Deliver toUnited Arab Emirates
The God of the Woods: A Novel

Description:

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES’S NOTABLE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A NEW YORK TIMES "BEST THRILLER" and "BEST CRIME NOVEL" OF THE YEAR

PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S #1 BOOK OF THE YEAR

“Extraordinary . . . Reminds me of Donna Tartt’s 1992 debut, The Secret History . . . I was so thoroughly submerged in a rich fictional world, that for hours I barely came up for air.” —Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air, NPR

“This expertly paced thriller …has the kineticism of a well-crafted miniseries.” —The New Yorker

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.


Review

Praise for The God of the Woods:

The God of the Woods, like The Secret History, transports readers so deeply into its richly peopled, ominous world that, for hours, everything else falls away. . . . Breaking free of the spell Moore casts is close to impossible.”
Washington Post

“This expertly paced thriller ...has the kineticism of a well-crafted miniseries.”
The New Yorker

“Hugely satisfying . . . . Moore cleverly guides us through that tangle of trails, to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.”
Boston Globe

“Liz Moore’s extraordinary new literary suspense novel reminds me of Donna Tartt’s 1992 debut,
The Secret History. . . . [T]he vital connection for me was a reading experience where I was so thoroughly submerged in a rich fictional world, that for hours I barely came up for air. . . . The precision of Moore’s writing never flags. . . . Unforgettable.”
—Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air, NPR

"Her fictional summer camp felt as vivid to me as my own."
The New York Times

"A long novel that at first is hard to put down. By page 200, impossible." —Stephen King

"An unusually gratifying reading experience . . . Three days after you turn the last page, your head is still half in it. It's as if you can smell the pine and wood smoke. . . . Moore has written an atmospheric family drama, a social novel and the best kind of missing persons story, one that's fun to read and think about.”
Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Intercutting past and present, Moore keeps the suspense at a fever pitch amid nuanced portraits of the out-of-touch Van Laars, their hangers-on and the locals who both depend on and resent them. A winner.”
People

Clear your afternoon: This absorbing story, told by a compelling cast of characters, is unputdownable.”
Real Simple

Part riveting thriller and part family drama, Liz Moore’s novel plays on the uncomfortable truths of favoritism and family dynamics in this nail-biter that will keep you from wandering alone in the woods for quite some time.”
Huffington Post

An immersive reading experience that will draw audiences. Its explorations of class, crime, and family dynamics, in addition to Moore’s incredible storytelling, will appeal to readers of Lisa Jewell, Tana French, and Lucy Foley.”
Library Journal, STARRED review

Rich in background detail and secondary mysteries . . . this ever-expansive, intricate, emotionally engaging novel never seems overplotted. Every piece falls skillfully into place and every character, major and minor, leaves an imprint.”
Kirkus, STARRED review

Gripping and revelatory . . . The beautiful and dangerous wilderness setting enhances the suspense as the narrative builds to a dramatic final act. . . . This astonishes.”
Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

“A compulsively readable novel that will appeal to fans of mysteries and historical fiction alike.”
Booklist, STARRED review

Riveting from page one to the last breathless word, The God of the Woods is about the many ways we find and lose both ourselves and others. This book flew by at lightning speed, but will stick with me for a very long time.”
—Rebecca Makkai, New York Times bestselling author of I Have Some Questions For You

“A brilliant, riveting fox trap of a novelan epic mystery, a family saga and a survival guide. Liz Moore shows us how easy it is for any of us to get lost in the woods, and what to do if you want to be found. I loved this book.”
—Miranda Cowley Heller, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Paper Palace

“A riveting tale of a missing child that widens into a vast, acute portrait of youth, friendship, family secrets, and conflicting social circles. Intelligently done, and with a gimlet eye for telling detail, it’s a brilliant trap full of secrets and lies.”
—Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize winning author of Shuggie Bain

A rare gem, an immersive and enthralling literary thriller: a novel about love in the aftermath of tragedy, and about families of the very best—and the worst—kind.”
—Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

About the Author

Liz Moore is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The God of the Woods and Long Bright River, as well as the acclaimed novels Heft and The Unseen World. A winner of the Rome Prize in Literature, she lives in Philadelphia.

Reviews:

10/10

A.C. · March 9, 2026

10/10. Read this in less than a week. This book sucked me in. I enjoyed that each chapter was about a different person’s placement in the story. It made me eager to keep going so I could get back to where the previous character left off. The way the story unfolds is very well done, as is the character development for everyone. You’ll finish the book really happy for some, while really loathing others.

