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Man in the Woods by Scott Spencer

Man in the Woods

by Scott Spencer

  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Published:
  • Sep 2010, 320 pages
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There are currently 27 member reviews
for Man in the Woods
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  • Connie H. (Evanston, IL)
    What Makes the Man?
    Paul, a self sufficient artist, and Kate, a Christian author and inspirational speaker, seem to complete one another and provide a refuge for Kate’s daughter Ruby. But a moment of crisis threatens their happiness. Scott Spencer imagines authentic characters reacting to a disastrous moment of violence. Spencer’s writing is visceral, sensitive and thought provoking.
  • Bill L. (Hilliard, OH)
    Man in the Woods
    Overall, I really liked Man in the Woods. It started out strong, fell a little flat in the middle & came back strong in the end. It's a good book that I enjoyed but wish it would have had more bite. I read more mystery novels so it was a little more difficult to stay involved in the plot. If Mr Spencer has a follow up to this book, I would be interested in following the story. It did leave me wanting more.
  • Melissa K. (Oviedo, Florida)
    Man In the Woods
    Scott Spencer's use of rich descriptive language is delightful, although at times I felt the detail a bit tedious. Overall, the book was captivating, and the further I got into the plot, the harder it was to put the book down.
  • Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)
    Worth the read
    What happens when we do irreparable wrong in the name of right is the focus of this well written novel. A chance encounter with a man abusing a dog forces Paul Phillips to live in fear of being caught...or not. His previous near perfect life is shattered by this chance tragedy and those around him feel the fallout. The characters, Kate, his live in woman friend and her daughter Ruby are as real as those you meet every day. It's a gentle book with an underlying tension portrayed not by action but by the excellent writing of Scott Spencer. I would recommend this book.
  • Helen M. (Petaluma, CA)
    A Way With Words
    Scott Spencer has a way with words. He includes some remarkable descriptive passages in this novel of one man's journey and the effects this journey has on the people in his life. It is like a tapestry with just a few flaws. I never understood the daughter, Ruby. And as well as we got to know Paul, I felt at the end, there was more to him than was shown. Interesting, to say the least. I am glad I read it. Perfect, no.
  • Debbie M. (grand junction, CO)
    Man in the Woods
    Man in the Woods was a great suspense novel. I thought I had it figured out and then was surprised at the end.

    When the book started, I wasn't sure I liked the main character, Paul. I became more invested in the character and wanted the best outcome. As in real life, all stories have two sides. Everything isn't black and white, making it hard to decide what should happen. Scott Spencer kept you wondering until the last page.
  • Rebecca C. (Opelika, AL)
    Great emotional rollercoaster.
    I loved Spencer's descriptive writing style, his unusual characters, and the slow build up of suspense that is so subtle that you aren't even aware of it's building until the end. I rarely cheer for the bad guy, but in this one I was. Spencer made his characters so real and warm and understandable that I could crawl inside their skin. This is one great writer. I will be reading more from him soon.

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