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Into the Woods
A lost child. A broken marriage. A ticking time bomb.
Karen will do anything for her eight-year-old daughter, Scarlett. Even holding together a marriage that is way past broken.
So when Scarlett disappears from their rural home, Karen is one hundred percent focused on a single goal – finding her little girl as soon as possible.
And time is of the essence. Because Scarlett is profoundly deaf and would live in utter silence if it wasn’t for her high-tech hearing aids. Karen knows that within hours their batteries will run out, leaving her daughter even more isolated and vulnerable.
As the search for Scarlett intensifies, shocking secrets are revealed and Karen realises she may have to look for answers closer to home.
When the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance finally becomes clear, Karen finds she is living her own worst nightmare – her daughter is in deadly danger and time is running out.
Into The Woods – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, K. L. Slater, Daniel Hurst.
Karen will do anything for her eight-year-old daughter, Scarlett. Even holding together a marriage that is way past broken.
So when Scarlett disappears from their rural home, Karen is one hundred percent focused on a single goal – finding her little girl as soon as possible.
And time is of the essence. Because Scarlett is profoundly deaf and would live in utter silence if it wasn’t for her high-tech hearing aids. Karen knows that within hours their batteries will run out, leaving her daughter even more isolated and vulnerable.
As the search for Scarlett intensifies, shocking secrets are revealed and Karen realises she may have to look for answers closer to home.
When the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance finally becomes clear, Karen finds she is living her own worst nightmare – her daughter is in deadly danger and time is running out.
Into The Woods – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, K. L. Slater, Daniel Hurst.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2022
292 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 4, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
Into The Woods is a fast paced, domestic thriller that shows that self-absolvedness can risk what you truly hold dear. Scarlett is eight-years-old and is abducted. Karen is in a race against time to find Scarlett before it's too late. Scarlett is profoundly deaf and Karen knows that her hearing aid batteries only last a short period of time before running out of power. Without the aid of her hearing aids Karen is even more scared about the further danger this will place Scarlett in. But as the search for Scarlett intensifies, secrets get unearthed and the reason for her daughters abduction finally becomes more clear to Karen. But can she save her daughter before time runs out!
I found Karen and her husband Paddy very unlikeable and selfish characters but I could really feel Karen's fear and anxiety for her daughter throughout this pulse pounding read! Scarlett was an amazing little character and didn't deserve what happens to her.
Into The Woods is a fast paced, domestic thriller that shows that self-absolvedness can risk what you truly hold dear. Scarlett is eight-years-old and is abducted. Karen is in a race against time to find Scarlett before it's too late. Scarlett is profoundly deaf and Karen knows that her hearing aid batteries only last a short period of time before running out of power. Without the aid of her hearing aids Karen is even more scared about the further danger this will place Scarlett in. But as the search for Scarlett intensifies, secrets get unearthed and the reason for her daughters abduction finally becomes more clear to Karen. But can she save her daughter before time runs out!
I found Karen and her husband Paddy very unlikeable and selfish characters but I could really feel Karen's fear and anxiety for her daughter throughout this pulse pounding read! Scarlett was an amazing little character and didn't deserve what happens to her.
August 19, 2022
Karen will do anything for her eight year old daughter, Scarlett. even holding on to a marriage that is way past broken. So when Scarlett disappears from their rural home, Karen is one hundred percent focused on a single goal - finding her little girl as soon as possible. And time is of the essence. Because Scarlett is profoundly deaf and would live in utter silence if it wasn't for her high tech hearing aids. Karen knows that within hours their batteries will run out, leaving her daughter more isolated and vulnerable.
The is a tense read where the parents of a profoundly deaf little girl search for their daughter. Scarlett had went missing from her home. With secrets and a cracked marriage, this is a gripping read. The characters are all flawed. I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming from, and I was never sure what direction it would take next. The pace is fast from the beginning. I was pulled in after reading the prologue. I quite liked it's dramatic ending.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #LorraineMurphy for my ARC of #IntoTheWoods in exchange for an honest review.
