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At the Edge of the Forest
Two years ago, Rita Bone's sister vanished after a series of bizarre, violent incidents near their home. Now Rita is old enough to search for Shannon herself, and she starts by taking a job at the same all-night store where her sister used to work. But to get to the store, Rita must either take the long way round, or walk through a dark forest.
Soon, Rita starts to hear strange stories about a powerful force that lives in the forest, and she realizes that finding her sister might mean straying from the path and going deeper into the darkness.
As Rita's search begins, the forest reaches out to claim fresh victims. A local serial killer suffers a freak accident that puts him in a coma, and when he wakes up he finds himself experiencing a series of horrific visions. Meanwhile, echoes of the past start to leak into the present, leading Rita to make a terrifying journey. What lurks in the heart of the forest? What did it do to Rita's sister? And why do those who enter the forest - and who reach its heart - never return?
Soon, Rita starts to hear strange stories about a powerful force that lives in the forest, and she realizes that finding her sister might mean straying from the path and going deeper into the darkness.
As Rita's search begins, the forest reaches out to claim fresh victims. A local serial killer suffers a freak accident that puts him in a coma, and when he wakes up he finds himself experiencing a series of horrific visions. Meanwhile, echoes of the past start to leak into the present, leading Rita to make a terrifying journey. What lurks in the heart of the forest? What did it do to Rita's sister? And why do those who enter the forest - and who reach its heart - never return?
- GenresHorror
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2015
222 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,685 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 4, 2017
Another Amy Cross classic
This was an exceptionally well crafted horror story. The way the character's lives and individual stories were interwoven really added to the suspense and mystery of this book. The characters felt real and their stories believable, even in such an obvious fantasy world. For me this highlights the power of illusion, as created by the mistress of the horror genre.
This was an exceptionally well crafted horror story. The way the character's lives and individual stories were interwoven really added to the suspense and mystery of this book. The characters felt real and their stories believable, even in such an obvious fantasy world. For me this highlights the power of illusion, as created by the mistress of the horror genre.
April 23, 2016
Another great read from one of my favourite authors, this time, a creepy horror that has its roots in the distant past, with plenty of surprises, twists, suspense and mystery.
There have been numerous stories concerning trees - the woods or the forest and the mysteries that surround them - however, this author, as usual, brings originality to her story.
I loved the multiple first person narratives and the great writing style (despite the typos), which make for a compelling read.
Brilliant horror that should make you think twice about - well read it then you'll know.
There have been numerous stories concerning trees - the woods or the forest and the mysteries that surround them - however, this author, as usual, brings originality to her story.
I loved the multiple first person narratives and the great writing style (despite the typos), which make for a compelling read.
Brilliant horror that should make you think twice about - well read it then you'll know.
January 12, 2018
This was such an entertaining, involved read. It was like a puzzle and each chapter, each character was a piece. Very fun and of course chilling and thrilling as all Amy's books are.
May 24, 2020
Enjoyable
I've found Amy Cross to be a great author and she certainly doesn't disappoint in this story. I loved the way the story developed along with the characters
I've found Amy Cross to be a great author and she certainly doesn't disappoint in this story. I loved the way the story developed along with the characters
March 22, 2020
Something Wicked!
There's something evil in tne forest trying to get to Shannon and she vows to always be there for her sister Rita.
Shannon has always been told not to go in the forest, and she makes Rita promise her she won't ever go in the forest. A few years later Shannon is getting off work and decides to walk through the forest instead of always taking the long way around the forest so she can get home and make sure Rita is safe from their drunken whoring mother. Shannon has vowed to get herself and Rita out of the trailer park and away from the forest.
This book is very well written. With just a few errors. ( Thank you Amy Cross)! The plot and the characters are very well defined and it will pull you into the book, but won't let you out until you've finished every scream from the rollercoaster, and survive the major left hook that the author Amy Cross has delivered!
There's something evil in tne forest trying to get to Shannon and she vows to always be there for her sister Rita.
