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The Girl in the Woods
She finally had the family she had always wanted, so why did she feel as though someone had stepped on her grave?
Suzannah and Noel are desperate for a child so when they get the chance to adopt a young girl called Orchid, they jump at the chance. They have been warned that it will take time for Orchid to settle into their family, but the problems they encounter seem out of the ordinary. Rooms are flooded, mirrors are smashed and Orchid owns up to none of it. Then things take a sinister turn and Suzannah becomes truly frightened. Who is this child they have let into their lives and will they ever be able to tame her?
Suzannah and Noel are desperate for a child so when they get the chance to adopt a young girl called Orchid, they jump at the chance. They have been warned that it will take time for Orchid to settle into their family, but the problems they encounter seem out of the ordinary. Rooms are flooded, mirrors are smashed and Orchid owns up to none of it. Then things take a sinister turn and Suzannah becomes truly frightened. Who is this child they have let into their lives and will they ever be able to tame her?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
1430 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Dounaeva
52 books271 followersLorna Dounaeva is a politics graduate who worked for the British Home Office before turning to crime fiction. She writes dark domestic thrillers and is especially fond of female villains. She lives in the Orkney islands with her Ukrainian husband and his parents, three children, a crafty cat and a happy dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
September 23, 2020
3.5 really but not quite as good as a 4 star read.
October 28, 2020
Packed this in at 28%. Suzannah, the mother is really unpleasant and seems to have adopted the spawn of the devil....one animal has already copped it and I reached a point where Tiger the cat was climbing in the dishwasher and chose to end it there. You just KNOW where that is leading and it's no place I want to go, thanks !! Now, if it was the CHILD climbing in......hehehe......but not the animal !!
There are some really frightful mistakes in it as well.....no capitalisation on french windows, writes style not stile, magnolias not Marigolds (!!), trial not trail, gage not gauge, no apostrophes in bakers and jailor not jailer. All should've been spotted in any perfunctory proofreading exercise.
This line is dreadful, "I don't didn't take Orchid back to the church" and so is this one, "Do you think you we might see that husband of yours." This passage needs a fullstop and comma inserted and a new sentence begun to make sense, "I don't remember being so tired,(.) before we had Orchid and I often worked twelve hour days.(,) I thought the commute was tiring but it really wasn't"......then 'Is nice welcome' lost a. All a little too slapdash.
Suzannah comes across as terribly snooty and apparently kids at her school all hated her and nowadays the locals appear to give her a very wide berth, too, she never says please nor thankyou, either, and only once had she corrected Orchid (awful name) and made her say please. I think they deserve each other, actually !! Neither at all likeable. I have another by this author downloaded but I'm going to delete that on the back of the terrible presentation in this one. Not an author I'll bother with again.
There are some really frightful mistakes in it as well.....no capitalisation on french windows, writes style not stile, magnolias not Marigolds (!!), trial not trail, gage not gauge, no apostrophes in bakers and jailor not jailer. All should've been spotted in any perfunctory proofreading exercise.
This line is dreadful, "I don't didn't take Orchid back to the church" and so is this one, "Do you think you we might see that husband of yours." This passage needs a fullstop and comma inserted and a new sentence begun to make sense, "I don't remember being so tired,(.) before we had Orchid and I often worked twelve hour days.(,) I thought the commute was tiring but it really wasn't"......then 'Is nice welcome' lost a. All a little too slapdash.
Suzannah comes across as terribly snooty and apparently kids at her school all hated her and nowadays the locals appear to give her a very wide berth, too, she never says please nor thankyou, either, and only once had she corrected Orchid (awful name) and made her say please. I think they deserve each other, actually !! Neither at all likeable. I have another by this author downloaded but I'm going to delete that on the back of the terrible presentation in this one. Not an author I'll bother with again.
December 18, 2020
This book is real good. Suzannah and Noel are desperate for a child so when they get the chance to adopt a young girl called Orchid, things start happening and Suzannah is scared.
March 24, 2021
My god this book is so completely convuluted it defies description. Spoilers ahead
So Orchid lied about the dead sister? Who does that anyway, who would give 2 children the same name? This book is ridiculous from the beginning. Lila can kill Noel and hang Kurt but can't take an axe from a 10 yr old. Orchid never saw Lila in the house? So where does Lila live, where does she work? None of this is answered. Lila waits months to kill Noel? Why? This book is so asinine it is not funny.
So Orchid lied about the dead sister? Who does that anyway, who would give 2 children the same name? This book is ridiculous from the beginning. Lila can kill Noel and hang Kurt but can't take an axe from a 10 yr old. Orchid never saw Lila in the house? So where does Lila live, where does she work? None of this is answered. Lila waits months to kill Noel? Why? This book is so asinine it is not funny.
August 6, 2020
Brilliant book, highly recommended.
The Girl In The Woods is a great psychological thriller which kept me glued to its pages. It’s written in a very clear voice, great characters and leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. A great read. I loved it.
The Girl In The Woods is a great psychological thriller which kept me glued to its pages. It’s written in a very clear voice, great characters and leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. A great read. I loved it.
October 22, 2020
I felt it didn't flow and ultimately, it all became rather far fetched towards the end. Not for me I'm afraid.
February 2, 2020
This book shows you that you never really know the people in your life. The main characters in the story are Suzannah and Noel, a young marries couple, who after finding out they can’t have kids of their own, have no adopted a young girl aged nine, called Orchid. They haven’t long ago met her at her foster home and just a short week later they are taking her home to their small cottage in the country. Suzannah has given up her work and Noel still commutes to his job in the city, for a charity. The cottage is Suzannah’s childhood home and she has fond memories of it and the woods surrounding it.
They have been so desperate to have a child of their own that they haven’t questioned the thin folder of information that the social worker passed to them, regarding Orchid. They have been told to expect it to take some time for her to settle into a new home and to get used to both of them. She seems to have taken a shine to Noel especially, whilst Suzannah has to struggle with all the day to day dramas of becoming a mother for the first time and trying to be the best mother she can be, all the time feeling like everyone else will be judging her.
Strange problems start to appear, is Orchid seeing and speaking to a ghost of a long lost relative of Suzannah’s, how are all the strange occurrences happening about the house, rooms have been flooded, mirrors have been smashed, a broken grandfather clock is suddenly working and electrical appliances and lights keep going on and off at odd times. Is it the work of a ghost, or Orchid’s imaginary friend? Or is Orchid possessed, a devil child, doing all she can to drive Suzannah mad? Events are frightening Suzannah beyond belief and Noel is never there when these events occur, so dismisses most of it as Suzannah trying to cope!
But matters soon take on a more sinister and dangerous turn, as one of them is seriously injured and something even worse happens to another. Who is behind all of this or is this young child to blame for everything that has been happening to the family and around the house? This book certainly ramps up the suspense and makes you wonder what is true and what is possibly paranormal. There are lots of little side stories that twist the facts and added to the newly adopted child and family scenario, manage to confuse the reality of the situations wonderfully! This is not a happily ever after type of story, with tales of the perfect adoption laid out for the reader. Oh no, this adds a big punch full of reality and some sadistic revenge poured over the coals. Another great book by this author, you never quite know where it might be going and it will never be a straight forward tale. All the better for the reader, I say! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I can’t wait to read some more from this author. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
They have been so desperate to have a child of their own that they haven’t questioned the thin folder of information that the social worker passed to them, regarding Orchid. They have been told to expect it to take some time for her to settle into a new home and to get used to both of them. She seems to have taken a shine to Noel especially, whilst Suzannah has to struggle with all the day to day dramas of becoming a mother for the first time and trying to be the best mother she can be, all the time feeling like everyone else will be judging her.
Strange problems start to appear, is Orchid seeing and speaking to a ghost of a long lost relative of Suzannah’s, how are all the strange occurrences happening about the house, rooms have been flooded, mirrors have been smashed, a broken grandfather clock is suddenly working and electrical appliances and lights keep going on and off at odd times. Is it the work of a ghost, or Orchid’s imaginary friend? Or is Orchid possessed, a devil child, doing all she can to drive Suzannah mad? Events are frightening Suzannah beyond belief and Noel is never there when these events occur, so dismisses most of it as Suzannah trying to cope!
But matters soon take on a more sinister and dangerous turn, as one of them is seriously injured and something even worse happens to another. Who is behind all of this or is this young child to blame for everything that has been happening to the family and around the house? This book certainly ramps up the suspense and makes you wonder what is true and what is possibly paranormal. There are lots of little side stories that twist the facts and added to the newly adopted child and family scenario, manage to confuse the reality of the situations wonderfully! This is not a happily ever after type of story, with tales of the perfect adoption laid out for the reader. Oh no, this adds a big punch full of reality and some sadistic revenge poured over the coals. Another great book by this author, you never quite know where it might be going and it will never be a straight forward tale. All the better for the reader, I say! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I can’t wait to read some more from this author. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
April 30, 2022
I'm being generous. 2.5 is more like it. The idea was great but the delivery was lacking somehow.
September 24, 2024
3.5 spooky season read.
