This week, we’ll be reading The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, a book that is both atmospheric and suspenseful. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know that I like thrillers that immerse you in their universe for hours on end, leaving all else behind. Whether it’s a blazing fire in a remote cabin or the foreboding rustling of leaves in a dark forest, tales that play on our fundamental fears of the unknown have always captivated me.
Now, let us be honest. The God of the Woods piqued my interest not just because it is a mystery, but also because it is written by Liz Moore, whose earlier work, Long Bright River, had me on the edge of my seat. So when I noticed her newest offering, I knew it was time to grab my headphones, turn on Audible, and check whether this new narrative could live up to the buzz. Spoiler: It does.
Before we get into the numerous story twists and interpersonal interactions, let’s establish the scene. The God of the Woods is a literary thriller set in the dark, pine-scented woods of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. A complex, absorbing narrative that mixes the greatest parts of a family drama with the intensity of a missing person’s inquiry, The Secret History by Donna Tartt meets the current sensibilities of Tana French’s detective books.
Why this book? Why now?
Why did this book make it to my reading list? It’s summer, and there’s something about a good mystery that complements the season—perhaps it’s the nostalgia for summer camps, bonfires, and the spooky beauty of the woods at night. Also, The God of the Woods has been all over my feeds, whether it’s being suggested by other book fans or appearing on lists such as Barack Obama’s summer reading of 2024. How could I resist?
Furthermore, I have always been attracted to tales in which the environment serves as a character. The Adirondack Mountains are more than simply a background in this tale; they play an important role in setting the tone and creating suspense. The deep forests and secluded summer camps provide an ideal setting for the growing drama, letting the reader—or, in this instance, listener—feel the oppressive weight of the woods pushing in from all sides.
Brief Summary: Setting the Scene
The God of the Woods begins on an apparently ordinary morning in August 1975 at Camp Emerson, a prominent summer camp in the Adirondacks. However, the tranquility is immediately broken when a camp counselor finds that Barbara Van Laar, a 13-year-old child, is gone. Barbara is not just any camper; she is the daughter of the camp’s proprietors, a rich family with a past as complicated and enigmatic as the forest that surrounds the camp. To add to the strain, Barbara’s elder brother disappeared from the camp 14 years ago, never to be seen again.
As the tale progresses, the narrative shifts between the views of many people, each with their own secrets and goals. The audiobook, masterfully narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, makes excellent use of these changing perspectives, bringing the listener further into the mystery with each chapter.
Characters and Themes: A Web of Secrets
Liz Moore creates interesting and engaging characters. The plot revolves on the Van Laar family, whose riches and power cast long shadows over the village. Barbara’s parents are mysterious characters, shrouded in sadness and secret, while the surrounding villagers, many of whom work at the camp, have complex connections with the Van Laars.
The narrative heavily emphasizes partiality and familial relationships. The disappearance of Barbara and her brother is more than simply a mystery to be solved; it serves as a mirror through which Moore examines deeper problems of class, privilege, and the often crushing expectations that parents impose on children. This is more than simply a mystery; it’s a narrative about the wounds left by family pressure and the secrets we hide to protect—or destroy—those we love.
The audiobook experience is immersive and engaging
As someone who devours audiobooks, I can confirm that the narration is essential to the experience. Saskia Maarleveld’s performance in The God of the Woods is nothing short of breathtaking. Her ability to give each character a unique voice while keeping the tale tension is exceptional. Whether she’s portraying Barbara’s mother’s steely determination or the jittery energy of a teenage camp counselor, Maarleveld draws you in and makes it difficult to stop reading.
The audiobook is about 14 hours long, but believe me, it flies by. The pace is spot on, with Moore cleverly laying out hints and red herrings to keep you guessing chapter after chapter. If you like audiobooks that provide a completely immersive experience, this one should be at the top of your list.
Comparisons: Why this book resonates
As I listened to The God of the Woods, I couldn’t help but make connections to previous novels that had made an indelible mark on me. The location and tone are evocative of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, in which a close-knit group of individuals get entangled in a web of their own creation, with the natural environment reflecting their psychological battles. Like Tartt’s work, The God of the Woods employs its surroundings to heighten the feeling of mystery and impending disaster.
Similarly, the intricate familial relationships and investigation of societal differences recalled Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere. In both tales, the shell of an apparently ideal town is peeled away to expose the flaws underlying, with each individual contributing to the broader, sometimes sad, story.
Nonetheless, The God of the Woods stands out as a unique foray into the literary thriller genre. Moore’s ability to combine a thrilling mystery with rich character studies makes this work a must-read (or listen to, as the case may be).
Spoiler Alert: Plot Twists and Revelations
Now, for those who don’t mind some spoilers, let’s look at some of the important story twists that make The God of the Woods such a page-turner (or, in this instance, a listen-till-dawn experience).
One of the most surprising surprises occurs halfway through the novel, when we learn more about the Van Laar family’s history. Barbara’s elder brother did not just vanish; there is a terrible truth underlying his disappearance, which the family has frantically sought to conceal. This secret, which is related to the camp’s basic basis, becomes a critical piece of the jigsaw as the hunt for Barbara intensifies.
The story also delves into the concept of inherited trauma, with the Van Laar parents’ unresolved anguish over their son’s abduction casting a long shadow over Barbara’s life. As the story progresses, we witness how this trauma has influenced their behaviors and choices, building to a horrific conclusion in which history and present collide in a last, tragic twist.
Final Thoughts: A Novel Worth the Hype
The God of the Woods is a book that succeeds on all levels. Whether you’re attracted to the vividly evocative environment, the convoluted narrative, or the terribly flawed but captivating characters, there’s something for everyone. Liz Moore has once again shown herself to be a superb storyteller, constructing a tale that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating.
This novel is a must-read for everyone who enjoys mysteries, particularly ones that dive into the depths of family and the human mind. And for audiobook fans, Saskia Maarleveld’s narration takes the experience to a new level, making The God of the Woods one of the year’s best listens.
So, when summer ends and the nights get longer, find a comfy seat, put on your headphones, and allow yourself to be taken to the spooky, intriguing world of The God of the Woods. Don’t be shocked if you find yourself glancing over your shoulder the next time you go into the woods.