The is a tense read where the parents of a profoundly deaf little girl search for their daughter. Scarlett had went missing from her home. With secrets and a cracked marriage, this is a gripping read. The characters are all flawed. I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming from, and I was never sure what direction it would take next. The pace is fast from the beginning. I was pulled in after reading the prologue. I quite liked it's dramatic ending.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #LorraineMurphy for my ARC of #IntoTheWoods in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2023
Karen's eighth year-old daughter goes missing. Time is especially crucial in her case because she's deaf and her hearing aids run on batteries that will soon die. During the desperate search for her little girl secrets are revealed, skeletons uncovered, shocking twists exploding.
I absolutely despised both parents. They were selfish and deserving of every bit of misery that came their way. It wasn't fun to hate them though. Parts made me want to chuck my Kindle across the room.
I absolutely despised both parents. They were selfish and deserving of every bit of misery that came their way. It wasn't fun to hate them though. Parts made me want to chuck my Kindle across the room.
April 25, 2024
A deaf child lost or taken, two parents too busy to pay attention, an affair, and more. Karen can never forgive her husband for the loss of their child, Hope, who is Scarlett's twin. But Karen loves Scarlett and stays in an unhappy marriage so Scarlett can be with her dad. When Scarlett goes missing, Karen will do anything to get her back safe. Secrets are revealed along with the true motives of people around them. Good psychological thriller that shows what some people will do as a result of love and loss.
August 25, 2022
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Dreams can come true. So can nightmares.
The premise for this book intrigued from the beginning, not only for it's creepy storyline, but the fact that daughter Scarlett was profoundly deaf. Having a deaf uncle and known a few deaf people I'm always interested when this is added into a story arc because it opens up a whole new aspect of possibilities and whatnot. It's hard to believe that INTO THE WOODS is her debut because it is written with the expert hand of a seasoned writer. The tension throughout is palapable and the twists delicious. But above all, the the thrill of the ride is exhilarating.
Karen O'Hara is a vlogger and social media influencer, raising awareness for pre and post-partum depression and anxiety as well raising a child who is deaf. Her husband Paddy works long hours some distance away leaving her home alone with their 8 year old daughter Scarlett. Although she is profoundly deaf, Scarlett wears cochlear implants which enable her to hear and communicate as a hearing person. While Karen has devoted her life to her awareness campaigns, her focus on Scarlett shifts.
One afternoon as she has just begun a video conference with a world-renowned child psychologist in New York, Karen is startled to discover Paddy has returned home when he is supposed to be in London for the weekend, which he then explains was cancelled. He goes in search of Scarlett and unable to find her enlists Karen's help as she abandons her conference mid-stream. The couple begin to panic when they search every nook and cranny of their isolated house and property to no avail. Scarlett has vanished.
Time is of the essence as it has been an hour since Karen last saw their daughter and even more worrying is...her cochlear implant batteries will be running low having been charged the night before and will only have a few more hours left in them before plunging Scarlett into complete silence.
The police are called and Karen and Paddy are questioned but believing they are wasting precious time, demand they continue the search for their daughter. The more time passes, the longer she is out there...
But then the cracks begin to show and secrets come to light. And nothing is as it seems for either Karen or Paddy. What have they done? Will they find Scarlett in time? Or will it be too late...for all of them?
INTO THE WOODS is a thoroughly enjoyable tale with a dark edge to it that is a touch creepy making it an exciting psychological thriller. It touches on the world of social media and how quickly one can lose themselves to it and how quickly public opinion can turn...not to mention how fickle they can be. Added to that, we have two parents who are equally unlikeable and so obviously keeping secrets from one another.
I didn't like Karen as I found her to be completely self-absorbed bordering on narcissistic. The first thing she does after searching is go online and stream a live video about Scarlett's disappearance. I mean, what sort of person gives out so much of her personal life online to a bunch of random strangers from a complete description of where they live to her mobile phone number? It's mental. Who would do that? I'm not surprised she got crank calls. And then there's Paddy. I can't even begin to say what I disliked about him as it would give too much away. But really, is he that stupid? I did however feel a little bit of sympathy for him with regards to being married to Karen. But really, the only one to show any nous is Scarlett. That girl is clever beyond her years. Way to go, girl!
And I have to mention the daughter's name...Scarlett O'Hara. Very "Gone with the Wind"...as Scarlett soon was.
Unfolding through the various narratives between the past and present, INTO THE WOODS is a fast moving riveting story that had me absorbed from the prologue. And despite the two unlikeable (main) characters, I really did thoroughly enjoy it. Although there were twists, they weren't surprising to me as I figured the direction very early on for a number of reasons and it all just fell into place as it went. But still, that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this fast paced thoroughly addictive and compelling psychological thriller.