This is a slow burn eerie thriller but once it gets going I really enjoyed it.
Suzannah and Noel have adopted nine year old Orchid, she is meant to complete them as a family and bring them happiness but this isn’t what Suzannah is feeling and as strange goings on begin to happen since Orchids arrival, she feels she has nowhere else to turn to but the church.
Quick, easy read I read in two sittings, great for spooky season ( also on KU UK)
This is a slow burn eerie thriller but once it gets going I really enjoyed it.
Suzannah and Noel have adopted nine year old Orchid, she is meant to complete them as a family and bring them happiness but this isn’t what Suzannah is feeling and as strange goings on begin to happen since Orchids arrival, she feels she has nowhere else to turn to but the church.
Quick, easy read I read in two sittings, great for spooky season ( also on KU UK)
Want to read
March 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2020)! 🎁
September 22, 2020
They have always wanted a child and when they get a chance of adoption, they jump at the chance. All is not as it seems with the child and things are happening around them. What is going on? Who is the child? Can they make a better life? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
Finally a book that kept me guessing
May 9, 2021
Living in a little town where she grew up, has a sense of security for Susannah and her peaceful but slightly incomplete dream is fulfilled when they adopt Orchid.
The dream quickly turns into a nightmare of proportions no one expects. Gripping storyline and a narrative that makes you feel for the characters. A good read.
The dream quickly turns into a nightmare of proportions no one expects. Gripping storyline and a narrative that makes you feel for the characters. A good read.
November 14, 2021
Mesmerizing !!
I haven’t completely read a book in two days for a couple of years….but I could not put this one away!! Awesome read!!
I haven’t completely read a book in two days for a couple of years….but I could not put this one away!! Awesome read!!
August 4, 2023
The beginning of this book started off strong and held my interest, the last half wasn’t as great, skimmed the last 10-15% of the book because I lost interest.
July 1, 2021
I like a good ghost story. Orchid’s new parents are subject to many weird happenings in their cottage. Are they supernatural in nature, or is someone behind them? The plot kept me reading, and despite only a few characters, it was hard to figure out who might be behind the strange events.
Not a must-read but recommended.
Not a must-read but recommended.
February 3, 2023
3 stars rounded up!
October 24, 2020
Very disappointed in the poor editing of this book. While I enjoyed the story I found at least 10 serious and notable errors. I guess I'm becoming a editing snob. Errors in wrong choice of words or spelling or missing words really annoys me and distracts from the read.
June 4, 2022
3.75 Good plot. Easy to read. Mysterious and suspenseful.
September 18, 2020
From London to US
I often find when a novel is written by a English person it doesn't translate very well to US English. The novel is good; it's just all the words that must be looked up. It might be obvious in it's meaning by the way it's used but I still like to look it up. Because of some grizzly scenes I would recommend The Girl in the Woods be read by adults only.
I often find when a novel is written by a English person it doesn't translate very well to US English. The novel is good; it's just all the words that must be looked up. It might be obvious in it's meaning by the way it's used but I still like to look it up. Because of some grizzly scenes I would recommend The Girl in the Woods be read by adults only.
December 9, 2020
Bleh. This book was frankly a mess, both from an editing and proofreading point of view. The plot was all over the place. It seems to start out as a ghost story, and then ends up being something totally different. Plot threads are left to just dangle without any resolution whatsoever. Thank goodness it was free.
December 11, 2023
The Best Friend
This is a bit of a ghost story As tension builds it becomes unclear how and why strange things happen. The story is mysterious and the plot keeps you interested and a twisted ending is a big surprise.
This is a bit of a ghost story As tension builds it becomes unclear how and why strange things happen. The story is mysterious and the plot keeps you interested and a twisted ending is a big surprise.
November 12, 2020
couldn't get through the whole book. Characters were in denial and same issues over and over....
August 13, 2022
Started off as a ghost story, turned into something else along the way to the ending. All seemed a bit daft and too many unexplained events happened to tie the whole story together.
December 20, 2023
The Girl in the Woods by Lorna Dounaeva is a captivating psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the dark recesses of the mind. Dounaeva masterfully crafts a tale that is both chilling and heart-wrenching, entwining the reader in a web of suspense and mystery.
Set in a small, seemingly idyllic village, the story unfolds around the disappearance of a young girl, which shatters the peace of the community. The protagonist, a character with a compelling and deeply layered personality, finds herself entangled in the investigation. Dounaeva's skill in character development shines here, as she peels back layers of each character, revealing their fears, secrets, and desires.