Great book with a bad habit.

A.C. · July 21, 2025

Wow, this story was incredible! From the very first page, it kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing what would happen next. Each chapter introduced a new theory, making it super engaging. The characters were so well-developed and brought to life on the page. But, there were a few things that could be improved. The time skips between chapters were a bit jarring, and the story jumped around a bit too much. Sometimes, a character would be left in a confusing situation for so long that I wondered what had happened the last time I saw them. The page breaks were also a bit unnecessary. Overall, this is a minor issue compared to the rest of the book, which is incredibly well-written.

What a messed up family

A. · February 6, 2026

What a delightful read. The story kept me engaged and curious on who was behind the disappearance of the kids. I did figure out what happened to Bear but not until shortly before it was revealed and it made me really sad. Most of the family members I couldn't stand but in the end they got what they deserved. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would.

Compelling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end

M.C. · May 22, 2025

Been waiting to read this book for MONTHS & I'm glad I finally got to! The winner of last year's Jimmy Fallon Summer Book Club, Liz Moore's "The God of the Woods" uncovers the truth behind the sudden disappearance of Barbara Van Laar, the 13-year-old daughter of an affluent family, from Camp Emerson in August of 1975. This is a case which becomes even more critical given the disappearance of her then 8-year-old older brother, Bear, almost exactly 14 years prior. The story is told through alternating POVs & jumping timelines as a way of putting pieces together & getting readers closer to what really happened.Some authors make nonlinear narratives confusing, but I found it rather easy to follow, mainly because Moore's characters are fairly fleshed out enough to separate them out, but also because each POV informs the others, often filling in the blanks to the overarching mystery. These helped in guiding me to certain theories as the plot unfolded, & I found the big twists were fairly predictable, but the minor ones were sufficiently satisfying. The only POV I didn't emotionally connect to was Barbara's mother, Alice, who's an insufferable wet dish rag--she's submissive, neurotic, simple-minded, willing to dumb herself down, critical of her daughter's interests out of concern they would ruin the family's reputation, & virtually spineless (which goes against my ideal of what a woman should be)--who would do nothing to change her situation even if given the opportunity because she's been convinced by the people around her that she's dumb & erratic & she plays right into it. Whether that's just her being a product of her time or her privileged upbringing, even when knowing how difficult it must be to lose both her children, at the end of the day you just want to pity her. Her chapters were difficult to get through, but the rest I had no trouble with.It was also an interesting read given the time in which it takes place because it reminds readers of what was accepted socially at the time vs. not 50 years ago, while also noting what's changed vs. stayed the same. It'd be interesting to know what these characters would be up to today & how they'd appraise the world. I hope that's something Moore will uncover in a later book because I think there could be enough substance for another one.

intriguing and well written mystery

C.K. · March 9, 2026

I highly recommend this book. It is well written, pulls your and keeps you in. Surprises and lots of clever plot twists. Great characters you get to know well.

amazing story but present-tense portions are awkward and lack clarity.

c. · February 10, 2026

I have to say that this book has quite the following, and it deserves it as the story is compelling, the characters are fantastic, and the story is full of drama, suspense, and heart with plenty of twists along the way.Howeer, the story go back and forth between flashbacks written in the past tense, and punchy cinamatic-style present events written in the present tense.The flashbacks are excellent, but the present-tense stuff is written very clumsily, often with poor grammar and structure that, for me reading with text-to-speech as a blind man, sacrificed clarity and style and made these parts of the book difficult for me to follow and read.I will admit that I automatically take off 1 star from present tense in a novel or short story out of my pet peeve for the tense in general for storytelling purposes, but it is so awkward here, I took off two.other than that, this story is exceptional and deserves the high praise it has been given 10-fold, but where parts of the book lack clarity, I can't give it a great rating. a best-selling author should know how to be clear.

A Forest Filled With Secrets

d. · September 14, 2025

An engrossing story about family, loyalty and the lies that can destroy lives for generations. It’s a mystery, but also the story about the choices women make, and the outcomes when those choices are limited by circumstance, money and societal expectations.The story centers around the investigation into the disappearance of the wealthy Van Laar children, who go missing in the family’s wooded estate: Bear Van Laar who vanishes in 1961, and Barbara, who disappears from summer camp in 1975. Both police procedural drama and family saga, the writing is concise, but soft, and the author takes care to craft her characters subtly, revealing more about their personalities by what is not overtly stated.The strength of the novel are the women who carry the story. While the mystery of what happened to the Van Laar children is central to the plot, the growth of the female characters, and their inner lives and thoughts, is at the root of what makes this novel worth reading.

Great Read!

M.B. · February 1, 2026

Great Read. Well-written story that keeps you intrigued all the way through. Hard put to down book

Un régal.

A.B. · November 26, 2025

Tout dans cette histoire est un régal : le style, fluide et si agréable ; les personnages attachants, leurs fragilités, leurs démons, leurs forces ; la nature ; l’atmosphère ; l’intrigue. Tout. Un gros coup de coeur.

Mystery novel for women

A.C. · March 13, 2025

Recommended by Stephen King. It was really a page-turner. The story is about the missing boy and girl in the period between ‘60 and ‘70. I am of the same generation as the girl and I particularly felt empathy with the girl, and also with the woman investigator.

gran suspenso

M. · August 2, 2025

Es un gran libro de suspenso. Aunque tiene varios personajes, no te confundes en ningún momento. La forma en que va contando la historia de cada uno, y cómo salta del pasado al presente con tanto detalle, te ayuda a entenderlos muchísimo mejor. Está muy bien escrito y te atrapa desde el principio.

Superb !!!

E. · February 6, 2026

The God of the Woods hat mich wirklich überrascht. Die Geschichte um das Verschwinden eines Mädchens in einem abgelegenen Sommerlager ist atmosphärisch dicht und emotional stark erzählt, mit vielen unterschiedlichen Perspektiven und echten Gefühlen.Die Charaktere wirken lebendig, und die Mischung aus Familiengeheimnissen, Klassenunterschieden und persönlichem Drama macht das Buch besonders. An manchen Stellen zieht sich die Story etwas und es dauert, bis man alle Fäden versteht, aber gerade das langsame Entfalten macht die Spannung auf seine Weise aus. Insgesamt ein fesselnder, nachdenklicher Roman, der noch lange nachklingt.

The God of the Woods: A Novel

Product ID: U0593418913
Condition: New

4.4

AED11364

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Family Life”

The God of the Woods: A Novel

Product ID: U0593418913
Condition: New

4.4

The God of the Woods: A Novel-0
Type: Hardcover

AED11364

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES’S NOTABLE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A NEW YORK TIMES "BEST THRILLER" and "BEST CRIME NOVEL" OF THE YEAR

PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S #1 BOOK OF THE YEAR

“Extraordinary . . . Reminds me of Donna Tartt’s 1992 debut, The Secret History . . . I was so thoroughly submerged in a rich fictional world, that for hours I barely came up for air.” —Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air, NPR

“This expertly paced thriller …has the kineticism of a well-crafted miniseries.” —The New Yorker

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.


Review

Praise for The God of the Woods:

The God of the Woods, like The Secret History, transports readers so deeply into its richly peopled, ominous world that, for hours, everything else falls away. . . . Breaking free of the spell Moore casts is close to impossible.”
Washington Post

“This expertly paced thriller ...has the kineticism of a well-crafted miniseries.”
The New Yorker

“Hugely satisfying . . . . Moore cleverly guides us through that tangle of trails, to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.”
Boston Globe

“Liz Moore’s extraordinary new literary suspense novel reminds me of Donna Tartt’s 1992 debut,
The Secret History. . . . [T]he vital connection for me was a reading experience where I was so thoroughly submerged in a rich fictional world, that for hours I barely came up for air. . . . The precision of Moore’s writing never flags. . . . Unforgettable.”
—Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air, NPR

"Her fictional summer camp felt as vivid to me as my own."
The New York Times

"A long novel that at first is hard to put down. By page 200, impossible." —Stephen King

"An unusually gratifying reading experience . . . Three days after you turn the last page, your head is still half in it. It's as if you can smell the pine and wood smoke. . . . Moore has written an atmospheric family drama, a social novel and the best kind of missing persons story, one that's fun to read and think about.”
Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Intercutting past and present, Moore keeps the suspense at a fever pitch amid nuanced portraits of the out-of-touch Van Laars, their hangers-on and the locals who both depend on and resent them. A winner.”
People

Clear your afternoon: This absorbing story, told by a compelling cast of characters, is unputdownable.”
Real Simple

Part riveting thriller and part family drama, Liz Moore’s novel plays on the uncomfortable truths of favoritism and family dynamics in this nail-biter that will keep you from wandering alone in the woods for quite some time.”
Huffington Post

An immersive reading experience that will draw audiences. Its explorations of class, crime, and family dynamics, in addition to Moore’s incredible storytelling, will appeal to readers of Lisa Jewell, Tana French, and Lucy Foley.”
Library Journal, STARRED review

Rich in background detail and secondary mysteries . . . this ever-expansive, intricate, emotionally engaging novel never seems overplotted. Every piece falls skillfully into place and every character, major and minor, leaves an imprint.”
Kirkus, STARRED review

Gripping and revelatory . . . The beautiful and dangerous wilderness setting enhances the suspense as the narrative builds to a dramatic final act. . . . This astonishes.”
Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

“A compulsively readable novel that will appeal to fans of mysteries and historical fiction alike.”
Booklist, STARRED review

Riveting from page one to the last breathless word, The God of the Woods is about the many ways we find and lose both ourselves and others. This book flew by at lightning speed, but will stick with me for a very long time.”
—Rebecca Makkai, New York Times bestselling author of I Have Some Questions For You

“A brilliant, riveting fox trap of a novelan epic mystery, a family saga and a survival guide. Liz Moore shows us how easy it is for any of us to get lost in the woods, and what to do if you want to be found. I loved this book.”
—Miranda Cowley Heller, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Paper Palace

“A riveting tale of a missing child that widens into a vast, acute portrait of youth, friendship, family secrets, and conflicting social circles. Intelligently done, and with a gimlet eye for telling detail, it’s a brilliant trap full of secrets and lies.”
—Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize winning author of Shuggie Bain

A rare gem, an immersive and enthralling literary thriller: a novel about love in the aftermath of tragedy, and about families of the very best—and the worst—kind.”
—Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

About the Author

Liz Moore is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The God of the Woods and Long Bright River, as well as the acclaimed novels Heft and The Unseen World. A winner of the Rome Prize in Literature, she lives in Philadelphia.

Reviews:

10/10

A.C. · March 9, 2026

10/10. Read this in less than a week. This book sucked me in. I enjoyed that each chapter was about a different person’s placement in the story. It made me eager to keep going so I could get back to where the previous character left off. The way the story unfolds is very well done, as is the character development for everyone. You’ll finish the book really happy for some, while really loathing others.

Great book with a bad habit.

A.C. · July 21, 2025

Wow, this story was incredible! From the very first page, it kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing what would happen next. Each chapter introduced a new theory, making it super engaging. The characters were so well-developed and brought to life on the page. But, there were a few things that could be improved. The time skips between chapters were a bit jarring, and the story jumped around a bit too much. Sometimes, a character would be left in a confusing situation for so long that I wondered what had happened the last time I saw them. The page breaks were also a bit unnecessary. Overall, this is a minor issue compared to the rest of the book, which is incredibly well-written.

What a messed up family

A. · February 6, 2026

What a delightful read. The story kept me engaged and curious on who was behind the disappearance of the kids. I did figure out what happened to Bear but not until shortly before it was revealed and it made me really sad. Most of the family members I couldn't stand but in the end they got what they deserved. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would.

Compelling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end

M.C. · May 22, 2025

Been waiting to read this book for MONTHS & I'm glad I finally got to! The winner of last year's Jimmy Fallon Summer Book Club, Liz Moore's "The God of the Woods" uncovers the truth behind the sudden disappearance of Barbara Van Laar, the 13-year-old daughter of an affluent family, from Camp Emerson in August of 1975. This is a case which becomes even more critical given the disappearance of her then 8-year-old older brother, Bear, almost exactly 14 years prior. The story is told through alternating POVs & jumping timelines as a way of putting pieces together & getting readers closer to what really happened.Some authors make nonlinear narratives confusing, but I found it rather easy to follow, mainly because Moore's characters are fairly fleshed out enough to separate them out, but also because each POV informs the others, often filling in the blanks to the overarching mystery. These helped in guiding me to certain theories as the plot unfolded, & I found the big twists were fairly predictable, but the minor ones were sufficiently satisfying. The only POV I didn't emotionally connect to was Barbara's mother, Alice, who's an insufferable wet dish rag--she's submissive, neurotic, simple-minded, willing to dumb herself down, critical of her daughter's interests out of concern they would ruin the family's reputation, & virtually spineless (which goes against my ideal of what a woman should be)--who would do nothing to change her situation even if given the opportunity because she's been convinced by the people around her that she's dumb & erratic & she plays right into it. Whether that's just her being a product of her time or her privileged upbringing, even when knowing how difficult it must be to lose both her children, at the end of the day you just want to pity her. Her chapters were difficult to get through, but the rest I had no trouble with.It was also an interesting read given the time in which it takes place because it reminds readers of what was accepted socially at the time vs. not 50 years ago, while also noting what's changed vs. stayed the same. It'd be interesting to know what these characters would be up to today & how they'd appraise the world. I hope that's something Moore will uncover in a later book because I think there could be enough substance for another one.