Overall, INTO THE WOODS is a solid gripping thriller and well plotted for a debut. A lot of thriller can feel a little "samey" like it's been done before but this one had a unique take on the missing child trope. I liked it. I mean REALLY liked it. I would be interested to see what the author presents us with next.
I would like to thank #LorraineMurphy<?b>, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #IntoTheWoods in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Dreams can come true. So can nightmares.
The premise for this book intrigued from the beginning, not only for it's creepy storyline, but the fact that daughter Scarlett was profoundly deaf. Having a deaf uncle and known a few deaf people I'm always interested when this is added into a story arc because it opens up a whole new aspect of possibilities and whatnot. It's hard to believe that INTO THE WOODS is her debut because it is written with the expert hand of a seasoned writer. The tension throughout is palapable and the twists delicious. But above all, the the thrill of the ride is exhilarating.
Karen O'Hara is a vlogger and social media influencer, raising awareness for pre and post-partum depression and anxiety as well raising a child who is deaf. Her husband Paddy works long hours some distance away leaving her home alone with their 8 year old daughter Scarlett. Although she is profoundly deaf, Scarlett wears cochlear implants which enable her to hear and communicate as a hearing person. While Karen has devoted her life to her awareness campaigns, her focus on Scarlett shifts.
One afternoon as she has just begun a video conference with a world-renowned child psychologist in New York, Karen is startled to discover Paddy has returned home when he is supposed to be in London for the weekend, which he then explains was cancelled. He goes in search of Scarlett and unable to find her enlists Karen's help as she abandons her conference mid-stream. The couple begin to panic when they search every nook and cranny of their isolated house and property to no avail. Scarlett has vanished.
Time is of the essence as it has been an hour since Karen last saw their daughter and even more worrying is...her cochlear implant batteries will be running low having been charged the night before and will only have a few more hours left in them before plunging Scarlett into complete silence.
The police are called and Karen and Paddy are questioned but believing they are wasting precious time, demand they continue the search for their daughter. The more time passes, the longer she is out there...
But then the cracks begin to show and secrets come to light. And nothing is as it seems for either Karen or Paddy. What have they done? Will they find Scarlett in time? Or will it be too late...for all of them?
INTO THE WOODS is a thoroughly enjoyable tale with a dark edge to it that is a touch creepy making it an exciting psychological thriller. It touches on the world of social media and how quickly one can lose themselves to it and how quickly public opinion can turn...not to mention how fickle they can be. Added to that, we have two parents who are equally unlikeable and so obviously keeping secrets from one another.
I didn't like Karen as I found her to be completely self-absorbed bordering on narcissistic. The first thing she does after searching is go online and stream a live video about Scarlett's disappearance. I mean, what sort of person gives out so much of her personal life online to a bunch of random strangers from a complete description of where they live to her mobile phone number? It's mental. Who would do that? I'm not surprised she got crank calls. And then there's Paddy. I can't even begin to say what I disliked about him as it would give too much away. But really, is he that stupid? I did however feel a little bit of sympathy for him with regards to being married to Karen. But really, the only one to show any nous is Scarlett. That girl is clever beyond her years. Way to go, girl!
And I have to mention the daughter's name...Scarlett O'Hara. Very "Gone with the Wind"...as Scarlett soon was.
Unfolding through the various narratives between the past and present, INTO THE WOODS is a fast moving riveting story that had me absorbed from the prologue. And despite the two unlikeable (main) characters, I really did thoroughly enjoy it. Although there were twists, they weren't surprising to me as I figured the direction very early on for a number of reasons and it all just fell into place as it went. But still, that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this fast paced thoroughly addictive and compelling psychological thriller.
Overall, INTO THE WOODS is a solid gripping thriller and well plotted for a debut. A lot of thriller can feel a little "samey" like it's been done before but this one had a unique take on the missing child trope. I liked it. I mean REALLY liked it. I would be interested to see what the author presents us with next.
I would like to thank #LorraineMurphy<?b>, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #IntoTheWoods in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 3, 2022
A lost child. A broken marriage. A ticking time bomb.