The narrative is beautifully paced, with Dounaeva expertly balancing moments of tense suspense with quieter, introspective passages that offer deep insights into her characters. The atmosphere she creates is palpable – the sense of claustrophobia and paranoia within the small community is almost a character in itself, adding to the intensity of the story.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is Dounaeva's ability to handle themes such as grief, guilt, and redemption with a delicate yet impactful touch. The plot twists are well-executed, neither too predictable nor too far-fetched, making the journey to the climax both surprising and satisfying.
The writing style is fluid and engaging, making the book a page-turner. Dounaeva's use of language is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the mood and setting perfectly. The descriptions are vivid, painting a picture that stays with the reader long after the book is closed.
In conclusion, The Girl in the Woods is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Lorna Dounaeva has delivered a novel that is not only thrilling but also deep and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
Set in a small, seemingly idyllic village, the story unfolds around the disappearance of a young girl, which shatters the peace of the community. The protagonist, a character with a compelling and deeply layered personality, finds herself entangled in the investigation. Dounaeva's skill in character development shines here, as she peels back layers of each character, revealing their fears, secrets, and desires.
The narrative is beautifully paced, with Dounaeva expertly balancing moments of tense suspense with quieter, introspective passages that offer deep insights into her characters. The atmosphere she creates is palpable – the sense of claustrophobia and paranoia within the small community is almost a character in itself, adding to the intensity of the story.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is Dounaeva's ability to handle themes such as grief, guilt, and redemption with a delicate yet impactful touch. The plot twists are well-executed, neither too predictable nor too far-fetched, making the journey to the climax both surprising and satisfying.
The writing style is fluid and engaging, making the book a page-turner. Dounaeva's use of language is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the mood and setting perfectly. The descriptions are vivid, painting a picture that stays with the reader long after the book is closed.
In conclusion, The Girl in the Woods is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Lorna Dounaeva has delivered a novel that is not only thrilling but also deep and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
October 19, 2022
My rating 4*
I’ve read some poor reviews about this book which I think are quite harsh tbh…yes there are some editing errors that should’ve been easily seen and corrected but the book itself was good. It kept me interested throughout and I read it very quickly as I just wanted to know if the child (Orchid) was a disturbed child, if there were some supernatural things going on or something else. The mother is a bit annoying at times as she apparently desperately wanted a child yet once she has Orchid she doesn’t exactly seem happy with her. She’s annoyed by the smallest thing the child does…such as mess, we all know how much meds one small child can make but apparently this woman didn’t know! Getting grubby, coming home from school with scuffed shoes and dirty clothes, leaving toys and art stuff all around the house…all normal things you would expect from any child apparently really annoyed this woman and I can’t understand why?! She was very quick to blame Orchid for everything that was happening and tv I just didn’t feel as if the woman was a very nice person at all. Lots of unexplainable things happen before we find out what’s really going on.
I’ve seen a few reviews that says they dnf the book as they felt something bad was definitely going to happen to Tiger (the cat they kind of have) but I can safely say here that Tiger is fine throughout! Don’t let that put you off! There’s a not nice part about a rabbit that is killed which I will admit was not nice to read but there were no other acts of animal cruelty so you could just skip over that part when it comes to it and safely continue knowing that you know Tiger will be ok.
Regardless of a few little niggles I did really enjoy the book and I am a new fan of the author. I can’t wait to read another of her books now.
I’ve read some poor reviews about this book which I think are quite harsh tbh…yes there are some editing errors that should’ve been easily seen and corrected but the book itself was good. It kept me interested throughout and I read it very quickly as I just wanted to know if the child (Orchid) was a disturbed child, if there were some supernatural things going on or something else. The mother is a bit annoying at times as she apparently desperately wanted a child yet once she has Orchid she doesn’t exactly seem happy with her. She’s annoyed by the smallest thing the child does…such as mess, we all know how much meds one small child can make but apparently this woman didn’t know! Getting grubby, coming home from school with scuffed shoes and dirty clothes, leaving toys and art stuff all around the house…all normal things you would expect from any child apparently really annoyed this woman and I can’t understand why?! She was very quick to blame Orchid for everything that was happening and tv I just didn’t feel as if the woman was a very nice person at all. Lots of unexplainable things happen before we find out what’s really going on.
I’ve seen a few reviews that says they dnf the book as they felt something bad was definitely going to happen to Tiger (the cat they kind of have) but I can safely say here that Tiger is fine throughout! Don’t let that put you off! There’s a not nice part about a rabbit that is killed which I will admit was not nice to read but there were no other acts of animal cruelty so you could just skip over that part when it comes to it and safely continue knowing that you know Tiger will be ok.
