I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Death in the Dark Woods by Annelise RyanNarrator: Susan Bennett
Series: A Monster Hunter Mystery #2
Published by Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Random House Audio on December 12, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
Length: 9 hours 39 minutes
Pages: 336
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
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A potential Bigfoot sighting is linked to a vicious murder, but skeptical cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is on the case in this new Monster Hunter Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Annelise Ryan.
Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.
Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.
When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.
This was entertaining! I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager to pick up this installment. I love a good mystery and the fact that these mysteries deal with possible cryptid situations only added to the appeal. I was hooked by this mystery early in the story and couldn’t wait to see if Bigfoot was really what was responsible for the murders in the small Wisconsin town asking Morgan for her help.
Morgan is called to help out on a case once again, but this time she is looking for Bigfoot. I have to admit that I kind of wanted to see her find the creature but I like that she tends to look for other possible explanations. I enjoyed Morgan’s approach to investigation and was impressed that the story kept me guessing until the very end. The fact that Morgan always has her dog, Newt, with her only adds to the appeal of this story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Susan Bennett did a wonderful job with the story. I liked the various voices that she used in the narration of this story and thought that she brought a lot of life to the story through her reading. I found her voice to be very pleasant and had no problems listening to this book for hours at a stretch. I am certain that her performance added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. This book could work as a stand-alone since the mystery is contained in this volume but I would recommend reading the series in order if possible. I found this installment to be very entertaining and must admit that I liked it a bit more than the first book. I was very satisfied with how things worked out in the end and look forward to the next installment.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
I recently grabbed the first one to give a try so I’m glad that you enjoyed the second installment as well. Great review!
Yippee! This sounds right up my alley. Going over and adding this series to my list!
oh you’ve piqued my interest Carole. Sounds great
Trying to find Bigfoot would be fun. Doubt I would find him though. lol
ooh a mystery dealing with the legend of bigfoot? ? that is so fascinating. I am glad that you enjoyed the second installment in the series and it turned out to be a solid read for you. And having animals in books can be a great element to add to the story.
Great review!
This sounds intriguing. Glad it was a solid read for you.
Yeah, this series does sound really good. Great review, Carole!
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one sounds even more fun. Can’t wait to read it. 😀
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! I love how she wrapped everything up at the end and like you I can’t wait till the next book! I’m curious to see how she keeps the series going.