Karen will do anything for her eight-year-old daughter, Scarlett. Even holding together a marriage that is way past broken.
So when Scarlett disappears from their rural home, Karen is one hundred percent focused on a single goal – finding her little girl as soon as possible.
And time is of the essence. Because Scarlett is profoundly deaf and would live in utter silence if it wasn’t for her high-tech hearing aids. Karen knows that within hours their batteries will run out, leaving her daughter even more isolated and vulnerable.
As the search for Scarlett intensifies, shocking secrets are revealed and Karen realises she may have to look for answers closer to home.
When the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance finally becomes clear, Karen finds she is living her own worst nightmare – her daughter is in deadly danger and time is running out.
This was a fast paced domestic thriller - you constantly felt like time was running out for Scarlett.
Both Karen and Paddy are awful parents too self absorbed in their own lives to actually notice their daughter.
Paddy’s affair was the icing on the cake and in some ways they deserved all the heartache they got! He really showed weakness which added to the ease of Scarlett bring abducted.
Scarlett was resilient and clever for an eight year old and was by far the best character in the book. I knew that she would shine!
Karen will do anything for her eight-year-old daughter, Scarlett. Even holding together a marriage that is way past broken.
So when Scarlett disappears from their rural home, Karen is one hundred percent focused on a single goal – finding her little girl as soon as possible.
And time is of the essence. Because Scarlett is profoundly deaf and would live in utter silence if it wasn’t for her high-tech hearing aids. Karen knows that within hours their batteries will run out, leaving her daughter even more isolated and vulnerable.
As the search for Scarlett intensifies, shocking secrets are revealed and Karen realises she may have to look for answers closer to home.
When the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance finally becomes clear, Karen finds she is living her own worst nightmare – her daughter is in deadly danger and time is running out.
This was a fast paced domestic thriller - you constantly felt like time was running out for Scarlett.
Both Karen and Paddy are awful parents too self absorbed in their own lives to actually notice their daughter.
Paddy’s affair was the icing on the cake and in some ways they deserved all the heartache they got! He really showed weakness which added to the ease of Scarlett bring abducted.
Scarlett was resilient and clever for an eight year old and was by far the best character in the book. I knew that she would shine!
September 1, 2022
This is a fast paced, compelling read from the offset making you always want to read just one more chapter.
Karen is a busy mam with an online presence that takes up a lot of her time, while her husband Paddy is a hot shot IT guy who is always working and they both have an 8 year old, deaf daughter.
Both Karen and Paddy had their faults but they were equally good people just trying to get by in life. But when their daughter goes missing all the secrets suddenly start to arise.
As you can imagine, tensions ran extremely high in this book making it an un-put-downable read. But there were 2 things that stuck out for me in this book.
1. They say we should also be mindful about what we post online and how much of our real lives we should show to the world. This book shows you just how devastating the cost can be from over sharing
2. Kids, know a hell of a lot more than we give them credit for.
This book is perfect for any lover of Thrillers.
Karen is a busy mam with an online presence that takes up a lot of her time, while her husband Paddy is a hot shot IT guy who is always working and they both have an 8 year old, deaf daughter.
Both Karen and Paddy had their faults but they were equally good people just trying to get by in life. But when their daughter goes missing all the secrets suddenly start to arise.
As you can imagine, tensions ran extremely high in this book making it an un-put-downable read. But there were 2 things that stuck out for me in this book.
1. They say we should also be mindful about what we post online and how much of our real lives we should show to the world. This book shows you just how devastating the cost can be from over sharing
2. Kids, know a hell of a lot more than we give them credit for.
This book is perfect for any lover of Thrillers.
August 30, 2022
This is a fast paced fully absorbing thriller.
It's written in such a way that you're dragged in and not let go very quickly.
When Scarlett, an 8 year old, profoundly deaf girl goes missing, her parents are obviously distraught and want her home as soon as possible.
Karen is trying to land the deal of her life for her blog, something she set up after Scarletts birth. It means that all her attention is focused on that and she takes her eyes off of what Scarlett is doing, doesn't even notice her young daughter is missing until her husband returns home.
I didn't warm to Karen, I understood she'd been through a lot but I also done a little cheer when she was shown what an awful mother she was and badly her daughter was affected by it.
Paddy dotes in his daughter but is by no means innocent.
