I'd rate this 4.5 stars. This was an eerie, suspenseful and ominous read that smacked of nostalgia for me as a reader who cut her paranormal/thriller teeth reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz as an early teenager. The story managed to convey a feeling of wrongness that oozed across the story and kept me turning the pages until around 4am. Having set the story in a small town surround by a forest of secrets, the authors managed to jam in a mixture of cold case meets murder-mystery as the story preys on everyone's worse fears: missing and unsolved murders of children (so here's a glaring trigger warning for anyone that might need it. Without giving anything away, it also touches on aspects of child abuse).

Set in Blue Cliff, the story is told in alternative chapters from Natalie's and Cheyenne's points of view. Childhood friends, they've not been in contact for 5 years since three children went missing and turned up dead. Needing to escape the small town who knows her family's history and eccentricities, Cheyenne flees from all she knows without telling anyone. Duty-bound to return and care for her mother, the local shaman-type individual who's seen as both an acknowledged protector of the town and the local crazy lady who dwells amongst superstition and urban legend, everyone's life is thrown into chaos when another young boy goes missing. Rekindling past friendships, everyone is suspect and nothing is quite as it seems as Cheyenne and Natalie begin to unravel their family's and town's secret shame and prejudices tied up in the history of the woods. Set amongst the tumultuous goings-on that surround the occurrence of heinous crime, locals who remember the last murders want someone held responsible whilst the superstitious believe that the Hickory Man, an entity that lives in the woods and demands sacrifice, is back.

This was a spooky read, with the woods setting a perfect backdrop alongside the town that should have kept their kids safe. Obviously with missing and murdered children, the story isn't going to promise a happy ending. That being said, and without spoiling anything, the end didn't leave me in a pit of misery and wringing my hands, something I swear one of the authors involved in this book takes great pleasure in occasionally (just kidding - kind of lol). While I generally prefer romance in my reads, there was a tiny bit here but it was minor and definitely secondary to the plot which focussed more on the friendship between Natalie and Cheyenne and the madness that descended on the town after the report of another missing child. Lives are shaken up and the familiar starts to look strange as the Hickory Man trawls for more victims. While readers of this genre will probably figure out the twist well before it happens, it's still an enjoyable read that sucked me in.

The story might remind some readers familiar with this genre of similar tropes surround missing/murdered children, unsolved cold cases, paranormal elements in a dark woods and an unknown and unspeakable evil held in both awe and secret in a small town. Personally, I loved the journey. As someone that usually grabs at stories that feature romance, this was a terrific read that reminded me why I loved and devoured thrillers, particularly those with paranormal elements. It was dark, creepy and had a satisfying end. I'm looking forward to the next book by these authors.

I was sucked in from the beginning! I love Cheyenne and her friendships with Natalie and Jackson. Cheyenne returns home after getting a call that her mother needs her, and when she gets home she realizes why.. Her mother is convinced that the Hickory Man is back and has snatched another child from the woods surrounding her home. Her mother really sells the Hickory Man and had me convinced he was going to walk out of the forest at any moment.

There were plenty of twists and turns and was just suspenseful enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, and the tension built throughout the story when everything came to a head and we find out whats really going on in this sleepy little town.. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next.

Great debut novel! Good plot and believable characters make this a can't put down page turner. I thought I knew where the story was heading big was pleasantly surprised.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good debut that would be perfect to read during the fall. Even the cover gives me fall vibes. Children missing in the woods and the Hickory Man. It is a folklore and thriller, wrapped into one. It was a bit slow paced for my liking, more suspense feels. I did predict the twist, but still enjoyed it.
3 stars

Who is the Hickory Man? Cheyenne's mother Constance worried- and rightfully so- about her because someone, some awful person took children in their small town. Cheyenne's been away for years but she's come home and another girl has disappeared. Along with her friend Natalie, she searches for the truth because the man in prison for the earlier crimes could not have committed this one. Enjoy this for the creep atmospherics and the characters and know that when it sags a bit that it will pick up. The identity of the villain might not surprise you but it's a twisty ride to the answer. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

In this captivating tale, the main characters steal the spotlight with their fascinating personalities and captivating journeys. Their depth and development throughout the story truly captivated me from start to finish. The author masterfully crafted each character, making them relatable and memorable.

While the plot may have had a deliberate pace, it allowed for a deeper exploration of the intricate themes and emotions that lie beneath the surface. The author's ability to delve into the human psyche and showcase the sometimes perplexing nature of people is commendable. It highlights the complexity of our world and the various motivations that drive our actions.

Although the twists may not have caught me off guard, they were cleverly integrated into the narrative, adding an extra layer of intrigue and suspense. The story kept me engaged, eager to uncover the secrets and unravel the interconnected web of relationships. The gradual revelation of these secrets served as a catalyst for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations.

