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Hole in the Woods
July 1989, in a sleepy Michigan town, high school grad Nina Laramie heads out with her friends and is never seen alive again. Months later, her skeleton is found near a remote party spot in the forest.
The ME determines Nina has been brutally raped and bludgeoned to death. Fear and anger ripple through this tight-knit community when the case goes cold.
Thirty years later, Riley St. James, a Detroit PD assigned to Nina's case, is determined to get her first big cold case win despite having a similar past to the victim. Relying on her investigative prowess and gut instinct, Riley tracks down a witness, who saw Nina Laramie's murder. But as the truth comes to light, Riley must face the killers who want their secret to stay in the Hole in the Woods.
Based on the 1989 true-life murder case of Shannon Siders of Newaygo County, Michigan. After the case went dormant, a Michigan cold case team formed in 2011 and uncovered new evidence that enabled them to arrest, try, and convict the killers, who were sent to prison for Shannon's murder in 2015.
The ME determines Nina has been brutally raped and bludgeoned to death. Fear and anger ripple through this tight-knit community when the case goes cold.
Thirty years later, Riley St. James, a Detroit PD assigned to Nina's case, is determined to get her first big cold case win despite having a similar past to the victim. Relying on her investigative prowess and gut instinct, Riley tracks down a witness, who saw Nina Laramie's murder. But as the truth comes to light, Riley must face the killers who want their secret to stay in the Hole in the Woods.
Based on the 1989 true-life murder case of Shannon Siders of Newaygo County, Michigan. After the case went dormant, a Michigan cold case team formed in 2011 and uncovered new evidence that enabled them to arrest, try, and convict the killers, who were sent to prison for Shannon's murder in 2015.
380 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2020
64 people are currently reading
2504 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
10 books695 followersJennifer Dornbush is a screenwriter, author, international speaker and forensic specialist. As she says, “I grew up around death.”
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 29, 2020
This is such a hauntingly beautiful story. Listed as true crime but so much more.
The story centers around a tragic murder of a young girl in a small town. Her death goes unsolved for decades until a woman who is fighting her own demons is handed the cold case file.
What she uncovers are not only long held speculations, but people in need of redemption and secrets long held in silence.
All of the characters were brought to life with realistic and/or relatable qualities. Some lacked humanity whilst others lacked courage, but all were completely believable and interesting.
The author's ability to transition from the different characters as well as the past and present were done flawlessly and made for an enjoyable and easy read.
I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, I cried like a baby in the end. I was very much touched by this story and I highly recommend it.
The story centers around a tragic murder of a young girl in a small town. Her death goes unsolved for decades until a woman who is fighting her own demons is handed the cold case file.
What she uncovers are not only long held speculations, but people in need of redemption and secrets long held in silence.
All of the characters were brought to life with realistic and/or relatable qualities. Some lacked humanity whilst others lacked courage, but all were completely believable and interesting.
The author's ability to transition from the different characters as well as the past and present were done flawlessly and made for an enjoyable and easy read.
I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, I cried like a baby in the end. I was very much touched by this story and I highly recommend it.
April 12, 2021
Hole in the Woods is a fictionalized account of the real-life murder of Shannon Siders, an 18-year-old from Michigan who was attacked and killed by two brothers in 1989. The case went unsolved for 25 years.
Author and Forensic Specialist Jennifer Graeser Dornbush changes names (Siders is "Nina Laramie" here) and adds fictional detective Riley St. James to tell a well-researched story of a cold case that was reopened with new evidence that led to the identity of the killers.
The book is billed as “a thriller based on true crime.” If you’re a true crime reader, this one might appeal to you as much as it would for fans of crime thrillers.
Author and Forensic Specialist Jennifer Graeser Dornbush changes names (Siders is "Nina Laramie" here) and adds fictional detective Riley St. James to tell a well-researched story of a cold case that was reopened with new evidence that led to the identity of the killers.
The book is billed as “a thriller based on true crime.” If you’re a true crime reader, this one might appeal to you as much as it would for fans of crime thrillers.
