The Woods are Waiting by Katherine Greene

*** My Review ***

Katherine Greene’s debut novel, The Woods are Waiting, takes readers on a dark and unsettling journey into a small town consumed by local myth and legend. Set in the eerie Appalachian Mountains, the story revolves around childhood friends Cheyenne, Natalie, and Jack, who find themselves entangled in a sinister situation when they reunite after five years apart. Greene skillfully weaves together a compelling plot, atmospheric setting, and well-crafted writing to create a gripping thriller that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

The story revolves around Cheyenne, Natalie, and Jack, childhood friends who find themselves reunited after five years when another child goes missing in their town of Blue Cliff, Virginia. The town is haunted by the infamous Hickory Man, an evil entity believed to lurk in the woods. As the three friends delve deeper into the mystery, they confront the town’s dark past, its deep-rooted superstitions, and the chilling truth that awaits them.

Despite typically not being drawn to this genre, I was drawn to this book because of its captivating and eerie vibe, with its setting encompassing dense woods, towering mountains, lingering superstitions, and a trail of unsolved mysteries. The narrative unfolds through a dual, first-person point of view, allowing us to delve into the perspectives of Cheyenne and Nathalie, former best friends who took divergent paths—one leaving the town, the other staying behind. This narrative choice provides a fascinating contrast between someone who experienced the allure of the outside world and someone who remained entrenched in the town’s enigmatic grip.

I found myself pleasantly surprised by how deeply engrossed I became in ‘The Woods are Waiting.’ I usually lean towards different types of books, but the dark and unsettling atmosphere, coupled with the intriguing plot and well-developed characters, captivated me from the beginning.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the depiction of the tight-knit friendship among Cheyenne, Nathalie, and Jack, along with the underlying theme of found family. Their bond serves as a reassuring anchor amidst the ever-unfolding enigma that engulfs the town. It brings warmth and emotional depth to the narrative, offering a respite from the pervasive sense of foreboding.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the role of the woods as a character in the story. Greene masterfully brings the setting to life, infusing it with an unsettling presence that adds to the overall sense of foreboding. The author explores the power of belief and its impact on a community, delving into the superstitions and rituals that the townsfolk employ to protect their children from the malevolent Hickory Man.

The resolution of the various mysteries and plot threads is another strong point of the book. Greene ties everything together neatly, providing readers with a satisfying conclusion that leaves no loose ends. Despite initial doubts during the middle of the story, the reader is ultimately glad they stuck with it until the end, as the narrative’s pacing picks up and the tension intensifies.

Beyond the bone-chilling main plot, the subplots involving Natalie and Cheyenne add an extra layer of intrigue. Through their personal struggles and experiences, we gain a profound understanding of the town’s dynamics and the deep scars that haunt its residents. It’s a testament to Greene’s skillful storytelling that she seamlessly intertwines these narratives, creating a rich tapestry of suspense, emotion, and psychological depth.

The pacing of the book is well-executed, with a slow build-up of tension that keeps readers engaged throughout. While some parts may feel repetitive due to the dual first-person narrative of Cheyenne and Natalie, the story truly takes off around the 60% mark, propelling readers forward with its captivating momentum.

Greene’s writing style is evocative and vivid, painting a claustrophobic and damning portrait of the town. The author skillfully ties up all the mysteries and threads of the story, providing a satisfying resolution that neatly wraps up the narrative..

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to the book. Some readers may find it predictable in terms of identifying the antagonist early on. Additionally, the villain’s monologue feels somewhat disjointed and disrupts the flow of the overall narrative. Furthermore, there is a sense of curiosity regarding Cheyenne’s activities during her years away, which may leave readers wondering if they missed something or if it was simply omitted from the book.

Furthermore, there was one particular element that left me somewhat conflicted. The inclusion of a sex scene in the story, while attempting to convey a specific message or deepen the characters’ connections, felt jarring and incongruous within the overall narrative arc. It disrupted the carefully woven suspense and characterization, momentarily diverting attention from the primary focus of the story. It was an instance where the placement and portrayal seemed out of sync with the organic flow and development of the characters and their relationships.

Despite this reservation, the book as a whole successfully evokes a chilling atmosphere, unraveling a tapestry of secrets, and exploring the intricate dynamics between the characters. It keeps the reader engrossed, oscillating between anticipation and surprise, as the pieces of the puzzle gradually fall into place. The author’s skillful use of vivid descriptions and skillful pacing ensures that the eerie ambiance remains palpable throughout the narrative, leaving a lasting impression on those brave enough to venture into its pages.

Overall, The Woods are Waiting is a promising debut that showcases Greene’s talent for crafting dark and mysterious narratives. Despite a few minor flaws, the book succeeds in capturing the reader’s attention and keeping them engaged throughout. Fans of slow-burning thrillers with a touch of the supernatural will find this book to be a satisfying and chilling read. As an avid reader, I would certainly look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.