The writing style was fluid and evocative, effortlessly painting vivid pictures of the settings and evoking a wide range of emotions. The author's attention to detail brought the story to life, immersing me in the rich tapestry of the world they created.

Overall, despite its deliberate pacing, the story's strengths lie in its well-developed characters and thought-provoking exploration of human nature. It may not have been a whirlwind of unexpected twists, but it offered a profound and introspective experience that left a lasting impression. I would highly recommend this book to those who appreciate deep character studies and nuanced explorations of the human psyche.

Children in Blue Cliff, Virginia, know about the Hickory Man, the one who takes children. For generations those in Blue Cliff have heard the warnings about the Hickory Man and the children who went missing. Hushed whispers and fear surround the legend and the woods. They don't feel quite right....

Cheyenne Ashby grew up deep in the woods and her mother, Constance, often told her how to be safe, i.e. put dirt in your shoes to stay grounded to the land, and other customs to keep danger at bay.

When three children were found dead, a local man was blamed for their deaths and the town slept better after that. But another child has gone missing, and Cheyeanne has come back and along with her friend, Natalie, is determined to learn the truth!

Will the truth set them free? Is there danger in them thar woods? Is the Hickory Man real. Were the superstitions and unusual customs helpful? Why three children killed?

This was a slow burn and I struggle with slow burns. No amount of dirt in my shoes would save me from that. But don't you worry, there is a payoff in the end! This book is creepy, and the woods are not Robert Frost's woods ('lovely, dark and deep'), they are creepy, deadly, and unsettling.

The author did a good job setting the stage and making the woods creepy and atmospheric. The superstitions and customs surrounding the legend were interesting and intriguing. I kept wondering if the legend had any merit. Was there something sinister and dangerous lurking in the woods?

I had both the book and the audiobook which made for an enjoyable reading experience. This was an enjoyable book, but it started a little slowly for me. I do appreciate that the author was building the story and introducing readers to the legend and customs of the town, but I wanted things to hurry up a little at the beginning.

I enjoyed trying to figure out where the book was going and enjoyed the mounting tension and sense of danger as the book got closer to the finish line.


Well written, creepy, and atmospheric.


#TheWoodsareWaiting #NetGalley #KatherineGreene, #Crookedlanebooks, #DreamscapeMedia

Dang. I was really looking forward to this one. Right off the cover's description I was getting All Hallows and Children of the Corn vibes, but it took a grudgingly slow turn that left me so bored and just waiting for this audiobook to end. I am, of course, always thankful to the publishers and author that granted me access to this read, but it just wasn't for me. Sorry.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 11, 2023
Five years ago, the bodies of three children were found in the woods in Blue Cliff, Virginia. Cheyenne Ashby discovered one of the bodies herself. Some of the townspeople believed the town drunk, Jasper, was behind the murders, and were happy to see him jailed. However, still others believe in the legend of the Hickory Man, who waits in the woods to take children, a tale that has been haunting the small town almost since the Dawn of the town itself. Now, another boy has disappeared and the townspeople are once again on edge, none more than Cheyenne’s eccentric mother, Constance, believed to be a witch by some. Returning home to care for Constance, Cheyenne faces her own personal demons while trying to help the town see that it is not an urban legend who is taking the children- or is it?
Katherine Greene’s debut novel, “The Woods Are Waiting”, is more than just an urban legend. Not only is the “Hickory Man” utterly creepy and terrifying, but the story of the missing children itself has enough teeth to carry the pulse-pounding plot. A suspenseful horror novel, “Woods” has a delicious twist that, albeit not that hard to figure out, brought ample thrills and chills.
Cheyenne narrates the story, as does Natalie, Cheyenne’s high school best friend. Cheyenne left Blue Cliff as fast as she could as soon as she was able, while Natalie stayed behind. Although mostly told in present tense, there are portions of the novel (in italics) where Cheyenne or Natalie remembers their past and the horrors that the Hickory Man wreaked on their neighbourhood. It is obvious that the past had to be told in some way, but I’m not sure if italicized memories was the way to do it. I would have liked to see a dual timeline, maybe, to help with plot flow and create even more character development.
This is a debut novel and I finished it in a day. Obviously, Greene knows what they’re doing (Greene is in fact a pseudonym for two co-authors) and I can’t wait to see if the next novel is just as chilling as the first. I’m a sucker for urban legend tales, and this one checked all the boxes!

I received an electronic complimentary ARC of this excellent debut horror tale from Netgalley, author Katherine Greene, and publisher Crooked Lane Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The Woods Are Waiting of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Katherine Greene to friends and family - this is a tale to keep you up late. If horror is your game, Katherine Greene brings it on.