October 20, 2020
A Hole in the Woods gripped me from the beginning. Jennifer Graeser Dornbush took the facts from the real case of Shannon Siders and wrote a book that stayed true to the investigation. I could not put it down. While it is gritty, Dornbush draws you into this haunting tale and gives a satisfying ending.
I also like that Dornbush is giving a percentage of the sale to victims of violence. I was given a copy of the manuscript for a possible endorsement and was pleased to do so. I hope one day it's made into a movie!
I also like that Dornbush is giving a percentage of the sale to victims of violence. I was given a copy of the manuscript for a possible endorsement and was pleased to do so. I hope one day it's made into a movie!
October 26, 2020
I couldn’t stop reading Hole in the Woods. At times I wished I could, so horrifying were the details of this crime novel based on a true story. But to turn away would be to deny truth and justice for a young girl whose death went unsolved for three decades. Evil lurks in a small town, everyone knows it’s there, but they all choose to remain silent for far too long. It’s a relief when Cold Case Detective Riley St. James, a flawed woman wrestling with her own demons, tears the veil away and exposes the evil. Hole in the Woods offers a compelling read for crime novel afficionados.
August 27, 2020
If you want to read a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you. I liked the way that Jennifer took the true story of "Shannon Siders" and turned it into the fictionalized version of the story. The story will hold your interest so that you will not want to put the book down until you've read the entire story. There were twists and turns in the story line that took me totally by surprise, and I am sure you also will be taken by surprise when you read them. They really added another dimension to the story and kept me thinking about what would come next. Be sure to read the information on the true case and the letter at the end of the book written by Shannon's father, Bob Siders. It will give you a better understanding of what he must have gone through all those years in the search for Shannon's killers. You will not be sorry that you have read this book. Thank you Jennifer for a book and story that is very well written. I look forward to your next thriller!
January 30, 2025
I think that this is a hauntingly beautiful retelling of a tragic story, that affected so many lives. Was it my personal preferred genre? No. Did I read it and finish it because it was a book club choice? Yes. Did I enjoy it in the end? Absolutely!
4 stars for me because I felt that the fictional aspect of the true story really made it more enjoyable, and I found myself pretty invested by the end!
4 stars for me because I felt that the fictional aspect of the true story really made it more enjoyable, and I found myself pretty invested by the end!
November 20, 2024
"Hole in the Woods" is a great, solid story. I'm still processing the emotional impact it had on me. The blend of fact and fiction is both heart-wrenching and gripping. However, the fictionalized story was full of suspense and still kept me entertained. Dornbush did a great job crafting suspense that kept me engaged throughout.
I appreciate the nonlinear storytelling and the inclusion of multiple perspectives. These elements added significant depth to the narrative and helped to weave together the various threads of the story in a compelling way.
I appreciate the nonlinear storytelling and the inclusion of multiple perspectives. These elements added significant depth to the narrative and helped to weave together the various threads of the story in a compelling way.
December 9, 2024
3.5
I would hope that detectives in real life have a bit more common sense. So yeah I had a few pet peeves. But all in all this was a solid story
I would hope that detectives in real life have a bit more common sense. So yeah I had a few pet peeves. But all in all this was a solid story
April 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ really great book based on a true story. Would def recommend!
October 8, 2020
I won a copy of this book on goodreads. This is a chilling book that kept me engrossed until the very end. Loved how it was based on a true story then told the actual story at the end. A thriller that I definitely recommend.
August 7, 2020
I couldn't put this book down!
This book was a thriller from start to finish. The author brought this true crime story to life in such an exciting way!
This book was a thriller from start to finish. The author brought this true crime story to life in such an exciting way!
October 5, 2020
I received an ecopy thanks to a connection my dear friend @darkthrillsandchills & it was a fantastic thriller to kick off my spooky season reads.
Based on a true-life murder case, this author takes the story and creates twists and turns that make this one a MUST read. I was intrigued by this one after looking up the real life case, and being an Ohioan it was intriguing to me that it took place just a state away. Dornbush took the details of the real life case, and used them to create incredible characters and multiple timelines to make it a story worth reading full of secrets, lies and discovery.