There are twists and turns along the way and I didn't suspect the truth. Another example of happily families on the outside possibly hiding a lot.
It's written in such a way that you're dragged in and not let go very quickly.
When Scarlett, an 8 year old, profoundly deaf girl goes missing, her parents are obviously distraught and want her home as soon as possible.
Karen is trying to land the deal of her life for her blog, something she set up after Scarletts birth. It means that all her attention is focused on that and she takes her eyes off of what Scarlett is doing, doesn't even notice her young daughter is missing until her husband returns home.
I didn't warm to Karen, I understood she'd been through a lot but I also done a little cheer when she was shown what an awful mother she was and badly her daughter was affected by it.
Paddy dotes in his daughter but is by no means innocent.
There are twists and turns along the way and I didn't suspect the truth. Another example of happily families on the outside possibly hiding a lot.
September 11, 2022
Started out well enough but unravelled towards the end.
Karen shares the challenges of raising a child with hearing problems on social and national media. Her intentions are good but she nevertheless manages to upset some of her followers. Keeping up with her posting while making arrangements for a well-known US child psychologist to visit Ireland takes up so much of her attention that she initially is unaware that her daughter, Scarlett, goes missing. Has she been too open on social media?
Racing to discover Scarlett’s whereabouts before the batteries in her ear implants run out, Karen tries everything, including calls out to her social media followers and calling in a psychic.
The story is initially narrated from Karen’s point of view; later we also hear from Paddy, her husband; and from the kidnapper.
I didn’t warm to Karen or Paddy, and while the motivation of the kidnapper made a weird sort of sense, the ending didn’t work for me.
Karen shares the challenges of raising a child with hearing problems on social and national media. Her intentions are good but she nevertheless manages to upset some of her followers. Keeping up with her posting while making arrangements for a well-known US child psychologist to visit Ireland takes up so much of her attention that she initially is unaware that her daughter, Scarlett, goes missing. Has she been too open on social media?
Racing to discover Scarlett’s whereabouts before the batteries in her ear implants run out, Karen tries everything, including calls out to her social media followers and calling in a psychic.
The story is initially narrated from Karen’s point of view; later we also hear from Paddy, her husband; and from the kidnapper.
I didn’t warm to Karen or Paddy, and while the motivation of the kidnapper made a weird sort of sense, the ending didn’t work for me.
July 19, 2023
I absolutely loved reading this amazing thriller. It had so many unexpected, I didn’t see it coming moments. It was a perfect 5 star read for me.
I cannot wait to read more books by the author as this was such a good read.
I loved the main characters, Ireland as a setting for this novel and the writers writing style. What a gripping novel. I read this novel super fast as I wanted to see what happens.
I’m giving this novel 5 stars as I’m sure other readers will like it as much as I did especially if they enjoy reading thrillers like I do.
I cannot wait to read more books by the author as this was such a good read.
I loved the main characters, Ireland as a setting for this novel and the writers writing style. What a gripping novel. I read this novel super fast as I wanted to see what happens.
I’m giving this novel 5 stars as I’m sure other readers will like it as much as I did especially if they enjoy reading thrillers like I do.
August 3, 2023
Did not like this one👎🏻
Read
August 14, 2022MY REVIEW…. 3.5 ⭐️
•
•
PUB DATE: AUG 21, 2022
Title: INTO THE WOODS
Author: LORRAINE MURPHY
Genre: PSYCHOLOGICAL FICTION
•
•
My review: First things first a huge thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ADVANCED READER COPY in exchange for an honest review.
Lorraine Murphy can write a story! I’ve never read this author before but I will definitely read another of hers!!
This gripping psychological thriller starts off with a semi neglected child being kidnapped from her home. You are given the points of view of three different people, which I think helps the story evolve and grow legs. To make matters worse, the kidnapped child is also deaf. So, her cochlear implants are about to run out of juice. The whole first half of the book was a little bit slow, and didn’t have much character building, but there was a lot of setting and plot building. In the first half of the book, you really get to see the parents and the mistakes they’ve made prior to the child being kidnapped.
Where the twist was extremely predictable, it was a great twist anyway. And I sorta liked the dramatic ending.
Only rates 3.5 and not 4, because it didn’t pull me in completely and I didn’t fall in love with the characters.
Great read!
•
•
PUB DATE: AUG 21, 2022
Title: INTO THE WOODS
Author: LORRAINE MURPHY
Genre: PSYCHOLOGICAL FICTION
•
•
My review: First things first a huge thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ADVANCED READER COPY in exchange for an honest review.
Lorraine Murphy can write a story! I’ve never read this author before but I will definitely read another of hers!!
This gripping psychological thriller starts off with a semi neglected child being kidnapped from her home. You are given the points of view of three different people, which I think helps the story evolve and grow legs. To make matters worse, the kidnapped child is also deaf. So, her cochlear implants are about to run out of juice. The whole first half of the book was a little bit slow, and didn’t have much character building, but there was a lot of setting and plot building. In the first half of the book, you really get to see the parents and the mistakes they’ve made prior to the child being kidnapped.
Where the twist was extremely predictable, it was a great twist anyway. And I sorta liked the dramatic ending.
Only rates 3.5 and not 4, because it didn’t pull me in completely and I didn’t fall in love with the characters.
Great read!
December 30, 2022
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and wow what an impact. Such a dark and disturbing story but yet so fascinating to read.
Gosh, to be put into Karen’s position terrifies me. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to mini-me and she was taken in the way Scarlett did in the book. Just so terrifying!
What unfolded was not something I expected. It was a disturbing unraveling of what character. A character who I had no idea how they linked until the author gave me an innocent clue and then I was screaming in my head noooooooooooooo. That’s when the world came crashing down and I was worried.
This all leads to an explosive end. No Hollywood endings here but an ending that I did not expect!! I mean one ending was sad really but in a way the only way I could see it ending. Which sounds harsh but it’s true.
A very solid and well-thought-out book. It kept me hooked as I needed to know if Scarlett would be ok. I didn’t foresee the ending and my nerves were fraught in the last 75% of the book.
Lorraine is an author to watch out for as she not only captures her characters, she makes you feel their emotions too, and that’s enough to put you through the wringer!!!!
Gosh, to be put into Karen’s position terrifies me. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to mini-me and she was taken in the way Scarlett did in the book. Just so terrifying!
What unfolded was not something I expected. It was a disturbing unraveling of what character. A character who I had no idea how they linked until the author gave me an innocent clue and then I was screaming in my head noooooooooooooo. That’s when the world came crashing down and I was worried.
This all leads to an explosive end. No Hollywood endings here but an ending that I did not expect!! I mean one ending was sad really but in a way the only way I could see it ending. Which sounds harsh but it’s true.
A very solid and well-thought-out book. It kept me hooked as I needed to know if Scarlett would be ok. I didn’t foresee the ending and my nerves were fraught in the last 75% of the book.
Lorraine is an author to watch out for as she not only captures her characters, she makes you feel their emotions too, and that’s enough to put you through the wringer!!!!
December 19, 2024
I read this cover to cover in one go.
The twist and turns I didn’t see coming. There were multiple suspects running through my head until the culprit started speaking.
This was so well written. The characters are interesting and deeply flawed. The ending was good. Each main player ended up exactly where they were supposed to be. I’m glad Karen didn’t give in to Paddy’s request. He was a shit husband.
I received a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The twist and turns I didn’t see coming. There were multiple suspects running through my head until the culprit started speaking.
This was so well written. The characters are interesting and deeply flawed. The ending was good. Each main player ended up exactly where they were supposed to be. I’m glad Karen didn’t give in to Paddy’s request. He was a shit husband.
I received a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
Well written with a compelling storyline focusing on two parents search for thier little girl who is profoundly deaf and gone missing from the family home. The characters are well developed and belieable. The story was fast paced and tense and I was gripped right from the start, it is full of secrets and mystery and twisty so I didn't know what to expect. I will definitely be looking for more from this author
September 6, 2022
4.25 stars!!
This has been a LONG time coming!
But! It was really good and everything was delivered perfectly.
Completely missed all the "fine print" in the book and the subtleties were just too good. Wow.
Very well written and I loved the thrill.
*** I received this as an ARC from NetGalley ***
This has been a LONG time coming!
But! It was really good and everything was delivered perfectly.
Completely missed all the "fine print" in the book and the subtleties were just too good. Wow.
Very well written and I loved the thrill.
