Forest Creek

Calaveras Crime #3

by Lisa Michelle

Dying alone in the dark is the easy way out of Forest Creek. But psychologist Maureen “Mo” Yamaguchi refuses to take her secrets to the grave and this may be just the opportunity she needs—if she doesn’t die first. Naked and afraid, Mo forces herself through the cold dark forest, contemplating her next move. It will take much more than a fierce intellect to survive the night at Forest Creek.

“Forest Creek never pauses for breath. It seethes and shoves you off the edge, down dark mountains, and through merciless cold, until the bitter yet perfect end.”

“Unforgettable characters written with a caustic wit and an unsparing voice that will haunt readers long after they’ve closed the book.”

“A thriller so real it hurts.”

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

Award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, and bestselling author Lisa Michelle traded rodeo spurs for hiking boots three decades ago. Her debut thriller Calaveras became an Amazon instant bestseller, launching the successful Blue Mountain and the Calaveras Crime Series. After being snowbound without electricity during winter 2023, she penned The Lonesome Dark. Her recently released and only work of nonfiction, True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra, earned a PenCraft Best Book Award. This former rodeo cowgirl and mother of two feeds her creative fuel with long wilderness hikes, raging snowstorms, and fly fishing.

Reviews

[M.E. Carter]

I really liked this one. It doesn't whiz to the end with a forgettable "aha" moment. It takes it time and really had me questioning everything I thought I knew from start to finish. I'm not usually a thriller fan, but it was really great. Very well done.

[Lisa Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the setting, the characters, and the twisted ending! Unique and gritty.

[C. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a KILLER book! Literally. The way the author untangles a web of lies is a perfect example of what a psychological thriller should be. Told with an unflinching yet witty voice, Forest Creek is the first book to truly captivate me in years. I'm so tired of reading regurgitated stories. FC is truly an original with a twist ending even the most experienced thriller lover won't see coming. The book left me questioning my own morals. Hollywood should take note. I'll read everything this author writes!

[JoAnn Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Lisa Michelle book I have read. I started reading her books when I bought my first one, Calaveras, from the author at the All Hallows Fare in Angles Camp.... You don't have to read her other books to read Forest Creek, yet there are references from the earlier books in Forest Creek. This book was different in tone, and from my perspective intent... It was different yet held my attention throughout the entire book. Her characters have great depth and are relatable. And of course her descriptions of the Sierra Nevada area is wonderful.....

[Kathleen Bohle · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally enjoyable

This was a wonderful addition to the Calaveras Crime stories. I love that Kate and Mo were finally able to realize their future. It was a surprise to have Gus’ story be part of Kate and Mo. it was fun to see how many characters didn’t see the strength in Gus and end up biting them. Thank you Lisa Michelle, totally fun, entertaining and wonderful series.

[Linda Srickland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Bogged down with too much unnecessary information. I almost didn't finish the story. Keep trying just don't over do the babble.

[Tami Chesnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and riveting, I couldn't put it down. Not your usual hero or heroine here.

[Kenny Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lots of things going on at the same time.

I will buy more from this author.

[Cyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naked and alone trying to survive the night in a forest with a killer on her tail. Entire book is about 24 hours.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard survivor thriller and jumped in immediately.

Not so much.

Everything about this story was poorly developed. Which ultimately makes sense since it is apparently some elaborate hallucination her mind made up.

I really hate when the story ends by saying the MC is just crazy and made it all up. Feels like I cop out for covering plot flaws.

[Nikki Main · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh gosh, lots of problems with this book for me. So many plot issues, characters undeveloped and the love story between the two women seems like it was thrown in and unnecessary. Idk I just didn’t like a lot.

What’s the connection to Gus and the growers?
What Happened to Gus’ biological mom? Why bring it up then not elaborate?
Multiple errors in the spelling and punctuation.
What happened to Danny k?
Who was red?
How did Gus get involved?

Are we really to believe that Gloria ever liked Gus? Really? Bc her character acts like she hates Gus.

And then I find out it’s all a lie?! She just fell the whole time?!
Yikes. Didn’t like it. 3 stars might be pushing it