Based on a true-life murder case, this author takes the story and creates twists and turns that make this one a MUST read. I was intrigued by this one after looking up the real life case, and being an Ohioan it was intriguing to me that it took place just a state away. Dornbush took the details of the real life case, and used them to create incredible characters and multiple timelines to make it a story worth reading full of secrets, lies and discovery.
March 16, 2021
Closely based on a true story, Hole in the Woods follows the original crime of a woman brutally raped and beaten to death, and the cold case investigation of that crime thirty years later. The author is careful to follow the facts of the case as much as she can as closely as she can, but relies on fiction for characters, allowing her to delve deeper into various characters personalities, and draw the reader deeper into the story. Even the victim is allowed her moments to be heard. This makes for an often intense and emotional reading experience. Extremely well done. Recommended.
December 21, 2020
From the first page of this story I was hooked by Jennifer Dornbush’s writing style. It seemed like the characters were confiding secrets, like they were right beside telling me things I maybe didn’t really want to know. Needless to say, I didn’t stop reading.
Investigating a cold case is more than just forensic archaeology, it’s also forensic anthropology, untangling the secrets, the psychology, the suppressed memories that make up the “legend” of what went on. Dornbush’s investigator, herself troubled by dark memories, must push through her own emotions to untangle the web that holds the mystery of who killed a young woman that night so many years ago.
Interwoven with the shifting points of view of those involved back then and now is the hovering persona of the victim, recalling and revealing bit by bit what happened to her. In spite of evil of the murder, of other crimes and personal failures, the author shows intimately the fears and loneliness and eventually the redemption of a number of the people circling the dark hole of what happened that night in the woods.
I look forward to riding along with investigator Riley St. James as she pursues the truth in other cases.
Pamela Jaye Smith, Award-winning writer-producer-director.
MYTHWORKS – Applied Mythology
Investigating a cold case is more than just forensic archaeology, it’s also forensic anthropology, untangling the secrets, the psychology, the suppressed memories that make up the “legend” of what went on. Dornbush’s investigator, herself troubled by dark memories, must push through her own emotions to untangle the web that holds the mystery of who killed a young woman that night so many years ago.
Interwoven with the shifting points of view of those involved back then and now is the hovering persona of the victim, recalling and revealing bit by bit what happened to her. In spite of evil of the murder, of other crimes and personal failures, the author shows intimately the fears and loneliness and eventually the redemption of a number of the people circling the dark hole of what happened that night in the woods.
I look forward to riding along with investigator Riley St. James as she pursues the truth in other cases.
Pamela Jaye Smith, Award-winning writer-producer-director.
MYTHWORKS – Applied Mythology
November 1, 2020
📚📚𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄📚📚
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐼𝑛 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑠
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐽𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝐷𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑏𝑢𝑠ℎ
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 365
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 08/03/2020
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 📕📕📕📕🔖 (4.5 stars)
This is the first book I have read from this author. This book is based on the true crime story of Shannon Siders. Thank you to the author for my #gifted copy.
I love thrillers based on true crime, and this one was a joy to read. Being someone that loves ID channel, I am always excited to see an author take a crime that occurred in real life and put their spin on it in a fictional setting. Having knowledge on the actual case, I was curious how Jennifer would portray the scenes in her novel. From the start, I was hooked as Jennifer used gripping details that put knots in my stomach, while not being able to put it down. Her writing style is refreshing to the thriller world, and I cannot wait to read more novels by this author. If you are a fan of true crime, or thrillers based on true crime, be sure to order a copy today!!!!!
*Trigger warning*
This book contains rape, so if this is a trigger, please proceed with caution.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐼𝑛 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑠
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐽𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝐷𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑏𝑢𝑠ℎ
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 365
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 08/03/2020
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 📕📕📕📕🔖 (4.5 stars)
This is the first book I have read from this author. This book is based on the true crime story of Shannon Siders. Thank you to the author for my #gifted copy.
I love thrillers based on true crime, and this one was a joy to read. Being someone that loves ID channel, I am always excited to see an author take a crime that occurred in real life and put their spin on it in a fictional setting. Having knowledge on the actual case, I was curious how Jennifer would portray the scenes in her novel. From the start, I was hooked as Jennifer used gripping details that put knots in my stomach, while not being able to put it down. Her writing style is refreshing to the thriller world, and I cannot wait to read more novels by this author. If you are a fan of true crime, or thrillers based on true crime, be sure to order a copy today!!!!!
