble and yo know she won't.
Elsie is good at helping catch the bad guys and a kick-ass prosecuting attorney and also someone you would like for a friend. She's funny, not pretentious and has a hard time understanding her boyfriend's need to balance his time with her and his children. A great read, you want her to stay out of trouble and yo know she won't.
October 24, 2021
Dear Elsie
Upon having read all four books, I'm waiting for the fifth. Why? I want to know how Elsie makes out in her new,"life" as a mother. Saddened to say, her relationship did not work out, yet, she is a fireball ..... Some what immature. I enjoyed the plots of each book and the courtroom dramas! Thank you Nancy Allen, great reading!
Upon having read all four books, I'm waiting for the fifth. Why? I want to know how Elsie makes out in her new,"life" as a mother. Saddened to say, her relationship did not work out, yet, she is a fireball ..... Some what immature. I enjoyed the plots of each book and the courtroom dramas! Thank you Nancy Allen, great reading!
October 25, 2021
A Wolf in the Woods
Nancy Allen's writing is refreshing. The characters are real and even with character growth it is easy to relate to their real life flaws. I live in the Springfield, Missouri area so I recognize alot of mentions in this Ozark Mystery Series. It's nice that not all of
Nancy Allen's writing is refreshing. The characters are real and even with character growth it is easy to relate to their real life flaws. I live in the Springfield, Missouri area so I recognize alot of mentions in this Ozark Mystery Series. It's nice that not all of
June 10, 2024
that ending sucked
Why create a story about a miserable life at a miserable job for a woman who tries so hard to be respectable only to end up pregnant by her boyfriend who breaks up with her at the end of the book? Nothing to be learned from this story, the characters or the ending. The whole thing sucks.
Why create a story about a miserable life at a miserable job for a woman who tries so hard to be respectable only to end up pregnant by her boyfriend who breaks up with her at the end of the book? Nothing to be learned from this story, the characters or the ending. The whole thing sucks.
April 5, 2018
Wow
Wow,what an ending. I love nancy Allen books. This is the best. Already waiting til the next one., but 2019? Its going to a long wait. The book was a little slow,but pick up fast. Recommend .
Wow,what an ending. I love nancy Allen books. This is the best. Already waiting til the next one., but 2019? Its going to a long wait. The book was a little slow,but pick up fast. Recommend .
August 28, 2024
I've recently discovered the Ozarks Mysteries by Nancy Allen at the Winona, Miss., library. Our heroine pursues the baddies again -- outside the courtroom, too -- in "A Wolf in the Woods" and gets herself in a really scary mess.
September 22, 2024
Loved it!
I absolutely love these books and I adore Elsie. The only disappointment I have is that Book 5 is not available. Ms. Allen please don’t leave us hanging. More Elsie please!
I absolutely love these books and I adore Elsie. The only disappointment I have is that Book 5 is not available. Ms. Allen please don’t leave us hanging. More Elsie please!
Read
June 7, 2025Teen girls should read this as a warning
The insidious evils of human trafficking via internet ads and phony "modeling" scams ... How many lives have been shattered this way? Beware!
The insidious evils of human trafficking via internet ads and phony "modeling" scams ... How many lives have been shattered this way? Beware!
June 16, 2018
Amazing
The best of Nancy’s books yet. Tough subject material for the faint of heart, but tackles real issues and keeps you on the edge of your seat front cover to cover.
The best of Nancy’s books yet. Tough subject material for the faint of heart, but tackles real issues and keeps you on the edge of your seat front cover to cover.
September 10, 2018
Good story
I enjoyed this book. It dealt with a rising problem in today's society. And what a heroine! Loved her attitude
I enjoyed this book. It dealt with a rising problem in today's society. And what a heroine! Loved her attitude
September 30, 2018
Fifth book
I can hardly wait to find out what happens next with Elsie Arnold. When is the next book coming out?
I can hardly wait to find out what happens next with Elsie Arnold. When is the next book coming out?
September 15, 2019
I really enjoyed Nancy Allen’s latest book A Wolf in the Woods! Just as wonderful as the first few in the series. Couldn’t put it down.
September 16, 2019
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book. Smart, quick paced. I will buy more in this series. I hope got another installment soon
I really enjoyed this book. Smart, quick paced. I will buy more in this series. I hope got another installment soon
August 11, 2022
First book I have read by her. I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down.
August 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
I found the book intriguing. A page turner!
It had funny moments, sad moments, and scary moments. I could see this book as a TV show.
I found the book intriguing. A page turner!
It had funny moments, sad moments, and scary moments. I could see this book as a TV show.
May 3, 2024
Not sure I cared for the story content in this series with Elsie Arnold and the ending leaves you wondering what Elsie's future holds for her.
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