Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods has received a mix of praise and criticism. Readers appreciate the gripping and twist-filled narrative, along with strong character development. However, some felt the plot became convoluted and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a compelling thriller with engaging elements but may not satisfy all mystery enthusiasts.

Readers who relish gripping, twist-filled psychological thrillers akin to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will be captivated by Kate Alice Marshall's What Lies in the Woods. This novel will appeal to those who enjoy uncovering dark secrets and unraveling complex mysteries.

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall follows Naomi Shaw Cunningham, who returns to her small hometown to unravel the traumatic events from her childhood involving her two best friends, Cass and Liv. As they played in the woods, Naomi was attacked and they found a skeleton they kept secret. Years later, with new evidence emerging, Naomi seeks the truth behind these events, exploring themes of maturity, friendship tensions, and the destructive power of secrets and lies. The novel includes references to suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault of a minor, and alcohol use disorder.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional / Gritty

Kate Alice Marshall

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Marshall’s first adult novel is a mystery thriller exploring trauma, secrets, and lies. Read more in this summary of What Lies in the Woods.

What Lies in the Woods Summary and Study Guide

Background

Get ready to explore What Lies in the Woods and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

What Lies in the Woods Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

What Lies in the Woods Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

What Lies in the Woods Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-23

What Lies in the Woods Chapters 15-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-32

What Lies in the Woods Chapters 24-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-39

What Lies in the Woods Chapters 33-39 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

What Lies in the Woods Character Analysis

theme

Themes

What Lies in the Woods Themes

Symbols & Motifs

What Lies in the Woods Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

What Lies in the Woods Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

What Lies in the Woods Essay Topics

What Lies in the Woods

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read What Lies in the Woods?

Reading Age

Book Details