*Trigger warning*
This book contains rape, so if this is a trigger, please proceed with caution.
December 7, 2020
An excellent fictional mystery based on an actual murder that took place in 1989. The book was gripping and very well written.
July 1989, in a sleepy Michigan town, high school grad, Nina Laramie, heads out with her friends and is never seen alive again. Months later, her skeleton is found near a remote party spot in the forest.
The ME determines Nina has been brutally raped and bludgeoned to death. Fear and anger ripple through this tight knit community when the case goes cold.
Thirty years later, Riley St. James, a Detroit PD assigned to Nina’s case, is determined to get her first big cold case win despite having a similar past to the victim. Relying on her investigative prowess and gut instinct, Riley tracks down a witness, who saw Nina Laramie’s murder. But as the truth comes to light, Riley must face the killers who want their secret to stay in the Hole in the Woods.
Based on the 1989 true-life murder case of Shannon Siders for Newaygo County, Michigan. After the case went dormant, a Michigan cold case team formed in 2011and uncovered new evidence that enabled them to arrest, try, and convict the killers, who were sent to prison for Shannon’s murder in 2015.
July 1989, in a sleepy Michigan town, high school grad, Nina Laramie, heads out with her friends and is never seen alive again. Months later, her skeleton is found near a remote party spot in the forest.
The ME determines Nina has been brutally raped and bludgeoned to death. Fear and anger ripple through this tight knit community when the case goes cold.
Thirty years later, Riley St. James, a Detroit PD assigned to Nina’s case, is determined to get her first big cold case win despite having a similar past to the victim. Relying on her investigative prowess and gut instinct, Riley tracks down a witness, who saw Nina Laramie’s murder. But as the truth comes to light, Riley must face the killers who want their secret to stay in the Hole in the Woods.
Based on the 1989 true-life murder case of Shannon Siders for Newaygo County, Michigan. After the case went dormant, a Michigan cold case team formed in 2011and uncovered new evidence that enabled them to arrest, try, and convict the killers, who were sent to prison for Shannon’s murder in 2015.
January 12, 2025
I actually was going to give this only three stars, but then at the end the author explained that it was based on a true crime cold case, and the book was raising money for or organizations to continue to do this. So I changed my star rating for a good cause.
The first half of this book was actually pretty good, but then as it came closer to solving the crime, everything started falling apart for Riley St James, the detective that was brought in to solve the case was scared of everything in the beginning, but when she was actually in danger, she was happy to walk into it and doing other dumb things because she’s all of a sudden and brave.
A hardened and criminal in prison after one visit from his abusive father in about 20 minutes, has a change of heart and is going to tell he knew about the crime. But when the detective gets there he doesn’t and then another detective comes, who doesn’t say he’s a detective. He just explains his detective work. This guy falls apart and gives all of the information that they need. I was kind of rolling my eyes at all of this that’s not how it would actually work. All that said it was a decent read just the end was very unbelievable for me.
The first half of this book was actually pretty good, but then as it came closer to solving the crime, everything started falling apart for Riley St James, the detective that was brought in to solve the case was scared of everything in the beginning, but when she was actually in danger, she was happy to walk into it and doing other dumb things because she’s all of a sudden and brave.
A hardened and criminal in prison after one visit from his abusive father in about 20 minutes, has a change of heart and is going to tell he knew about the crime. But when the detective gets there he doesn’t and then another detective comes, who doesn’t say he’s a detective. He just explains his detective work. This guy falls apart and gives all of the information that they need. I was kind of rolling my eyes at all of this that’s not how it would actually work. All that said it was a decent read just the end was very unbelievable for me.
October 15, 2020
This is a new genre for me -- true-crime fiction. True-crime is one of my passions so the concept behind the book is what made me interested in reading it. The author has a personal connection to the crime portrayed within which gives it an authentic insider feel. Being fictionalized allows the author to take liberties with characters and situations; to flesh out the parts of the story that we cannot know in reality.
