My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Another great cozy Midwestern monster mystery from Annelise Ryan.

This was by far my favorite of the series so far and I’m very thankful to have received it as an ARC!! Lots of thanks to Annelise Ryan, NetGalley and Team for that!

Beast of the North Woods packed a punch with Morgan Carter’s most high stakes request yet and an ending that leaves you wanting more. I was so excited to learn that she wasn’t simply investigating a cryptid, but trying to FREE someone arrested for a murder he didn’t commit! That switch in the typical narrative hooked me in from the beginning. Also the fact that a hodag is soooo unbelievable and proven fake made me excited to see what the Scooby Doo reveal at the end would be - (spoiler it did not disappoint).

Another good cozy mystery / thriller down!!! Can’t wait to see what other cryptids step in her path :)

I was given this book for a free and fair review. While not in the cozy mystery genre (which I do enjoy), this book meets my definition of a cozy because it's a perfect snuggle-up read if that's what you are in the mood for. And the story line is one that once it gets going, you are drawn into one of those mysteries where you have to know "who done it" - meaning you can't put it down! More importantly, while this is the third in a monster hunter mystery series, you don't have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one (this was my first read in the series). Set in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, during the winter, Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist, is hired to help solve a murder to provide a supposedly mythological creature, a hodag, is the killer, not the nephew of Cater's employee, Rita Bosworth. She and Rita arrive to hear a fantastical tale of a creature, Andy Bosworth, the "accused," said he saw and whom he believes killed a former high school rival. As Morgan digs into Andy's story, she uncovers something that is even more fantastical than the idea of a mythological creature being the killer. In doing this, Morgan has to deal with locals who don't want her destroying the image of "friendly" hodag that draws tourist to the area as well as shady people who seem to be following her. Initially clues are hard to come by but through some luck, she uncovers things are going on in the Rhinelander area that are might not bode well. No spoilers here. I would encourage a read to find out what Morgan discovers because it's quite unique - and when you read the author's afterword, is not far from truth or perhaps reality. I enjoyed having the opportunity to read and review this book as well as to becoming acquainted with the author.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into this one—I was drawn in by the title and cover alone—and I’m so glad I gave it a shot. What a fun little thriller! As a horror fan, I loved getting to read about a cryptid I’d never even heard of before (the hodag!). It’s such a cool and underused creature, and it really pulled me into the story.
Morgan Carter, the main character, was such a great lead. She’s independent, smart, and relatable, especially with her moments of anxiety, which made her feel so real. Plus, she has a loyal dog sidekick, which is always a win in my book.
The mystery itself was super engaging. I had no clue how things would play out until the very end, and I loved being along for the ride. There were also these little bits of factual info woven in that had me stopping to Google stuff—it was such a cool touch for a story like this.
Even though it’s the third book in a series, it totally works as a standalone. I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until after I finished, but now I’m adding the first two to my TBR because I need more!
If you’re into creature mysteries or just want something unique and fun, I’d definitely recommend this one. It’s a quick, entertaining read that keeps you guessing!

Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan is a fun and engaging murder mystery with a dash of intrigue, but it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed in the suspense department. The premise surrounding the legendary hodag was promising, but the build-up didn’t quite deliver the tension I’d hoped for, making the mystery feel a bit anticlimactic.

That said, there’s no denying the story’s ability to keep me guessing. With multiple plotlines weaving in and out, I found myself speculating about what would eventually surface. The pacing and twists did keep me intrigued, even if the overall payoff didn’t feel as bold as the eye-catching cover promised.

If you’re a fan of murder mysteries with a unique twist, Beast of the North Woods is still worth a read. It may not have hit all the high notes for me, but it’s an entertaining journey for those who enjoy small-town legends and a good whodunit.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.

Annelise Ryan’s new book is the latest installment in her monster hunter series - my favorite set of cozy mystery books. I really enjoy following her main character, Morgan Carter, and her dog Newt as they investigate community-centered anomalies. Ryan is skilled at pacing her novels, and her series is always hard to put down.

One of the things I enjoy most about Ryan’s mysteries is her ability to draw from local folklore. Her books typically are rooted in interesting real-world happenings. While this particular ending was more hyperbolic, and less grounded in fact, I appreciate that Ryan creates an explanation for everything.

I was very happy to see the book end with the hint that there will likely be a follow-up in the series. I look forward to picking this up!

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an ARC.

What's better than a cozy mystery? A cozy mystery that dives into the world of cryptozoology! Beast of the North Woods, the third book in Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Mystery series, is an absolute treat for anyone who loves an unusual hobby as a backdrop for a whodunit. I mean, cryptozoology?! Hodags?! I didn't know I needed to know about these things, but now I'm obsessed.

This installment follows Morgan Carter, a bookstore owner and a monster hunter (talk about a double life!), as she investigates a murder that may or may not involve Wisconsin's own cryptid, the Hodag. The mix of folklore, science, and mystery gave the story a unique texture—it is not every day you read a cozy that seamlessly blends small-town charm with supernatural speculation.

I'll admit I jumped into this series out of order. While I wish I'd had all the backstory on Morgan and her crew, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to pick up and follow. Ryan does an excellent job weaving in just enough context to immerse newcomers like me while still driving the plot forward for returning fans.

What I loved most was the way the book balanced intrigue and lightheartedness. Morgan is such an engaging protagonist—smart, relatable, and just skeptical enough about her monster-hunting work to make it believable. The side characters added depth and humor, making the small-town setting wonderfully vivid. Plus, the Hodag lore was fascinating. It had me Googling halfway through because I needed to know if this mythical creature had real-life roots. (Spoiler: It does! Kind of.)

If you're seeking a mystery that breaks away from the usual cozy tropes, this series—especially this book—is a gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're drawn to the murder mystery, the quirky characters, or the deep dive into folklore, Beast of the North Woods delivers. It's a book worth every page, and I'm off to track down books one and two because I need the complete Monster Hunter experience.

Perfect for fans of: quirky hobbies, cryptids, folklore-infused mysteries, and small-town drama with a twist.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5

While Beast of the North Woods doesn't fully meet its potential - a series of cozy mysteries centered around cryptid hunting could be so, so excellent, at least for my niche interests - I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, wintry mystery willing coast off quaint vibes and read with a less-than-critical eye. This is my second Monster Hunter Mystery, and the premise remains just as appealing. Unfortunately, its pitfalls also remain unchanged. Each character's manner of speaking is identical and interchangeable, and, aside from Morgan and Jon, their characterization is equally indistinguishable. The entire cast's motivations are rather flimsy and contradictory, and, most egregious in my eyes, the relationships of everyone to Morgan are wildly inconsistent and bizarre (Rita and Ian in particular, although even Morgan and Jon's relationship was a real head-scratcher this time around). That being said, when I put my critical reading aside and just focused on the concept and cozy energy, I still enjoyed Beast of the North Woods and hope the series continues - albeit ideally with some slightly more nuanced dialogue and characterization. The concept of cryptid mysteries is too cute not to live on! Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

**3.5-stars rounded up **

💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚

Beast of the North Woods is the 3rd-installment to Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Cozy Mystery series. These quirky stories successfully combine two of my favorite things: creepy vibes and cozy mysteries. These books follow MC, Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, who along with her adorable dog, Newt, investigates cases that may be linked to potential cryptid activity.

In this story, Morgan agrees to help her long-time store employee, Rita, after her nephew is accused of murder. He claims he is just a witness, having stumbled across the mutilated body of a local fisherman in the woods. He also claims he saw a creature of many local legends, a Hodag, leaving the scene. He accuses the creature of being responsible for the gruesome crime.

The thing is, although his town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, embraces the idea of the Hodag, incorporating it into their community, it's also widely believed to be a hoax. Even though she doesn't believe Hodags to be real either, Morgan agrees to travel with Rita to Rhinelander to try to get to the bottom of it and clear Rita's nephew's name. Once there though, Morgan's presence causes a stir with the townsfolk, and the deeper she digs, the more danger she seems to be in. If a Hodag didn't kill the fisherman, and Rita's nephew didn't either, who did?

This series is a bit silly, NGL, but it's also super-duper fun. I've grown so attached to this cast of characters, (I'm looking at you, Newt) and am definitely hoping for more installments. There's so many other cryptids to explore. I had never heard of a Hodag before, so actually had to look it up. I liked how the author chose to use a lesser known cryptid this time. In the 1st-book, we had a Loch Ness Monster-like lake creature, and the 2nd-book revolved around Bigfoot, so this one was a surprise.

I also really love Morgan as an MC. She's smart, daring and most importantly, a great Dog Mom, always putting Newt's needs first. I never have to worry about him while reading, because I know Morgan is keeping him as safe as possible.

This was a solid mystery, that got increasingly complex the more we learned. I also appreciated that we dappled a little more into Morgan's past as well, so it felt well-rounded. I liked learning more about her. As with many cozy mysteries, we do follow along with Morgan's personal life as well. She's in a budding relationship, and it's very new, so they are exploring those boundaries within this book, which was nice to see.

There were some fun twists, although a few things seemed obvious and it took Morgan longer to figure out than I would've thought. Otherwise, it did get more complicated than I expected and took some surprising turns. I had fun going along for the ride. I would recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fans, but particularly those looking for something a little different in their Cozy. It's one-of-a-kind.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next for Morgan and Newt. Please don't let this be the last!

** “The Hodag is a completely fictional creature born out of folktales, local legends, and a prankster’s con. The only monster likely to be involved in this death will be of the human type.” **

Annelise Ryan continues her fun murder mystery series with a cryptozoology twist in “Beast of the North Woods.”

When cryptozoologist and oddities store owner Morgan Carter is asked by her employee, Rita, to help prove her nephew’s innocence in a murder case, she’s intrigued. Especially when the actual suspect is believed to be the Hodag — a creature believed to be non-existent, created by a prankster in 1893.

But as she delves into the horrific death, and when other tragic events begin to occur, Morgan realizes there is more than meets the eye with this case. And when an old haunt reappears in her life, she doesn’t know where to turn for safety.

Once again, Ryan offers a fun and zany tale filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. She creates great characters, including a delightfully loyal dog named Newt and a terrifying possible creature (“the spiny ridge along the back; the red eyes in a frog like face that was spattered with blood; two nasty-looking horns above long, tusklike teeth; and clawed feet.”)

And while taking the reader on an exciting adventure, Ryan reminds us, when it comes to cryptids — plausible existability. See what you think. Do Hodags exist?

Fans of cozy mysteries and stories about creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot will love “Beast of the North Woods,” which is due out Jan. 28.

This book does contain some occasional mild curse words.

Five stars out of five.

Berkley provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

I have such a fun time with this series!
This time we are headed to Rhinelander, Wisconsin where one of my favorite Cryptozoologists Morgan Carter looks into the murder of a man said to have been killed by the town's infamous Cyrptid the Hodad. Well, that's what the guy who has been arrested for the murder claims, and Morgan wouldn't be thinking twice about whether the Hodag was real or not since it was debunked long ago, but the accused is the nephew of her employee Rita and she can't look into it when Rita asks.

I love the characters and the Morgans shop is an all-time favorite place. I love her dog and the bits of foreshadowing we get at the end of some of the chapters. This book had me endlessly entertained from beginning to end between the Hodag, the actual murder, and the threat of her ex hanging over her head there wasn't a dull moment and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!!!

Beast of the North Woods emerges as a captivating addition to the Monster Hunter Series, seamlessly blending cryptozoological intrigue with classic mystery elements. This third installment plunges readers into a world where folklore and reality intertwine, centered around the enigmatic hodag—a creature of myth that suddenly seems all too real.

The story begins with a gruesome discovery: a local found mauled, allegedly by the very beast of legend of Rhinelander, Wisconsin called the hodag. Morgan Carter's employee happens to be the aunt of the witness turned suspect, who asks for her help.

The novel's atmosphere is palpable, with Ryan's vivid descriptions of piercing eyes—both human and otherworldly—evoking a delicious sense of unease. This attention to detail extends to the protagonist, Morgan Carter, whose personal history and current relationships add depth and relatability to her character, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a believable reality.

"Beast of the North Woods" transcends the boundaries of a typical mystery. As the plot unfolds, Ryan introduces thought-provoking scientific elements that elevate the narrative beyond mere entertainment, challenging readers to ponder the intersection of myth, science, and the unexplained.

This book has piqued my curiosity about the first two installments in the Monster Hunter Series.

Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

Thank you, @Berkleypub and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

I made the mistake and did not realize this was book 3 in a series. I loved this book, but I think I would have loved it even better if I had read the first 2 books. So, I just purchased them and I'm so excited to restart this series. But, from reading the third book I can tell you I will love them all. I definitely recommend this series.

Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan is an utterly engrossing cozy mystery that had me hooked from start to finish. With its unique twists and compelling plot, it’s impossible to put down. The story seamlessly blends an engaging narrative with the charm of a well-crafted series. Starting with the first two books was a great decision, as each installment has been thoroughly enjoyable and has left me eagerly awaiting the next adventure.

This is an engaging addition to the monster hunter series. I really like the idea of a cryptozoologist who identifies as a skeptic. She sticks to facts and logic and tries to stay objective but also open to plausible existability. I like Morgan as a character. I appreciate her resilience despite her struggles with PSTD. Also, her dog Newt is just the best. As with the previous books in the series, this one does feature a few scenes and backstory events that feel far-fetched and melodramatic. I swear, some of the things that happen in Morgan’s life are harder to believe than the cryptids she hunts. That being said, I still enjoyed this book and I’m interested to read more about Morgan’s adventures in future books.

Note: I wouldn’t quite call this a cozy mystery. Yes, it features a quirky small town business owner with an unconventional skill set and knack for solving unusual death cases. However, it leans a little more into the thriller side of the line. There’s a certain amount of gore and melodramatic circumstances that aren’t typically found in cozies. Also, there may are may not be a hodag mauling people to death.

Additional Note: I grew up not too far from Rhinelander, so I can say with authority that Northwoods is one word. Not two. At least, that’s how we spell it Up North.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for the eARC of this cryptid title!!**

I love how cozy the books in this series are, and since I had previously enjoyed book #2 - I was really looking forward to this one. Beast of the North Woods keeps the same fun cast of characters (ILY, Newt) while adding some brand new ones as well.

Ryan's books are extremely cozy and while I find them easy to read, I love the mystery and human elements to them. The characters are fun to follow and I still am looking forward to going back and reading book #1!

While I feel that you could read this book as a standalone, I recommend reading them as a series (unlike me.) Seeing the Easter eggs between book 1 and 2 really had me kicking myself for not checking out book 1 first!

Check this one out if you love cozy mysteries, cryptids, remote settings, and thrillers!

Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan is an enthralling blend of mystery, folklore, and suspense that keeps readers guessing until the final page. When a local ice fisherman is found mauled to death, the small town of Rhinelander is thrown into chaos by claims that the legendary hodag is responsible. Cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is drawn into the fray, balancing skepticism, local tensions, and her own perilous investigation. Ryan masterfully weaves the eerie charm of Wisconsin folklore with a fast-paced murder mystery, creating a story that is as thrilling as it is atmospheric. This gripping novel will delight fans of both cozy mysteries and tales of the supernatural.

Morgan Carter, the owner of the quirky bookstore “Odds and Ends,” is also a cryptozoologist. She’s been hired to hunt for legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. But this time, she’s on a mission to find a hodag, a mythical creature from Algonquian folklore.

Beyond her bookstore responsibilities, Morgan is a compassionate boss who fosters a close relationship with her employees. When her employee, Rita, pleads with Morgan to investigate a strange death involving her nephew, Morgan can’t resist the urge to help. This unexpected turn of events proves to be advantageous for Morgan, as she’s already developed a knack for private investigation. Considering the claims of otherworldly creatures, she’s the perfect candidate for the job.

However, Morgan’s skepticism is a challenge she must overcome. Determined to find the truth, she and Rita embark on a journey to Wisconsin, accompanied by Morgan’s loyal rescue dog, Newt. Newt is more than just a pet to Morgan; he can sense her panic attacks, providing a calming presence during stressful moments. He’s also her best friend.

While paranormal genres aren’t usually my cup of tea, I couldn’t resist this cozy mystery with a unique twist. The combination of a captivating story and a series of books made it an irresistible read. I’m so glad I started with the first two books; all three were thoroughly enjoyable.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Four and a half stars out of ten.

Morgan Carter is called to Rhinelander, Wisconsin (home of the Hodag) to investigate a killing that is purported to have been committed by...well, a Hodag.

This third book in the series hits home, as I lived not far from Rhinelander for a number of years, and visited often. And yes, the Hodag is as much a part of Rhinelander's culture as beer and brats and cheese curds. So I thought this might just be a thrill for me to read.

And it was!

Our protagonist approaches this challenge knowing that the claims are dubious. Everyone knows that the Hodag is a mythological creature invented during the mining boom in the early 1900s, mostly as just a bit of a joke. But when Morgan believe she sees one herself, she has to open her mind and do what needs to be done. And as faithful readers of the series know, that means she will get herself into life-or-death situations before all is said and done - all over a fabricated fairytale critter.

Rhinelander itself is one of the stars of the show here, but Ryan pens a rich array of other characters, and reaches further beyond the boundaries of the main events to really involve (and sometimes through) even the most careful reader. The good news is that the breadcrumbs come thick and fast to help the reader learn about the reported Hodag sightings in real time with Morgan herself, but in Ryan's books, it's more about the how and why than the what.

A delight to read.

Many thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

"When a local fisherman is mauled to death, it seems like the only possible cause is a mythical creature in the latest puzzling entry in this USA Today bestselling series.

An ice fisherman is savagely mauled to death in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and an eyewitness claims the man was attacked by a hodag. There's just one problem with that: it's well known that the creature is not real and was created by a local hoaxer. So how could an imaginary creature be chomping on local sportsmen?

The suggestion that a hodag killed someone isn't well received by the townsfolk because of its beloved ties to the town and the money it generates from tourist dollars. Due to this, people begin to suspect the witness is the real killer, especially when it's discovered he has a tangled past with the victim.

The witness to the attack happens to be the nephew of Morgan Carter's bookstore employee, Rita Bosworth, who convinces the professional cryptozoologist to travel to Wisconsin to prove that a hodag not only exists but killed the victim.

Clues may be hard to come by, but one thing's for sure: something killed that man, and that something now has its eyes focused on Morgan."

As a Wisconsinite just seeing that hodag on the cover brings me joy. And yes, I obviously was able to identify it before reading the blurb.