intriguing and well written mystery

C.K. · March 9, 2026

I highly recommend this book. It is well written, pulls your and keeps you in. Surprises and lots of clever plot twists. Great characters you get to know well.

amazing story but present-tense portions are awkward and lack clarity.

c. · February 10, 2026

I have to say that this book has quite the following, and it deserves it as the story is compelling, the characters are fantastic, and the story is full of drama, suspense, and heart with plenty of twists along the way.Howeer, the story go back and forth between flashbacks written in the past tense, and punchy cinamatic-style present events written in the present tense.The flashbacks are excellent, but the present-tense stuff is written very clumsily, often with poor grammar and structure that, for me reading with text-to-speech as a blind man, sacrificed clarity and style and made these parts of the book difficult for me to follow and read.I will admit that I automatically take off 1 star from present tense in a novel or short story out of my pet peeve for the tense in general for storytelling purposes, but it is so awkward here, I took off two.other than that, this story is exceptional and deserves the high praise it has been given 10-fold, but where parts of the book lack clarity, I can't give it a great rating. a best-selling author should know how to be clear.

A Forest Filled With Secrets

d. · September 14, 2025

An engrossing story about family, loyalty and the lies that can destroy lives for generations. It’s a mystery, but also the story about the choices women make, and the outcomes when those choices are limited by circumstance, money and societal expectations.The story centers around the investigation into the disappearance of the wealthy Van Laar children, who go missing in the family’s wooded estate: Bear Van Laar who vanishes in 1961, and Barbara, who disappears from summer camp in 1975. Both police procedural drama and family saga, the writing is concise, but soft, and the author takes care to craft her characters subtly, revealing more about their personalities by what is not overtly stated.The strength of the novel are the women who carry the story. While the mystery of what happened to the Van Laar children is central to the plot, the growth of the female characters, and their inner lives and thoughts, is at the root of what makes this novel worth reading.

Great Read!

M.B. · February 1, 2026

Great Read. Well-written story that keeps you intrigued all the way through. Hard put to down book

Un régal.

A.B. · November 26, 2025

Tout dans cette histoire est un régal : le style, fluide et si agréable ; les personnages attachants, leurs fragilités, leurs démons, leurs forces ; la nature ; l’atmosphère ; l’intrigue. Tout. Un gros coup de coeur.

Mystery novel for women

A.C. · March 13, 2025

Recommended by Stephen King. It was really a page-turner. The story is about the missing boy and girl in the period between ‘60 and ‘70. I am of the same generation as the girl and I particularly felt empathy with the girl, and also with the woman investigator.

gran suspenso

M. · August 2, 2025

Es un gran libro de suspenso. Aunque tiene varios personajes, no te confundes en ningún momento. La forma en que va contando la historia de cada uno, y cómo salta del pasado al presente con tanto detalle, te ayuda a entenderlos muchísimo mejor. Está muy bien escrito y te atrapa desde el principio.

Superb !!!

E. · February 6, 2026

The God of the Woods hat mich wirklich überrascht. Die Geschichte um das Verschwinden eines Mädchens in einem abgelegenen Sommerlager ist atmosphärisch dicht und emotional stark erzählt, mit vielen unterschiedlichen Perspektiven und echten Gefühlen.Die Charaktere wirken lebendig, und die Mischung aus Familiengeheimnissen, Klassenunterschieden und persönlichem Drama macht das Buch besonders. An manchen Stellen zieht sich die Story etwas und es dauert, bis man alle Fäden versteht, aber gerade das langsame Entfalten macht die Spannung auf seine Weise aus. Insgesamt ein fesselnder, nachdenklicher Roman, der noch lange nachklingt.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Family Life”