The book follows Riley St. James as she embarks on her newest cold case. The case brings her to a small town in northern Michigan where she finds a community that knows who the guilty party is -- they just can't prove it. The town is divided between the people that want the truth exposed and the ones that are hiding something.
This is a strong showing for a debut novel. There are some editing errors and the writing is a bit rough in areas but these are minor wrinkles to get worked out over time. Hopefully, Jennifer Graeser Dornbush will continue her writing career!
The book follows Riley St. James as she embarks on her newest cold case. The case brings her to a small town in northern Michigan where she finds a community that knows who the guilty party is -- they just can't prove it. The town is divided between the people that want the truth exposed and the ones that are hiding something.
This is a strong showing for a debut novel. There are some editing errors and the writing is a bit rough in areas but these are minor wrinkles to get worked out over time. Hopefully, Jennifer Graeser Dornbush will continue her writing career!
September 9, 2024
This was an interesting story loosely based on a real murder case, but both the detectives and the bad guys seem pretty clueless with the whole solving-a-case/getting-away-with-it business.
And once again, I wonder how such a talented storyteller doesn't warrant more attention from a good editor. So many weird word choices and awkward phrases.
"Red brake's lights glowed." (taillights are mentioned in other places in the book. Just this one reference to "brake's lights").
After walking through a forest for some distance in one direction, the detective asks: "How far do you think that was? A couple of acres?"
Experienced outdoorsman answers: "Maybe three at most."
"My pulse is a runner's rate and a flush of heat flashes through me."
"The detective's calm voice lured her to unleash the heap of pent-up presentiments that were piled up on top of her."
"...saliva from his hot breath on the window wetting the glass."
"Dr. Hardenberg is standing outside watching them with scrutiny written all over his face."
And once again, I wonder how such a talented storyteller doesn't warrant more attention from a good editor. So many weird word choices and awkward phrases.
"Red brake's lights glowed." (taillights are mentioned in other places in the book. Just this one reference to "brake's lights").
After walking through a forest for some distance in one direction, the detective asks: "How far do you think that was? A couple of acres?"
Experienced outdoorsman answers: "Maybe three at most."
"My pulse is a runner's rate and a flush of heat flashes through me."
"The detective's calm voice lured her to unleash the heap of pent-up presentiments that were piled up on top of her."
"...saliva from his hot breath on the window wetting the glass."
"Dr. Hardenberg is standing outside watching them with scrutiny written all over his face."
November 11, 2020
This reads like a true crime dramatization- but in the best way possible, like an indepth episode of Law & Order SVU. The characters feel nuanced, and it’s easy to feel empathy around some poor decision making, because they were compelling in a way that felt familiar... as though they were people you could easily know. I also feel like the author did an excellent job around the psychology of what motivates people- the way we search to keep our own alligators at bay in the best ways we can. It’s also evident that @jgdornbush is knowledgeable, because the level of detail woven throughout is indicative of expertise around forensics.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫!
This thrilling crime novel is on sale now!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫!
This thrilling crime novel is on sale now!
August 2, 2023
I am overwhelmed with emotion after reading Hole in the Woods and frankly wished a chapter had ended instead of the book! The characters were so real and with the crime finally solved for case closure, the growth and personal development that transpired in the key characters involved was emotionally captivating and made me wish for more! With tears and a very full heart, I want to follow these characters further to see how the years of burden, eventually brought joy and comfort to those associated with a 30 year crime case finally coming to a close. This book is a great mix of facts and fiction, secrets and guilt, and personal emotion and heartache. I want my friends to read it as well so I have someone to discuss it with!! Great read!
August 31, 2023
This book is based on the 1989 true crime murder case of Shannon Siders from Newaygo County, MI. In 2011 a cold case team from Michigan was put together to try and solve the murder. With new evidence they were able to convict the killers and it was finally resolved in 2015. Jennifer Graeser Dornbush took the facts from the real case of Shannon Siders and wrote this fictional book. Nina is brutally raped and beaten to death. Riley St. James is sent to handle solving this cold case. Riley tracks down a witness, who saw Nina's murder and continues to put pieces together. As she digs deeper, she faces danger herself. I love how Jennifer Graeser Dornbush followed the facts of the case as much as possible and the characters she developed in the book seem to have secrets of their own.