Shannon has always been told not to go in the forest, and she makes Rita promise her she won't ever go in the forest. A few years later Shannon is getting off work and decides to walk through the forest instead of always taking the long way around the forest so she can get home and make sure Rita is safe from their drunken whoring mother. Shannon has vowed to get herself and Rita out of the trailer park and away from the forest.
This book is very well written. With just a few errors. ( Thank you Amy Cross)! The plot and the characters are very well defined and it will pull you into the book, but won't let you out until you've finished every scream from the rollercoaster, and survive the major left hook that the author Amy Cross has delivered!
May 8, 2020
Wow, there was a lot going on with this one! My head was spinning once I turned the last page.
The story itself reminds of the new move Gretel and Hansel with the sorry of Alice and the forest a little but I wished it ended a little differently!
Amy Cross happens to be one of my favorite authors, releasing new books all the time, I can’t read them fast enough. What I love about her writing and story-telling most are the characters. No matter which one of her books you pick up, you’ll be instantly drawn into the main character’s life and will want to know as much as you as the journey unravels.
There was a lot going on here but she managed to wrap it all up rather nicely!
The story itself reminds of the new move Gretel and Hansel with the sorry of Alice and the forest a little but I wished it ended a little differently!
Amy Cross happens to be one of my favorite authors, releasing new books all the time, I can’t read them fast enough. What I love about her writing and story-telling most are the characters. No matter which one of her books you pick up, you’ll be instantly drawn into the main character’s life and will want to know as much as you as the journey unravels.
There was a lot going on here but she managed to wrap it all up rather nicely!
September 9, 2017
An amazingly different type of story
This book was such a different type of story which is what makes me give it 5 stars. I have read a lot of books by Amy cross and this one is one of her best ones. As most of her books do this has a different type of storyline that I could easily fall into and stay up late reading as I have now. The characters were great and I wanted to know more about what was going to happen with each of them. I loved how easily I fell into reading this book and I am looking forward to reading another of Amy Cross's books!
This book was such a different type of story which is what makes me give it 5 stars. I have read a lot of books by Amy cross and this one is one of her best ones. As most of her books do this has a different type of storyline that I could easily fall into and stay up late reading as I have now. The characters were great and I wanted to know more about what was going to happen with each of them. I loved how easily I fell into reading this book and I am looking forward to reading another of Amy Cross's books!
October 17, 2017
I thought this was a well done fantasy/horror. Only one character brought out any empathy, the rest were not particularly nice, but all were well portrayed. Something in the forest reaches out and snares people in its evil scheme. It entwines three people who fight separately at first and then together to get out of it's clutches. They come in contact with the thing because of their own stupidity, desires and desperation. I found it to be a page turner, because I couldn't figure out how they would be able to destroy the evil. I would recommend this to any paranormal fan.
September 7, 2020
Story was all over the place.
Wasn't hard to follow, just annoying. Felt hastily thrown together, strange and nonsensical. Plot was boring and I grew tired of reading "don't go into the forest" over and over again.
I finished it, but for no other reason than a burning desire for the book to end.
Just not good. I see this was published in 2015, so perhaps the 5-star reviews were regrettably acquired. Glad I started reading more recent Amy Cross works first, or I'd never have picked up another.
Skip this one.
Wasn't hard to follow, just annoying. Felt hastily thrown together, strange and nonsensical. Plot was boring and I grew tired of reading "don't go into the forest" over and over again.
I finished it, but for no other reason than a burning desire for the book to end.
Just not good. I see this was published in 2015, so perhaps the 5-star reviews were regrettably acquired. Glad I started reading more recent Amy Cross works first, or I'd never have picked up another.
Skip this one.
June 22, 2022
Cross does it again!
One of my favorite authors, Amy Cross books read so in-depth, more like a movie in your mind. She never ceases to come-up with new stories & characters from the deep well of her eerie imagination. I've yet to read a book that I've not enjoyed thoroughly. If you enjoy thrills, chills, twist & turns, then you've found your new favorite author. This is not one of her scariest books, but still a great story. Just be warned....her characters come to life so easily, you might not want to read about them at night!
One of my favorite authors, Amy Cross books read so in-depth, more like a movie in your mind. She never ceases to come-up with new stories & characters from the deep well of her eerie imagination. I've yet to read a book that I've not enjoyed thoroughly. If you enjoy thrills, chills, twist & turns, then you've found your new favorite author. This is not one of her scariest books, but still a great story. Just be warned....her characters come to life so easily, you might not want to read about them at night!
October 9, 2022
Don’t go in the forest…
A good spooky story for this time of year, near Halloween. Shannon and Rita are sisters, raised by a drunken mother, with little hope of leaving their trailer park. Shannon works, hoping to get herself and Rita away from their life. She walks miles to and from the chain store, bypassing the haunted forest even though it would be a shortcut. She knows never to go in the forest, but then she disappears. Rita is devastated and is determined to find her sister. What follows is a wild ride with voices, shadows and missing people.
A good spooky story for this time of year, near Halloween. Shannon and Rita are sisters, raised by a drunken mother, with little hope of leaving their trailer park. Shannon works, hoping to get herself and Rita away from their life. She walks miles to and from the chain store, bypassing the haunted forest even though it would be a shortcut. She knows never to go in the forest, but then she disappears. Rita is devastated and is determined to find her sister. What follows is a wild ride with voices, shadows and missing people.
September 29, 2017
Amy Cross is one of those rare authors that I don't even read the descriptions of her books before buying because I have never been disappointed. This time however I was. This book was pretty disjointed, jumping from one character to another and even from one time to another time. It had a good plot and story line though that kept me wanting to find out what would happen next. It was just hard to keep track of who was who and who was doing what.
August 14, 2018
This was absorbing and good! I decided to read this while camping in the middle of the woods. I make odd choices sometimes lol.
I liked they way this story was laid out, with the different first person perspectives. I think this style of narrative keeps me engaged more than any other. I really liked all the characters, and I liked the way this story kept me guessing. I think I should quit thinking I have plots figured out. Amy Cross always manages to surprise me.
I liked they way this story was laid out, with the different first person perspectives. I think this style of narrative keeps me engaged more than any other. I really liked all the characters, and I liked the way this story kept me guessing. I think I should quit thinking I have plots figured out. Amy Cross always manages to surprise me.
August 15, 2018
Ten Stars
Where oh where does Amy Cross come up with her ideas for books? Every book is different and it seems like even though I love all of her work, the one I finish reading is always my favorite! I genuinely enjoy it all, even when a subject is one that I normally wouldn't choose. Amy Cross is an outstanding writer and I love her work. How many times have I said that?
Where oh where does Amy Cross come up with her ideas for books? Every book is different and it seems like even though I love all of her work, the one I finish reading is always my favorite! I genuinely enjoy it all, even when a subject is one that I normally wouldn't choose. Amy Cross is an outstanding writer and I love her work. How many times have I said that?
April 26, 2020
Spooky Story
This is the story of Shannon and Rita, two sisters who live with their alcoholic mother in a trailer park. The forest is right behind the trailer park. It's a weird forest, very dark and no signs of life. Shannon always warns Rita to stay out of the forest as there is something evil in it. There's local folklore tales about it. Shannon goes missing and Rita is drawn to the forest and the horror begins. This was a good scary story. Amy Cross never disappoints
This is the story of Shannon and Rita, two sisters who live with their alcoholic mother in a trailer park. The forest is right behind the trailer park. It's a weird forest, very dark and no signs of life. Shannon always warns Rita to stay out of the forest as there is something evil in it. There's local folklore tales about it. Shannon goes missing and Rita is drawn to the forest and the horror begins. This was a good scary story. Amy Cross never disappoints
November 23, 2017
Don't go into the forest.
Rita Shannon and their Mum live in a Trailer Park, right at the edge of the forest. There have been stories told down the years of a little girl living there so people have been told don't go near the forest. Is it just a Fairy tale or is there an evil presence there. Read it and see. Loved it Amy😃📕
Rita Shannon and their Mum live in a Trailer Park, right at the edge of the forest. There have been stories told down the years of a little girl living there so people have been told don't go near the forest. Is it just a Fairy tale or is there an evil presence there. Read it and see. Loved it Amy😃📕
January 7, 2018
The little differences made the book
Been reading Amy Cross for a while now but this book was different. She did some time jumps to explain certain plots. It explained the characters situations at the present time and out of time. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone.
Been reading Amy Cross for a while now but this book was different. She did some time jumps to explain certain plots. It explained the characters situations at the present time and out of time. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone.
March 28, 2018
This was my first journey into Amy Cross's writing, and I guarantee it won't be my last. Things get bloody and violent when a fairy tale goes bad, and the story grabs you from the start and refuses to let go. There were some good twists at the end that made me want to keep going, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Read
December 21, 2019A Sister's Love
One loses everything trying to get her sister away, while the other risks it all to bring her sister back.
This is a creepy, and sad story. It shows to what lengths people are willing to go to get what they're heart desires the most, and just how far people will go for love.
One loses everything trying to get her sister away, while the other risks it all to bring her sister back.
This is a creepy, and sad story. It shows to what lengths people are willing to go to get what they're heart desires the most, and just how far people will go for love.
May 22, 2018
Very good story
Very good creepy story about a sisters love. How far will a sister go to find her missing sibling. Into a dark, supernatural forest? Very good characters, the story drew me in and kept me reading till the end.
Very good creepy story about a sisters love. How far will a sister go to find her missing sibling. Into a dark, supernatural forest? Very good characters, the story drew me in and kept me reading till the end.
March 4, 2025
It's not the edge of the forest you have to worry about, but rather what dwells within.
This had some twists that I wasn't expecting and was gruesome in places, so be warned.
Everyone knew to avoid the woods, but not the reason why. Shannon will learn the hard way.
This had some twists that I wasn't expecting and was gruesome in places, so be warned.
Everyone knew to avoid the woods, but not the reason why. Shannon will learn the hard way.
January 30, 2018
Surprise
Not exactly what I was expecting but really not sure what I was expecting. Different than the Jack the Ripper series. Just different all around.
Not exactly what I was expecting but really not sure what I was expecting. Different than the Jack the Ripper series. Just different all around.
February 25, 2018
Good Read
This story took sometime to get going and kept drifting along
Not as much action within this story. I suppose that the author hooked me and I was compelled to finish
This story took sometime to get going and kept drifting along
Not as much action within this story. I suppose that the author hooked me and I was compelled to finish
April 3, 2018
Another great read
I really enjoyed this book
I have found a new favorite author I read 2 books so far but I will be reading more from Amy Cross
I really enjoyed this book
I have found a new favorite author I read 2 books so far but I will be reading more from Amy Cross
January 10, 2019
Another winner
Just finishing another gripping story from Any Cross. At the Edge of the Forest is a page turned from beginning to end.
Just finishing another gripping story from Any Cross. At the Edge of the Forest is a page turned from beginning to end.
April 18, 2019
This is a very creepy story and I loved reading every single page of it.
April 15, 2020
Good story, well written. Just wanted to read a little bit more ..... to the end of the book!!
December 17, 2022
Good book
I love your books. Everyone that I read are my favorite.....until I read the next one. You keeping a lonely old lady busy. Thank you keep it up
I love your books. Everyone that I read are my favorite.....until I read the next one. You keeping a lonely old lady busy. Thank you keep it up
December 13, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable book that kept me gripped till the end. There were a few grammatical errors and mix ups such as getting a characters name wrong and the end was a slight let down but only in comparison to the rest of the story hence my 4 not 5 star review but the story was well structured and interesting and original. I like this writer's style so much I am now reading another of hers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews