Death in the Dark Woods is an enjoyable second installment of Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter series. This time Morgan Carter and her dog Newt are on the hunt for Bigfoot (Bigfeet? Bigfoots?) in the forests of northern Wisconsin. But is the elusive cryptid really to blame for the recent murders in the area?

If you've read the first book in the series, A Death in Door County, you probably already know what to expect with this one since they follow a pretty similar formula. And, like in the previous installment, the mystery in this one isn't really all that complicated. There are no Agatha Christie-esque twists and turns, just a straightforward but entertaining who(what?)dunit.

I think I actually enjoyed this one a bit more than the first book – there's less romance and more cryptid hunting, which is a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned. Ol' Flatfoot Flanders is still the love interest, but he's not around quite as much this time … but don't worry, because when he is, he and Morgan are just as awkward with each other as ever.

Newt, of course, is still the star of the show. If Newt were a real dog, I'd totally take a trip to Door County just to pet him.

Basically, if you liked A Death in Door County, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. If you haven't read the previous book in the series, maybe go back and read that one first? While this one might work okay as a stand-alone if you really want it to, you'll miss out on a lot of the backstory.

Final rating: 4.25 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the copy of Death In The Dark Woods by Annelise Ryan. This is the second book in a series and I’m so excited to read the first book because this one has me mesmerized. I started reading it and didn’t want to put it down because I loved cryptozoologist Morgan Carter! Her store sounds like a fantastic dream and she has an interesting hobby, in this case, hunting Bigfoot. But don’t be put off by her offbeat hobby. This is a solid mystery with just enough quirky characters to make it captivating. If you love “cozy” mysteries that are really gripping and have a thriller vibe, this is the series for you!

Once again I was quickly drawn in to the next northwoods mystery. Our protagonist,, Morgan, is likeable, smart, and up for anything. The mysteries she's investigates are far from normal fair and that keeps the interest going. This is a fun series that captures nature and mystery well.