November 1, 2024
This was such a heartbreaking story told from the POV of different characters. I knew this is based on a true story and still found myself, pointlessly, hoping for a different outcome for Nina. Without giving any spoilers, I took one star because I found Grable’s response to that one night, and what I’ll call Riley’s “close call”, infuriating. I didn’t find Riley very likable. i didn’t hate her but she was always brooding. I didn’t do any research on the real story so as to remain unbiased but I’m definitely gonna go down that rabbit hole now. This was beautifully written and it was moving to be able to hear from Nina’s perspective even after she had passed.
December 17, 2024
Deserves These Ratings
"Hole in the Woods" turned out to be a great story, although full of heartbreak. Based on a true cold case and the father who would not leave it alone, this story is chilling and sad but brings hope, healing, and resilience with it. This is a great story for fans of true crime, suspense/thrillers, and murder mysteries. The author masterfully puts readers into the mind of the young woman whose life ended too soon and then gives us insight into the inner workings of a cold case that shouldn't have been.
Sensitive readers should be aware that the violence is graphic in this story of rape and murder.
"Hole in the Woods" turned out to be a great story, although full of heartbreak. Based on a true cold case and the father who would not leave it alone, this story is chilling and sad but brings hope, healing, and resilience with it. This is a great story for fans of true crime, suspense/thrillers, and murder mysteries. The author masterfully puts readers into the mind of the young woman whose life ended too soon and then gives us insight into the inner workings of a cold case that shouldn't have been.
Sensitive readers should be aware that the violence is graphic in this story of rape and murder.
March 24, 2021
This book needed to be written to tell the story of a girl taken too soon by the hands of monsters. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s written with such care and each character comes to life.
It’s a chilling recount of the death of a young girl and my heart still breaks for her, for who she could have been, a future lost.
Thank you for telling the story about Shannon so she wouldn’t be forgotten.
I couldn’t put this book down and highly recommend it.
It’s a chilling recount of the death of a young girl and my heart still breaks for her, for who she could have been, a future lost.
Thank you for telling the story about Shannon so she wouldn’t be forgotten.
I couldn’t put this book down and highly recommend it.
May 2, 2024
A Heartbreaking story told incredibly well. The story follows a cold case detective as she works to solve the BRUTAL murder of a young girl 30 years later. Based on the murder of Shannon Sider. The cold case detective has a dark story of her own which really helped to pump up the story line while we waited for the evidence needed. I really enjoyed that some of it was told from the perspective of the victim. PLUS a percentage of the cost of the book goes towards solving cold cases.
May 20, 2021
Though "thriller" seems to be a bit exaggerated, it is an engaging book and one that you don't want to put down.
How the story and characters come together to tell the story of what truly happened to Nina that night she disappeared will lead you down an intriguing tale of past mistakes, small town fear, and how a detective finally brings some peace and closure to so many
How the story and characters come together to tell the story of what truly happened to Nina that night she disappeared will lead you down an intriguing tale of past mistakes, small town fear, and how a detective finally brings some peace and closure to so many
February 16, 2022
Really good book I like the suspense at some parts I researched the case before the book arrived, but it was still a really good book to read even though I knew what was going to happen. It gives some background on the case because it is based on the true story but isn’t exactly what actually happened.
November 5, 2024
I listened to the book and it was good but not great until the end. I didn’t realize it was based on a true story. The true story summary at the end mentioned Grant and Newaygo MI close to when my husband grew up. Turns out he went to school with the Jones brothers. Freaky! Even without the personal connection I recommend the book.
August 28, 2025
3.5 stars
I did enjoy the whole story aspect, but the part I couldn’t hold onto & bothered me the whole time was Riley and how she’d react to situations. She kept acting out of impulse & the whole time knowing the situation she went through & how it was not handled, I couldn’t see her being hired to become a detective. That was just something I couldn’t shake off.
I did enjoy the whole story aspect, but the part I couldn’t hold onto & bothered me the whole time was Riley and how she’d react to situations. She kept acting out of impulse & the whole time knowing the situation she went through & how it was not handled, I couldn’t see her being hired to become a detective. That was just something I couldn’t shake off.
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