Taking place in a small, isolated community in the Appalachian Mountains, Cheyenne Ashby is called home by the Police Chief, a family friend, to care for her ailing mother. Connie has had difficulties over the years, raised by a family that spent their time and efforts trying to keep the citizens of their community healthy and safe from the denizens of the Hickory Woods, and yet another child has gone missing. Considered a witch by some, and merely mental by others, Conne has lost the edge of reality with this new loss and shouldn't be living alone. Cheyenne broke all ties with the community five years ago, including her childhood best friends Natalie and her boyfriend Jack. Leaving in the night was the only way she could see herself retaining her own mental health after yet another trio of local children was abducted and killed, renewing the nightmares and remembered sights and sounds of her own early childhood. Is newly missing 9-year-old Mason the first of the next trio of youngsters, or is he simply lost in the woods? Only time will tell...

Katherine Greene’s debut novel is well written and sucked me in from the beginning. A small isolated mountain forest town lives in fear of the Hickory Man as their children go missing and are later found dead, always in threes. Cheyenne returns to her home town five years after disappearing (as a young adult) from the lives of her mother and two best friends. She never believed the stories her mother told her about the supernatural nature of the woods and yet ran to get away from it. Another missing child and her mother’s deterioration bring her back to town to discover the truth. Good plotting and character development; attention to small detail add to the momentum of the plot.

Oh gosh, this one was SLOW................ The premise was really interesting to me. Cheyenne leaves her small town in the Appalachians but she is called back due to her mother's mental illness. Also, children have been going missing for centuries and The Hickory Man is blamed. The Hickory man is, according to town legend, a supernatural, scary guy who lives in the woods. Another child has gone missing, and a man stands accused. Cheyenne reconnects with some old friends to try and figure out what is happening. The story was more horror than thriller to me, not that that was a bad thing, I just found it too slow. I did really like Cheyenne and the creepy, spooky atmosphere was well written. I also had an idea what was going on near the beginning and turned out to be mostly right. I would read more from this author, as it was still a good Boogeyman-type story.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Katherine Greene and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will publish my review to Amazon, Instagram and various other social media and retail sites upon publication.

🕸️ GOTHIC FOLKLORE meets THRILLER - “The Woods are Waiting” by Katherine Greene is a story of a sinister small town full of secrets, urban legends and superstitions!

BOOK REVIEW: 🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

The residents of Blue Cliff, Virginia grew up being warned about the legend of the Hickory Man. The Hickory Man lurks within the deep dark Hickory Woods. Children get gobbled up in these woods and they are forbidden from entering them. Town ancestors have embedded superstitions into its townspeople to help keep the Hickory Man away … but sometimes things slip through the cracks when you are not careful enough …

“The Hickory Man.
Keep silver in your pockets,
Walk with dirt in your shoes,
Or he’ll poke your eyeballs from their sockets,
And boil your bones in stew”

Thank you kindly to @katherinegreeneauthor @crookedlanebooks @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This debut thriller comes out on July 11, 2023!

This was a decent debut. Although it's a typical story you might've read before, it was a quick, entertaining horror book. This would make an awesome book to read for spooky season! It was really atmospheric and gives you a main character you want to root for. It's definitely pretty darn creepy too. Just be forewarned that it does deal with murders of children.

It takes place in a small town at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Children go missing and the residents of the town are superstitious and think there's the Hickory man that lives in the woods and preys on children. You must never go in the woods. Cheyenne left years ago and planned to never go back. Now her mother's health is failing so she goes back to care for her. There's another missing child and Cheyenne and her 2 friends are back to the mayhem and finding out all of the secrets of the town.

Out July 11.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon once it publishes.

Katherine Greene's debut novel, "The Woods are Waiting," takes readers on a gripping journey into a small town shrouded in myth and darkness. Set in the eerie Appalachian Mountains, the story follows childhood friends Cheyenne, Natalie, and Jack as they reunite after years apart, only to find themselves entangled in a sinister situation. Greene's masterful storytelling weaves together an atmospheric setting, a compelling plot, and well-crafted writing, keeping readers hooked until the very end. The book expertly explores themes of friendship, the power of belief, and the lasting impact of secrets, creating a chilling and engrossing reading experience.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the tight-knit friendship among Cheyenne, Natalie, and Jack, which serves as an anchor amidst the town's enigma. Their bond provides warmth and emotional depth to the narrative, offering respite from the pervasive sense of foreboding. Additionally, the portrayal of the woods as a character adds to the story's unsettling atmosphere. Greene brings the setting to life, delving into the superstitions and rituals of the townsfolk to protect themselves from the malevolent Hickory Man. The resolution of the various mysteries and subplots is another strength, as the author ties everything together neatly, leaving readers satisfied and intrigued by the psychological depth of the characters.

While the book has a few minor drawbacks, such as predictability in identifying the antagonist early on and a disjointed villain's monologue, it successfully captures a chilling ambiance and unravels a tapestry of secrets. The pacing keeps readers engaged, and Greene's evocative writing style paints a vivid picture of the town's claustrophobic atmosphere. Although the inclusion of a sex scene feels incongruous within the narrative and momentarily disrupts the suspense, "The Woods are Waiting" remains a promising debut that will appeal to fans of slow-burning thrillers with a supernatural twist. Overall, Greene's talent shines through, and readers will eagerly anticipate her future works.

Kind of odd that I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next, all the while thinking it's silly for grown people to be behaving like the residents of this small, remote town in the middle of a forest do - I mean, really, catering to the demands of a never-seen man-beast who's been killing little kids for hundreds of years? In part, I suppose, I kept plugging away because I'd guessed who the real culprit is early on and wanted to get to the end and see if I nailed it (I did).

Cheyenne Ashby left her home in Blue Cliff, Virginia, largely because she no longer could buy into the superstitions and strange behaviors of the town's residents - and especially those of her mother, Constance. The murder of three children whose bodies turned up in the woods was pretty much the last straw for her - murders all to similar to a number of others over many years that led to those superstitions and strange behaviors. Cheyenne literally ran out on her best friend, Natalie, and the guy who she'd been planning to spend the rest of her life with, Jackson Campbell.

But now, another young boy has gone missing, feared to be the latest victim of the evil forest creature; Constance has gone off the deep end with her weird behavior, and the sheriff - a close friend of Constance - wants her daughter to come home to get her back on track. Meanwhile, half the townspeople are cowering in fear, forbidding their kids to go into the woods and filling their shoes and pockets with the dirt and coins they believe will hold the evil spirits at bay. The other half are convinced that the man once convicted of killing one of the boys and set free, they claim, on a technicality, is guilty of taking the most recent child - and they're ready to lynch him on sight.

Cheyenne is reluctant, but she heads back; she's not sure how she'll deal with mom, but she reconnects with both Natalie and Jackson in fairly short order. Together, they try to learn what really happened to the missing boy and figure out what secrets the forest holds before more young lives are lost - and maybe even their own. Their efforts and thoughts are laid out in chapters told from the perspectives of Cheyenne and Natalie; some parts drag a bit while others kept me on the edge of my seat. All told, it's entertaining - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Something is out there in the woods, praying on the young children of Blue Cliff. The worst part is, it isn’t one child here and there, it’s 3 very close together. Now that Dakota is missing, whose child will be next?

In a small town, people become really close. They are wary of people that didn’t grow up there. When children go missing, it preys on their fears. They work themselves into a frenzy, pinning the murders on one man whose only crime is being an outsider.

For me, this book was hard to get through. The pacing was too slow to be called a thriller. And because of the slow pacing, there wasn’t much suspense. A lot of the book is just day-to-day things, reiterating that Chey’s mother is growing out of control.

However, I enjoyed the storyline. That there is a Hickory Man taking children and has been for hundreds of years is an interesting concept. It provides just the right amount of supernatural into the story and gives people a reason to believe in the lore. Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, but the pacing could be vastly improved. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for reaching out to read this.

I think I was expecting something more atmospheric. This felt slightly on the nose with its characters and under-baked in its description, good bones maybe in need of another pass. It didn't feel truly rooted in the history of Appalachia but rather folk horror that could have happened anywhere, which I found troubling given that area has such a rich and troubled and specific history to draw on. Everything that neared that specificity skated over the surface and I ended up feeling like these characters could have been dropped down anywhere and been just the same.

Sometimes the boogeyman is closer than you could ever imagine.

The woods are waiting is a creepy boogeyman thriller that keeps you guessing at every turn. I honestly thought I had it figured out many times just to have a new twist come up. The spine chilling nursery time had me hooked on the first page and like the main characters I was convinced there was a supernatural hickory man thirsty for blood for the majority of the book. I like the crippling slow burn suspense that built up to a mind blowing climax. Can you survive the hickory man that lurks deep in the woods? Put silver in your pockets and dirt in your shoes and you might just stand a chance.

This was a fun horror read. The Woods Are Waiting is the story of Cheyenne, a young woman called back to her small hometown in Appalachia, Blue Cliff, due to her mother's failing health. Blue Cliff has been the site of infamous murders over the years, and its residents are a superstitious bunch. Cheyenne's mother is the most superstitious of all – possibly mentally ill. Cheyenne fled the town and never looked back, so now has to deal with encounters with her former love, best friend, etc.

The plot itself follows a somewhat familiar pattern for a horror novel...creepy small town with strange events and disturbing residents, secrets, an adult who returns to grapple with unpleasant childhood memories and experiences. I thought the atmosphere was well done. It's dark, with undercurrents of horror throughout. The plot twist was pretty obvious fairly early on, so there isn’t really anything surprising here, but the story moved along nicely, Cheyenne was easy to root for, and it was an enjoyable creepy read.