What do readers think of Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan? Write your own review.

While not in the cozy mystery genre (which I do enjoy), this book meets my definition of a cozy because it's a perfect snuggle-up read if that's what you are in the mood for. And the story line is one that once it gets going, you are drawn into one of those mysteries where you have to know "who done it" - meaning you can't put it down! More importantly, while this is the third in a monster hunter mystery series, you don't have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one (this was my first read in the series). Set in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, during the winter, Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist, is hired to help solve a murder to provide a supposedly mythological creature, a hodag, is the killer, not the nephew of Cater's employee, Rita Bosworth. She and Rita arrive to hear a fantastical tale of a creature, Andy Bosworth, the "accused," said he saw and whom he believes killed a former high school rival. As Morgan digs into Andy's story, she uncovers something that is even more fantastical than the idea of a mythological creature being the killer. In doing this, Morgan has to deal with locals who don't want her destroying the image of "friendly" hodag that draws tourist to the area as well as shady people who seem to be following her. Initially clues are hard to come by but through some luck, she uncovers things are going on in the Rhinelander area that are might not bode well. No spoilers here. I would encourage a read to find out what Morgan discovers because it's quite unique - and when you read the author's afterword, is not far from truth or perhaps reality. I enjoyed having the opportunity to read and review this book as well as to becoming acquainted with the author.

This is the third in the Monster Hunter series, and while I'm a huge fan of mystery and thriller series, this was one I hadn't heard of before. Professional cryptozoologist, Morgan Hunter, is called to solve the murder of a fisherman whose body is found slashed in the woods, leading some to believe that the death was caused by a mythical monster called a hodag. Is there really such a creature? Morgan is on the trail to find out, especially since the man accused of the murder is the nephew of Morgan's bookstore employee, Rita. This was a serviceable mystery, entertaining enough, but not one to keep me glued to its pages. It reminded me at times of a cozy mystery, although the search for a creature with red eyes and scales on its back is anything but cozy. I did enjoy the mystery and the characters, though Morgan's boyfriend lacked any kind of attraction for me; he seemed like a nag, overly concerned with her safety, but not with her. If you're looking for a little romance in your cryptic mystery, this is not the book for you. I have to say that my favorite character was Newt, the dog. This could be a standalone read, but there are several characters and incidents in the first two books that are mentioned here. Will I read the first two, or any more? Not sure.

This was a fun cozy mystery sprinkled with cryptids and other creatures. As the third in the series, it would have helped to have read the first two. Some of the character references and relationships would have had more depth and context. But I had fun reading the book. It had action, suspense and I loved the dog. It was what you would expect of a cozy mystery--character-focused, somewhat simple mystery, some intrigue, a resolution, and a small relationship cliffhanger to keep you going in the series. A fun read. I do recommend it.

I liked the main character, but there seemed to be a lot of minor characters dropping in and out, some of whom didn't serve a purpose. The story was intriguing but the execution just dragged on with a lot of people lurking and threatening and chasing the main character for reasons that were sometimes never revealed. I wanted to know the secret, and it was definitely a surprise. But the events leading up to the big reveal just didn't hold my interest. It was a pleasant enough read but not a book I would recommend.