*** I received this as an ARC from NetGalley ***
October 22, 2023
Lately I've been stumbling across a lot of books with really annoying suburban women as protagonists. As I began Into the Woods, I was afraid this was going to fall into that category. And I'm not saying it isn't one of those, but it was surprisingly engaging, and Karen is annoying but in a very human way. The story moves along a nice clip. Though it weaves different timelines and different POVs, the urgency of the situation remains at the forefront.
There are twists galore. I don't need a twist, or even a surprise, to enjoy a book. Even if it's obvious who committed a crime in a mystery novel, in the hands of a good author, just watching the story unfold can be a great joy, while a writer who tries too hard to hide something obvious, or to spring new information on the reader right at the end can be a drag. So when I say there are twists galore, that is a description not -- in all cases -- a compliment. In this case though, the twists are truly surprising, and are paced throughout the book so well that every few chapters, I had to shift my perspective on the characters and the situation.
There are a few things I didn't like about the book, but I'm rounding up and will definitely give Murphy another look.
There are twists galore. I don't need a twist, or even a surprise, to enjoy a book. Even if it's obvious who committed a crime in a mystery novel, in the hands of a good author, just watching the story unfold can be a great joy, while a writer who tries too hard to hide something obvious, or to spring new information on the reader right at the end can be a drag. So when I say there are twists galore, that is a description not -- in all cases -- a compliment. In this case though, the twists are truly surprising, and are paced throughout the book so well that every few chapters, I had to shift my perspective on the characters and the situation.
There are a few things I didn't like about the book, but I'm rounding up and will definitely give Murphy another look.
May 22, 2023
Twists and Turns
Into the Woods is a terrific psychological thriller that provides a steady tension throughout. I felt invested in the story almost immediately, with its exciting twists and turns, and I found it difficult to put my Kindle down. The quality of the writing is superb, making for an immersive read. Like all good psychological thrillers, the exposition ran parallel to the main plot, with the juicy details of the characters’ pasts coming to light at critical points in the narrative. I like characters who keep me on my toes, so Karen and were a delight. There were times when my heart broke for them, only to feel revulsion toward them a few pages later, and vice versa.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, I highly recommend Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a terrific psychological thriller that provides a steady tension throughout. I felt invested in the story almost immediately, with its exciting twists and turns, and I found it difficult to put my Kindle down. The quality of the writing is superb, making for an immersive read. Like all good psychological thrillers, the exposition ran parallel to the main plot, with the juicy details of the characters’ pasts coming to light at critical points in the narrative. I like characters who keep me on my toes, so Karen and were a delight. There were times when my heart broke for them, only to feel revulsion toward them a few pages later, and vice versa.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, I highly recommend Into the Woods
November 12, 2022
Karen is holding together a broken marriage, then one evening her deaf 8 year old daughter, Scarlett goes missing and her world collapses. Karen fears Scarlett’s cochlear implant’s battery will soon run out and she will be plunged into silence as well as being lost. They call the Garda and start looking closer at Scarlett’s drawing which shows her friend Hope, who Karen always thought was Scarlett’s twin who didn’t survive but now fear Scarlett has been kidnapped by this women who also features on cctv with Scarlett.
The clock is ticking and as time goes by, secrets begin to unravel and the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance becomes clear.
A fast paced domestic thriller. With self absorbed parents, Scarlett is a resilient, resourceful young lady. An enjoyable read.
The clock is ticking and as time goes by, secrets begin to unravel and the reason for Scarlett’s disappearance becomes clear.
A fast paced domestic thriller. With self absorbed parents, Scarlett is a resilient, resourceful young lady. An enjoyable read.
December 7, 2022
Karen is in a broken marriage and the mother of a deaf child named Scarlett. Scarlett disappears from their rural home and Karen is extremely focused on finding her as she knows her daughter's hearing aids will eventually run out of battery life leaving her completely unable to hear. As the search for her daughter heats up, she learns that the answers behind her disappearance are closer to home than she realized. Once the reason for her disappearance comes to light, she realizes her daughter is in terrible danger. I feel that Karen and her husband could have been better written as characters and that Scarlett was a sweet child who didn't deserve what happened to her. This was a great fast paced thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
January 7, 2023
A suspenseful emotionally charged thriller that deals with themes of marriage, parenting, and the search for a missing child. Karen is searching for her eight-year-old daughter, Scarlett, who has gone missing from their rural home. Scarlett is profoundly deaf and relies on high-tech hearing aids, which have limited battery life, making it even more urgent to find her. As the search intensifies, Karen uncovers shocking secrets and realizes that the reason for Scarlett's disappearance may be closer to home than she thought. I really enjoyed reading it!. Its a thriller with
suspense, tension and a guaranteed page turner. Lorraine Murphy definitely one to watch out for.
suspense, tension and a guaranteed page turner. Lorraine Murphy definitely one to watch out for.
September 18, 2022
Had me from hello! 😉
Loved this book. Storyline crammed a lot in with a few twists. I read it in one sitting as it was captivating and fast moving. It highlights the dangers of posting too much information about yourself and your family and how quickly you fall from favour to flawed in the eyes of the public. Bringing tragic consequences. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to the next novel.
Loved this book. Storyline crammed a lot in with a few twists. I read it in one sitting as it was captivating and fast moving. It highlights the dangers of posting too much information about yourself and your family and how quickly you fall from favour to flawed in the eyes of the public. Bringing tragic consequences. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to the next novel.
October 3, 2022
I loved the writing style of this book, I was drawn in straight away to the lives of characters. I found myself being a bit like the social media people and judging Karen for her actions and then feeling guilty for doing so. Can't judge a book by it's cover! I loved how the story unfolded and I definitely suspected everyone at one time or another - you'll have to read the book to see what happens and I know you'll love this book as much as I have.
October 27, 2022
Human traps follow us and often snare us before we even see the net.
I admit it took me to long to out what was going on in this story. It enlightens you to the dangers of our impossible world. We are no longer able to be distracted in and ever distracting world. Paddy and Karen are busy and don't see the warning signs. Scarlet needs more attention than most kids and there are "red flags" waving that they do not see coming.
I admit it took me to long to out what was going on in this story. It enlightens you to the dangers of our impossible world. We are no longer able to be distracted in and ever distracting world. Paddy and Karen are busy and don't see the warning signs. Scarlet needs more attention than most kids and there are "red flags" waving that they do not see coming.
April 16, 2023
This book was clearly a first book self published by a new author. I really itched to get my hands on it and edit and make tons of suggestions. The time wasn’t clear of each section, and the psychological and thriller part left much to be desired. It was pretty easy to connect all the dots right away. That being said, the portrayal of cochlear implants was accurate (yay) and that part of the story was unique and creative.
April 25, 2023
Wow. This book was a phenomenal read from start to finish. The book flowed throughout and left you stunned as to what was going to happen next. I love the way it switches back and forward but not overly switching and you're left waiting in suspense. I loved reading it from each main characters perspective. Hope flourishes throughout this book. Many surprises leave the reader guessing. I don't usually read thrillers but it was an amazing read. Can't wait for the next book.
November 18, 2022
This started out with great promise and kept me turning the pages. Karen is permanently attached to her phone as a blogger. Her successful husband Paddy is having an affair and their surviving twin, Scarlett, following a car accident pays the price.
Some poorly explained plot scenarios lost this a star and I found the ending contrived. 4 stars.
Some poorly explained plot scenarios lost this a star and I found the ending contrived. 4 stars.
November 20, 2023
What a cracker of a thriller from Lorraine Murphy. A belter of a story from start to finish. I was thoroughly engrossed in the mystery of Scarlett's disappearance, and the many character personalities so well fleshed out in the storytelling. Plot twists abounded as the pages turned. Loved this from first page to last.
February 2, 2025
Kept my attention!
Not necessarily likable characters, but I did want to see what was going to happen. The twist wasn’t a big surprise, although the author did a good job of trying to hide it. Does need an editor for simple things like saying three people’s names on one page and mixing them up on the next page. Also a few unanswered questions. But all in all, worth a read.
Not necessarily likable characters, but I did want to see what was going to happen. The twist wasn’t a big surprise, although the author did a good job of trying to hide it. Does need an editor for simple things like saying three people’s names on one page and mixing them up on the next page. Also a few unanswered questions. But all in all, worth a read.
September 7, 2022
Had this read in a couple of nights, it was one of those books where you were going g to bed early so you could read it and telling the family you were busy😂 great story, loved the twist!! Looking forward to more from Lorraine Murphy, go girl 👋👋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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