Regardless of a few little niggles I did really enjoy the book and I am a new fan of the author. I can’t wait to read another of her books now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
Suzannah and Noel are finally getting the child they've so desperately wanted, and nine-year-old Orchid calls them Mummy and Daddy from the start. She's a precocious child who is certainly a bit different than what Suzannah was expecting, and she will admit she's a bit disappointed she's especially close to Noel but glad that he's such a doting father.
Things start to go from odd to drastically weird after Orchid moves in and Noel isn't much of a sounding board for Suzannah, he thinks Suzannah's imagination is running wild. Thankfully she has her best friend Lila to talk to about all the odd things that are happening around the house since Orchid moved in. When things start to get dangerous, will she have Noel's support to figure out what is going on with the house and Orchid?
I don't want to say too much about the book and spoil anything for other readers. Dounaeva has made the perfect setup for a creepy thriller/mystery and once I started reading, I was hooked, and read this in one sitting. In addition to a fantastically creepy setting, the characters and storyline were wonderful. Such an incredibly fun read!
Things start to go from odd to drastically weird after Orchid moves in and Noel isn't much of a sounding board for Suzannah, he thinks Suzannah's imagination is running wild. Thankfully she has her best friend Lila to talk to about all the odd things that are happening around the house since Orchid moved in. When things start to get dangerous, will she have Noel's support to figure out what is going on with the house and Orchid?
I don't want to say too much about the book and spoil anything for other readers. Dounaeva has made the perfect setup for a creepy thriller/mystery and once I started reading, I was hooked, and read this in one sitting. In addition to a fantastically creepy setting, the characters and storyline were wonderful. Such an incredibly fun read!
February 9, 2020
She finally had the family she had always wanted, so why did she feel as though someone had stepped on her grave?
Suzannah and Noel are desperate for a child so when they get the chance to adopt a young girl called Orchid, they jump at the chance. They have been warned that it will take time for Orchid to settle into their family, but the problems they encounter seem out of the ordinary. Rooms are flooded, mirrors are smashed and Orchid owns up to none of it. Then things take a sinister turn and Suzannah becomes truly frightened. Who is this child they have let into their lives and will they ever be able to tame her?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings us next!
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suzannah and Noel are desperate for a child so when they get the chance to adopt a young girl called Orchid, they jump at the chance. They have been warned that it will take time for Orchid to settle into their family, but the problems they encounter seem out of the ordinary. Rooms are flooded, mirrors are smashed and Orchid owns up to none of it. Then things take a sinister turn and Suzannah becomes truly frightened. Who is this child they have let into their lives and will they ever be able to tame her?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings us next!
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2021
Прочетхо книгата с голям интерес. Много добър трилър, с привкус на хорър, даже се чудех какво ще е обяснението на паранормалните прояви.
Главната героиня беше много дразнеща, студена и себична. Детето, което семейството беше осиновило, непрекъснато се мъчеше да я прегърне, да прекарва време с нея, а тя го отблъскваше- да се чудиш защо въобще се е захванала с идеята да осиновява, освен ако не е за да задържи съпруга си...През цялото време мислеше само за себе си, включително накрая, когато се стиган до спасяване на животи, въобще не се държа като майка...
Детенцето беше леко откачено, но по детски и ненатрапчив начин, така че не ми идваше в повече, дори беше интересен и опърничав образ.
Бащата беше почти отсъстващ, някак разсеян и незаинтересован от главните събития.
Но финалът много ме разочарова. Всичко приключи доста бързо, някак хаотично като че авторката е гонила срокове, за да си завърши книгата и не е помислила много над това какви развръзки ще включи на интригите, които е преплела в повествованието през цялото време. Ако имах възможност, щях да пренапиша края...
Главната героиня беше много дразнеща, студена и себична. Детето, което семейството беше осиновило, непрекъснато се мъчеше да я прегърне, да прекарва време с нея, а тя го отблъскваше- да се чудиш защо въобще се е захванала с идеята да осиновява, освен ако не е за да задържи съпруга си...През цялото време мислеше само за себе си, включително накрая, когато се стиган до спасяване на животи, въобще не се държа като майка...
Детенцето беше леко откачено, но по детски и ненатрапчив начин, така че не ми идваше в повече, дори беше интересен и опърничав образ.
Бащата беше почти отсъстващ, някак разсеян и незаинтересован от главните събития.
Но финалът много ме разочарова. Всичко приключи доста бързо, някак хаотично като че авторката е гонила срокове, за да си завърши книгата и не е помислила много над това какви развръзки ще включи на интригите, които е преплела в повествованието през цялото време. Ако имах възможност, щях да пренапиша края...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews