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Joe Court #2
The Girl in the Woods
Detective Mary Joe Court returns in the second novel in New York Times' bestselling author Chris Culver’s gripping Joe Court series.A volunteer found the body while searching the Missouri backwoods for a pair of missing teenagers. The victim was murdered and dumped at a camp site deep in the woods.It’s tornado season in central Missouri. The air is still. The sky is dark green. There’s a wall cloud to the west.A nasty storm is coming…Detective Joe Court knows her team shouldn’t be out there, but they need to collect the evidence before it’s destroyed.Little does Joe know, that storm should be the least of her concerns…The Girl in the Woods is an awesome thriller full of twists and turns. If you're a fan of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or John Sandford, check out New York Times bestselling author Chris Culver's Joe Court series today!
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2019
1834 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Chris Culver
38 books234 followersChris Culver is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Rashid series of mysteries. After graduate school, Chris taught courses in ethics and comparative religion at a small liberal arts university in southern Arkansas. While there and when he really should have been grading exams, he wrote The Abbey, which spent sixteen weeks on the New York Times bestseller's list and introduced the world to Detective Ash Rashid.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 5, 2023
I’m hooked. Female detectives are admirable. Will get all this series. Author ties everything together and babam—you realize your hunger for detective!
October 8, 2024
I loved this book! It is an easy quick read. A great murder mystery that keeps your attention. Every chapter leaves you wanting to read the next. I didn’t realize it was a series. This is actually the second book, but I couldn’t tell I had missed the first! I plan to read the rest of the series, it was that good!
The ending leaves you craving “the next episode”. Read it.
The ending leaves you craving “the next episode”. Read it.
May 10, 2021
The first book in this series was more of a backstory to introduce the main characters. This was a case unto itself. It was a little slow in developing, but when it did, it happened fast. Plus the surprise ending. There's also the unsolved case, which seems to be ongoing.
May 20, 2019
I enjoy murder mysteries (even as I hate violence, so the descriptions need to be minimal). I like reading the story from the perspective of the police detective narrator, and it's a good story if I like/respect the protagonist (not too full of pathos), if the actual violence is minimally referenced, and if I can't tell from reading whether the author is a man or a woman (it shouldn't show or it's a distraction from the story), and if the book comes in at 350 pages or less (only bad editing extends a good story more than that). I dislike loose ends being tied up like a fairytale, although I don't like too many unanswered questions. (I like the author Ann Cleves, but when I finish her books I find that I don't know what the heck happened, and I am not prepared to read the book again to find out--essentially maybe they are too realistic, in real life that's probably how it is.) "The Girl in the Woods" checks all the boxes for a good mystery and I will be reading the next one in the series. There is a special satisfaction in knowing that there are books in this series that I haven't read yet! Occasionally the way books are edited and sold these days makes me think that fiction is of declining quality, and that at some point, it will be hard to find one that interests me, so when I find a good series, it makes me feel that the genre is not dead yet... there are more lurking treasures.
May 7, 2025
Well written crime novel, the second in the series. The 1st book, “The Girl in the Motel” was equally enjoyable. This 2nd in series packs a lot of action within its pages, more so than its predecessor. I’ve become fond of the lead character, Detective Joe Court, in the Sheriff’s Department of St. Augustine County Missouri. Located not far from St. Louis, the community sees a lot of criminal activity for such an ungainly, small community.
Detective Court is an honest, hardworking person whose goal is to “just do her job” of solving crime — which she does handsomely. Her reserved manner when a situation calls for physical affection plays a role in characterization and plot. The author does an excellent job of explaining “why she is the way she is” which to me, makes her that much more appealing.
The setting of the various locales enhanced the local color of the novel. Supporting characters are of the love ‘em or hate ‘em style and helps keep the plot moving. I recommend this novel with a 🌟🌟🌟🌦️(3 1/2) stars. Chris Culver writes really interesting novels. I like him & think you will too.
Detective Court is an honest, hardworking person whose goal is to “just do her job” of solving crime — which she does handsomely. Her reserved manner when a situation calls for physical affection plays a role in characterization and plot. The author does an excellent job of explaining “why she is the way she is” which to me, makes her that much more appealing.
The setting of the various locales enhanced the local color of the novel. Supporting characters are of the love ‘em or hate ‘em style and helps keep the plot moving. I recommend this novel with a 🌟🌟🌟🌦️(3 1/2) stars. Chris Culver writes really interesting novels. I like him & think you will too.
December 7, 2022
Excellent sequel! Packed with action!
The only thing this one leaves you wanting is….. the next in the series.
Detective Mary Joe “Joe” Court is incredible with her inner strength and ingenuity and problem solving skills that make her great at her job even though her direct bluntness causes her problems.
This installment is covered in action, drama and self realization. With all the plates spinning and hoops to be jumped, it is miraculous that she keeps getting the job done.
If you are looking for a MC that isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done or tell the truth, then look no further Joe Court and the rest of the group will keep you busy grinding your jaw, rolling your eyes and huffing “Moron” to the ones that just refuse to look past the noses on their own face to see what is happening. Grab it while you can, it is definitely a keeper.
The only thing this one leaves you wanting is….. the next in the series.
Detective Mary Joe “Joe” Court is incredible with her inner strength and ingenuity and problem solving skills that make her great at her job even though her direct bluntness causes her problems.
This installment is covered in action, drama and self realization. With all the plates spinning and hoops to be jumped, it is miraculous that she keeps getting the job done.
If you are looking for a MC that isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done or tell the truth, then look no further Joe Court and the rest of the group will keep you busy grinding your jaw, rolling your eyes and huffing “Moron” to the ones that just refuse to look past the noses on their own face to see what is happening. Grab it while you can, it is definitely a keeper.
April 3, 2024
Second in the Joe Court series, in The Girl in the Woods we are with Detective Mary Joe Court as she and her team seek out the murderer of the girl dumped in the Missouri woods. There is lots of action, personable protagonists, and an evolving tale that will keep you reading past your bedtime. This is a good series. It's a police procedural that has a bite set in a location that deserves accolades. Central US at its best.
REVIEWED on April 3, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
REVIEWED on April 3, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
November 15, 2024
Book #2 in Detective Joe Court is not your usual detective. First of all, she is female but forbids anyone to use her first name, Mary. This is the 3rd book in the series. I bought the first 4 books directly from the author, Chris Culver, got the 1.5 novella free. If you like mystery, you’ll love this author. Books are available on Amazon and are well worth it. If you like strong characters and difficult to figure out murders, you’ll like this series and this book. While looking for 2 missing teenagers, a woman’s body is discovered. This begins a conspiracy about the local chemical plant and what they are doing out of the view of prying eyes. Good storyline.
November 18, 2024
This quick read was such a good book. I started it when the kiddo went to sleep and finished it before midnight. I couldn’t put it down! Just when I thought I finally had it figured out, it was like Culver said “gotcha guess again!” The chapters are short and I found myself continuously saying just one more chapter. The main character is a feisty little spitfire detective and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. I’m definitely going to continue the series.
May 22, 2025
awesome thriller
The Girl in the Woods by Chris Culver is a fast-paced, emotionally rich crime novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. Culver masterfully blends suspense with real emotional depth, and the twists are both smart and satisfying. The writing is sharp, the plot moves quickly, and the themes of redemption and morality add real weight to the story.
Highly recommended for fans of intelligent thrillers with heart.
The Girl in the Woods by Chris Culver is a fast-paced, emotionally rich crime novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. Culver masterfully blends suspense with real emotional depth, and the twists are both smart and satisfying. The writing is sharp, the plot moves quickly, and the themes of redemption and morality add real weight to the story.
Highly recommended for fans of intelligent thrillers with heart.
February 3, 2019
This is the end for me.
I have bought and read all of Mr. Culvers books. They have become just too violent with too much unnecessary killing. I am sure in the next book Delgado will be featured and that's too bad as he is horrid. I just don't want to invest the time in the series anymore. It's too bad because Mr. Culvers can be a great story teller at times.
I have bought and read all of Mr. Culvers books. They have become just too violent with too much unnecessary killing. I am sure in the next book Delgado will be featured and that's too bad as he is horrid. I just don't want to invest the time in the series anymore. It's too bad because Mr. Culvers can be a great story teller at times.
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I wish I had researched and learned that it was the second book in a series. I will now have to read the first book. I enjoyed the girl in the woods as it was a page turner and did not end as I assumed it would. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
November 14, 2020
This second book in the series was even better than the first. Since the first book had to lay down all the back story and develop the characters the story moved slower. With this second book the story takes the front seat. It was exciting with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right up to the end. I intend to begin the third book right away.
September 15, 2022
The Girl in the Woods will mesmerize you!
In reading this story I was captivated by the author's storytelling. Chris has woven a twisty, suspenseful story to keep you guessing. I love how he brought the human side to Joe with her beloved dog Roger. She is a smart detective who uses her brain to figure out the bad guys' motives. This story will tease you to the very end.
In reading this story I was captivated by the author's storytelling. Chris has woven a twisty, suspenseful story to keep you guessing. I love how he brought the human side to Joe with her beloved dog Roger. She is a smart detective who uses her brain to figure out the bad guys' motives. This story will tease you to the very end.
September 21, 2019
Layers and layers
This story is filled with so many layers of deceit. Not just who the good guys but bad guys turning on other bad guys. But who's to say which group was truly the worst. I vote for the big shots who turn a blind eye.
This story is filled with so many layers of deceit. Not just who the good guys but bad guys turning on other bad guys. But who's to say which group was truly the worst. I vote for the big shots who turn a blind eye.
October 15, 2019
Alright I cried, closed my eyes and said NO
I also thought how did the author come up with such a wonderful story that makes the read feel such strong emotions. I will not ruin it for you - I will highly recommend this series.
I also thought how did the author come up with such a wonderful story that makes the read feel such strong emotions. I will not ruin it for you - I will highly recommend this series.
February 28, 2020
Great police procedural
Joe Court is a very human character. Despite her baggage and personal problems, she puts her all into her job with tenacity and a blatant disregard for any one who gets in her way.
Joe Court is a very human character. Despite her baggage and personal problems, she puts her all into her job with tenacity and a blatant disregard for any one who gets in her way.
March 16, 2020
Excellent book
I'm greatly enjoying the character development of Joe Court. She is a strong and complicated woman which makes for an excellent character. I am excited to start the third book in the series!
I'm greatly enjoying the character development of Joe Court. She is a strong and complicated woman which makes for an excellent character. I am excited to start the third book in the series!
May 20, 2020
Close to Home
Joe Court and I could be good friends. She's feisty, passionate, strong willed and an excellent role model for today's women. Living close to St. Louis, I loved all of the references of cities, suburbs and landmarks. Looking forward to more Joe!
Joe Court and I could be good friends. She's feisty, passionate, strong willed and an excellent role model for today's women. Living close to St. Louis, I loved all of the references of cities, suburbs and landmarks. Looking forward to more Joe!
June 9, 2020
Good Detective story
I read the first book and thought it was terrific. This story, number two, did not suffer from a Sophomore slump. The Berlin's character develops in a believable way. Very involved storyline but fun to watch it come together.
I read the first book and thought it was terrific. This story, number two, did not suffer from a Sophomore slump. The Berlin's character develops in a believable way. Very involved storyline but fun to watch it come together.
June 25, 2020
Joe court
I reAlly enjoy reading this series. I read two and I'm about to start book three. They are very entertaining and suspenseful Joe is a very entertaining character. I gave it 5 star because I loved read it.
I reAlly enjoy reading this series. I read two and I'm about to start book three. They are very entertaining and suspenseful Joe is a very entertaining character. I gave it 5 star because I loved read it.
March 16, 2021
A lot to think about
Some of her actions I do not agree with but taking a long careful look I can see the flow and how “human” it makes Joe to feel and act that way, I look forward to more.
Some of her actions I do not agree with but taking a long careful look I can see the flow and how “human” it makes Joe to feel and act that way, I look forward to more.
March 29, 2022
Second in the series of Joe Court. A definite must read. Joe is intelligent and a badass with great comments to idiots she deals with. A book you want to read because it’s good but hate to read because you’ll finish it.
Read
December 25, 2022I never read murder mysteries, but I do now thanks to Chris Culver. I love his character, Joe Court. And her dog. You gotta love an author who's not only a good writer but dog lover as well! Move over, Dean Koontz!
July 14, 2023
OMG
This series keeps getting better. I love that the author show how hard it is to obtain evidence. TV has made where people believe that it is so easy. I love Det Joe. She is our heroin but one that is real
This series keeps getting better. I love that the author show how hard it is to obtain evidence. TV has made where people believe that it is so easy. I love Det Joe. She is our heroin but one that is real
July 21, 2023
easy and interesting read
I enjoyed this book. I liked the character and the story was interesting. I didn’t figure out the true culprit so that made for fun and unexpected ending.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the character and the story was interesting. I didn’t figure out the true culprit so that made for fun and unexpected ending.
September 18, 2025
Very slow start. The plot twists and random side stories were interesting. The end definite picked up and moved very quickly. They did leave a good segue into the next book. I’m excited to see where Detective Court goes next !
November 23, 2025
Engrossing and exciting
I love the Joe Court series. As usual, this one built up the suspense slowly. Very good plot lines and I rarely read books that don't telecast their conclusions. Great read if you like police procedurals, dogs, suspense, and strong women.
I love the Joe Court series. As usual, this one built up the suspense slowly. Very good plot lines and I rarely read books that don't telecast their conclusions. Great read if you like police procedurals, dogs, suspense, and strong women.
December 20, 2025
never know where the author will take you!
Fix excellent read looking forward to reading the rest of the series! No predictable at all! Chris Culver keeps you guessing “who done it and why” ! Ordering the next book now!
Fix excellent read looking forward to reading the rest of the series! No predictable at all! Chris Culver keeps you guessing “who done it and why” ! Ordering the next book now!
February 8, 2019
Loved this book!
I can't get enough of Joe Court! This series is well thought out and relatable. The writing is action packed and keeps you hooked!
I can't get enough of Joe Court! This series is well thought out and relatable. The writing is action packed and keeps you hooked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews