Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Rockton #4
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Date Read: February 10, 2019
Length: 368 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
Watcher in the Woods is the next gripping installment of #1 bestselling Kelley Armstrong’s riveting Casey Duncan series.
The secret town of Rockton has seen some rocky times lately; understandable considering its mix of criminals and victims fleeing society for refuge within its Yukon borders. Casey Duncan, the town’s only detective on a police force of three, has already faced murder, arson, and falling in love in the several months that she’s lived there. Yet even she didn’t think it would be possible for an outsider to locate the town and cause trouble in the place she’s come to call home.
When a US Marshal shows up demanding the release of one of the residents, but won’t say who, Casey and her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are skeptical. And yet only hours later, the marshal is shot dead and the only possible suspects are the townspeople and Casey’s estranged sister, smuggled into town to help with a medical emergency. It’s up to Casey to figure out who murdered the marshal, and why someone would kill to keep him quiet—before the killer strikes again.
This was really good. I have really enjoyed all of the previous books in this series so I was really eager to dive into this newest installment. This is the fourth book in the Rockton series which is a series that I think works best when read in order. This was an exciting story that I found hard to put down. I had a fantastic time with this story.
I love the basis of this series. A super secret city filled with criminals and other individuals in hiding definitely has its own unique set of problems and challenges. Over the course of the series, I feel like I have got to know some of the more colorful residents of this odd little community. Casey and Eric are a vital part of this community. Eric is the sheriff and has a lot of authority over all of the day to day decisions within the town. Casey was a detective before coming to Rockton and fills that role within the town.
I really like all of the dynamics between the characters in this series. Everyone has their roles to fill and I love how Casey is very aware of needing to let Eric take the lead on some things. The psychology behind the behavior of some of the residents is really quite interesting. I love how there is just a touch of romance with Casey and Eric’s relationship but it doesn’t overtake the story, only adds to it.
This was a rather exciting installment. A US Marshall shows up in Rockton intent on getting his hands on one of the residents which is a giant problem for both Eric and Casey. At the same time, they are worried about how someone found the town even though they just snuck in someone themselves. There were several mysteries happening at the same time and I was never quite sure how things would work out.
I do highly recommend this series to others. This is a series that I could really see myself picking up again just so I could watch everything play out a second time. I cannot wait to see what will happen next in the town of Rockton!
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Book #3 – This Fallen Prey – My Review
Book #4 – Watcher in the Woods
About the AuthorKELLEY ARMSTRONG graduated with a degree in psychology and then studied computer programming. Now, she is a full-time writer and parent, and she lives with her husband and three children in rural Ontario, Canada.
does it involve end of the world and scary spiders? Or just a good ol run around thriller you have there
No scary spiders or end of the world here. Just a well done mystery thriller 🙂
I have no excuse for not starting this series. It sounds like such a good series.
I think you will like it when you do get around to it, Barb!
I am hoping to start this series soon.
I hope you like it as much as I have when you do.
I'm hoping to start book two within the next month so I'm glad to see that the fourth book was a good one for you. 🙂
I think that all of the books in this series have been excellent. I don't know which one is my favorite!
Got these on my list to read. So many books I want to read and so little time!
Story of my life!
I will read anything by Kelley, though this one fell a little flat for me, I will continue.
sherry @ fundinmental
Sorry to hear that, Sherry!
I only tried book 1 but I need to read more!
I hope you do get a chance to read more of the series, Melliane!
It's been a long time since I've read anything from this author. I should probably read more fromher.
I have a lot of catching up to do with this author myself.
I so must try these
I think you would really like this series!
It sounds as if this could make an interesting TV series-Twin Peaks without the weirdness maybe!
I could totally see this on TV, Chuckles!
I totally love this and maybe if you read again you could try it on audio. They have it at my library. Good review – I'm glad you are enjoying it too. Anne – Books of My Heart
I do think that audios would be the way to go. I love the narrator that does this series.
I want to read this series sometime! Such a unique premise!
I hope you do get the chance to read this series, Lorna!
Very nice! I still need to read this one! I decided to pass on requesting the ARC this time around as I was swamped with my January review books! Lol. Glad to hear that this one was as enjoyable as the previous installments! As always I look forward to another Kelley Armstrong book! Great review!
Ooh I just finished this and loved it. As usual Rockton is so fun to read about.
I love this series, too, as you know, so I'm happy you enjoyed this installment. I agree the psychology behind the characters, and the way Casey reasons things out is fascinating. This is one series I could definitely do a re-read.
I love this series too. I've been listening to the series and the narrator, Therese Plummer, does a great job. I can't wait for the next story.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I NEED to get into this series!! Great review!
Erica | Erica Robyn Reads
I just read a review for this one on Greg's Book Haven blog and it must be because it has come out recently. I am glad you were able to enjoy this fourth installment! I really need to dive into this series in the future ^.^