Book Review Author: Liz Moore Star Rating: 5 Stars

Genre: Literary Thriller/Mystery

Quick Summary

This novel is well written! It is set in a dense, mysterious forest of the Adirondacks in the 1970’s and it’s true to the era it’s written in. God of the Woods begins with a sudden disappearance of Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of a wealthy summer camp owner. What unfolds is a richly layered mystery that spans decades and uncovers long-buried secrets in a privileged, but troubled community. Liz Moore masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth, offering more than just a whodunit.

What I Liked

*I appreciated the atmospheric setting. The forest and camp are so vividly described, they almost become characters themselves. The sense of isolation and unease is beautifully executed.

*The characters are complex and realistic. No one is one-dimensional. Each character, even the minor ones, has a full interior life.

*This novel has a clever narrative structure. The dual timelines are multiple points of view that add tension, and intrigue, keeping the reader guessing until the end.

*The thoughtful themes weave in sharp commentary on class, privilege and trauma without being heavy-handed.

*It has a subtle, literary suspense. The mystery unfolds gradually, in a more cerebral way than typical thrillers–perfect for the fans of slow-burn storytelling.

What Could Be Improved

*There seemed to be a lagging pace midway through the novel. Some backstory chapters slow the narrative momentum and could have been trimmed.

*Too many perspectives of point of view shifts felt unnecessary, weakening the emotional connection to the core plot.

*Barbara’s voice lacked presence for being a central character, she sometimes felt distant. More insight into her internal world would have deepened the impact of the storyline with her.

*Unresolved ending threads. While the story is beautifully written, the conclusion leaves some questions unanswered. It may not satisfy those who like a clean, complete wrap up.

Final Thoughts

God of the Woods is moody, elegant thriller that rewards patient readers with a story full of depth, emotion, and quiet power. Liz Moore proves she’s not just writing a mystery–she’s crafting a literary portrait of a fractured family and a haunted community, If you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven mysteries with a touch of melancholy, this one is worth the read.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks for reading my review!

Until the next review!

TC 🙂