I love Rockton!. This series is one of my favorites and this newest addition to it doesn't disappoint. It had all the complex relationships and stories that the previous ones have. Only this time Casey's sister has come to visit and all kinds of craziness ensues. I can't wait to read what comes next. #Watcher in the Woods #NetGalley

Watcher in the Woods: A Rockton Novel (Casey Duncan Novels Book 4) Kindle Edition
by Kelley Armstrong 
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and am leaving a fair and honest review

I am an ardent and rabid fan of Ms. Armstrong's Otherworld series. My love of the series stems not from the amazing world building and the struggles and love stories but for her writing!

My first trip to Rockton was no different. I fell in love with the characters, and I fell in love with the town. But most of all I fell in love with the writing.

Starting with the characters, Ms Armstrong's talent shines through dialogue, or in the case of new arrival to Rokcton, Sebastien's monologue:

“If you’re in front of me in the morning coffee line, and there’s one muffin left, I immediately think of all the ways I could get that muffin. Not kill you, of course, but only because it’s unnecessary and excessive. Before I trick you into leaving the line, I must stop and remind myself that you have as much right to that muffin as me. I can be trusted never to hurt you for that last muffin. I cannot, at this point, be trusted not to hurt a roommate who really, really pisses me off.”
As usual, Ms. Armstrong has, in a few sentences, defined what goes on in a character’s head. In this case, a sociopath. Hundreds of pages have been written by psychological thriller writers that haven’t defined it as well. I can’t wait to hear from Sebastien again.  He is that broken boy that young women toss themselves at.
This is not the only case where a character reveals his or her true self in a bit of throw away speech. I can think of half a dozen more!

Casey Duncan is the town's only detective. And Rockton is like no other small town. A sanctuary for those who need it, there are a few more crimes that one would expect to find in such a place. When one of her neighbors is shot in the back, Casey sees no other way to help him than that bring her neurological surgeon sister to the town – under the wire, on the down low, against all the rules. Unfortunately, as with all well laid plans, something goes way asunder! Not only is her sister discovered, but a murder is committed. Not everything is as it seems in the Canadian Yukon.

Casey, like many of Ms. Armstrong's heroines, has a unique outlook. It is from the character's eyes and Ms. Armstrong's brilliance. Ms. Armstrong does what all writers dream of doing. She takes an everyday moment and distills it down into simple text. That simple text is deceiving, because we learn a new way of looking at something or reconsider how we feel. This happens in these few sentences:

“We see others through a window fogged with condensation, catching only a warped and shadowed image and presenting the same. We squint to see through that condensation, but we use our fog, too. We hide behind it. Wiping it away lets us see clearly . . . and lets us be seen clearly.”

Of course, the dog being adorable didn't hurt! Long live Storm!

I'd give this suspenseful, strong, mystery more if I could but I can't so:
5 stars out of 5

https://www.amazon.com/Watcher-Woods-Rockton-Duncan-Novels-ebook/dp/B07D2BXN27

The Book Nerd is packing her bags for a trip to the Yukon and Rockton.

I read a digital copy of this book I received via Netgalley.

While this is the fourth book in the Rockton series, it can stand alone. I had no trouble following characters and events, even references from previous books, which I have not read.

I loved the Yukon as its own character, and the relationships between Casey and other members of the town feel genuine, even when it involves dislike or even hate. Casey's a capable LEO, and a self-rescuing princess.

I would gladly read more of this series.

The one downside, which I have to hope will be fixed in the published version, was the enormous number of typos and other errata. Normally, I might count off mentally for this, but there were so many I had to presume this was truly an Uncorrected Copy. :D

Throughly enjoyed this novel.. For anyone who has dreamed of leaving it all behind and starting anew. Great supporting characters. Complex plot and engaging storyline.

I absolutely love this series--and the books keep getting better. This is one that you have to read in order, so if you haven't read the others, I highly recommend reading those first.
Rockton is in a bit of trouble again--and now with Phil living there and Casey's sister April smuggled in to help save Kenny's life, every one is on edge. Of course there is another murder, and not only do Cassy and Eric need to find out who the murderer is, they need to find out who the man that was murdered is.
This book had me from the first page--and I cannot recommend it enough!

This is an excellent read. It is well written and fast paced. Just when you decide you know who and why, nope you will change your mind. One of those books you just can't put down. Fantastic read and very well written.

Jelly Armstrong’s Watcher in the Woods is a science fiction, should be a cult classic, murder mystery!
It did take me a couple of chapters to become interested, but it should definitely become a cult classic.

This is not a compelling read in the least. The plot seems intriguing at first but I soon discovered that the Interesting plotline was overshadowed by other issues.

There are way TOO MANY characters with little or no backstory which left me confused. There are TOO MANY references to events in previous books; the plot in this book is linked, if not predicated on, former events of which this reader had no knowledge, further contributing to confusion.
There are mechanical and grammatical errors. Word choice is contrived and dialogue is stilted. The characters are one dimensional and flat. I had no desire to muddle further than 30% through, at which point I gave it up...enough time had been wasted.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC In exchange for an honest review.

an interesting story about crimein a place nobody should know about. You can read it without reading the other books in the series. I liked it

This book was definitely different from books that I normally read, but enjoyed it. It has the mystery and suspense that I like, but with a unique twist. Well written and I’ll gladly try other books by this author.

I received "Watcher in the Woods: A Rockton Novel" (Casey Duncan Novels Book 4) for free in exchange for an honest review. I have long been a fan of Kelley Armstrong. I have read her Cainesville series, Nadia Stafford series, and Otherworld series. Rockton is a secret town in Canada where people go to hide-- either from crimes that they have committed, or from danger. There are usually there for a certain length of time. No one knows each other's true identities. Sheriff Eric Dalton is the law. His law enforcement agency totals a staff of 3-- including himself. His girlfriend Casey is the main character and is a detective. There have been several crimes recently. Just when they think things are settling down, someone who says that they are a US Marshall shows up demanding one of the residents--but they don't find out who before he has an unfortunate demise. Casey's estranged sister makes an appearance in this book. To enjoy this book best, I would definitely recommend reading books 1-3 in the series first. I have been highly anticipating the release of this book and was very excited to read it early. I devoured it in days-- not wanting to put it down, but also not wanting to finish it. While this was not my favorite of the series, it is definitely a great read. It is a mystery/thriller with some romance (though I feel it could have a bit more-- like the first 2 books in the series did.) I love the mystery of the different villagers-- not known who they really are in the "real world." Please do yourself a favor and read this series (and definitely her others as well. I would say that the closest to this series is probably the Nadia Stafford one--she is a hit woman.)

Kelly Armstrong is an author I’ve followed since her young adult series were coming out. I was thrilled to see this Darkness series starting Casey, a city cop who moved to the middle of nowhere to a town that is made of people escaping their lives. New names, new identities, and their own law. I would read this series in order although you don’t have to in order to follow this book! The series is fabulous and you’ll know all the characters and dramas if you read them in order, it you start on book 4 I think you may be lost. I absolutely love the concept of Rockton and this series is unique and phenomenal. They don’t end on major cliffhangers which is a nice change of pace. These are thrillers with good storylines. Each one better than the last!

Kelley Armstrong writes the 4th of this series set in the huge wilderness of the Yukon territory in Canada. It worked reasonably well as a standalone as this was my first dip into this series. It has an unusual premise of a highly secret town named Rockton, with little in the way of mod cons, like the internet and away from all signs of civilisation. Problems are virtually guaranteed, given the residents are criminals or victims fleeing and disappearing from society with their secrets in the hope of finding a refuge in Rockton. With so many rules, there is a police force of 3 police officers to enforce them. 32 year old Casey Duncan is the only detective, her boyfriend is Sheriff Dalton.

All efforts to escape detection are for nought when a stranger appears. He turns out to be a US Marshall claiming that a dangerous and violent criminal is in the town. Whilst doubting this, Casey and Dalton look into this. When the Marshall is shot dead, it suggests that he was correct, only there is far more to it as their investigation is to prove. Given the nature of Rockton, there are an unenviable high number of suspects for obvious reasons. Casey's estranged older sister, April, comes for a medical emergency, providing the opportunity for the two of them to address their differences. There are political machinations and intrigue with the disagreements that are emerging about the principles underlying Rockton and its purpose for the mission statement in the highly secret ruling Council, with members providing finance for the town. As the title of the book hints, there is a watcher in the woods.

Armstrong writes a riveting piece of crime fiction, with twists, and with plenty of depth in her descriptions and in her characterisation. The storylines are complex and gripping with a fantastic location. I found the novel entertaining and well plotted, and such a gripping read. Many thanks to St Martin's Press for an ARC.

This amazing novel captured my imagination from the very first chapter. Even though I had not read the previous three books in this series, I immediately felt I knew the main characters and was intrigued enough to want to know how the story would develop. And develop it did, as other residents of Rockton, a town hidden in the far-north Yukon Territory, are brought into the story. Each have their own personas and each have their own part in the story as their character develops.

Watcher in the Woods is a murder mystery, but much more than that. There are ample suspects, and ample motives, to keep your mind busy dissecting the possible path that would lead you to the murderer. Some of the scenes are uncomfortable to read, but only because they are written to make them so real you feel you are there. There are more “F” words than I would like, but they fit the character of the person who speaks them, mostly as an expression of exasperation than a word aimed at people.

I read Watcher in the Woods as an advance reader, complements of NetGalley, enjoying it so much that I decided to read it again right away to catch any subtleties I may have missed the first time. I imagine the previous three books in the series will have the same effect on me.

I was very impressed with the fourth installment in this series! This book grabs you right from the beginning and is very interesting and well written.

Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

Secondly, while I devoured it in one sitting - yes, I totally read way into the early hours and finished it in one go - I must warn you that it is number four in a series. Don't be put off by this though, just go and find the first three titles to read and enjoy first:
1) City of the Lost
2) A darkness absolute
3) This fallen prey

Basically, the book is set in the Yukon, in a small, off grid town called Rockton; a haven, of sorts, if you can afford to pay the entrance fee and are prepared to live without most of today's modern amenities. The main character is Casey Duncan, a Detective on the towns small police force and the story follows her and her experiences. In this book a US Marshall somehow discovers remote Rockton and demands that the town 'handover' one of the criminals hiding there - which is enough of a problem for people living in a town that's not supposed to exist - until he is unfortunately murdered, leaving Casey to solve the case of his untimely demise.
Of course that isn't even the tip of the iceberg, but I'll leave you to read about it.

Each book in this series has the same, exquisitely detailed descriptions of the world it is set in ; characters to both love and hate; and for me, always a nice bonus, strong female protagonists and intriguing storylines.

It made me read past my bedtime, will you?

I'll let you in on a little secret about how much I like this book. I was about thirty pages into the story and stopped reading. I bought one of Ms Armstrong's earlier books in the series and read it so I could have a better understanding about Rockton and the people who live there. That book was very good as well.

Kelly Armstrong has created a fascinating, off the beaten path community in her Rockton Series. The Yukon is the perfect place for people who need to disappear for a variety of reasons. The book moves quickly with things that totally surprise me. The characters are interesting and well developed. I like both main characters: Casey Duncan Rockton's Homicide Detective and Eric Dalton the Sheriff. They work well together both on and off the job. For the animal lovers there is a Newfoundland pup that is being trained for tracking.

In the not too distant future I will be reading the other two books by Kelly Armstrong. I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Watcher in the Woods from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#TheWatcherintheWoods #NetGalley

This was an entertaining story. Very different, I cared about the characters and what has and will happen to them. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last. I would like to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an hones review.

I loved it! This is an EXCELLENT book in an EXCELLENT series by an EXCELLENT author! I woke up this morning knowing I'd finish the novel today and I almost couldn't bear the thought. I didn't want it to end! This book is very hard to put down. The characters, the surroundings, the mystery and the story telling captivate from the start. This book brings Casey's sister to Rockton and it's wonderful how they air their past misunderstandings and begin to mend. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.

This series just keeps getting better. Casey and Eric are a great match and their relationship adds a lot to the story without overwhelming it. The mystery is full of twists and the ending comes as a surprise. I have yet to solve the mystery before the author reveal in these books. These characters are complex and draw the reader in. You become invested in the people and this community. I can't wait for the next one!