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Kathleen C. (Cockeysville, MD)
Murder and the search for mythical creatures
A fun and not too cozy mystery series featuring Morgan Carter as a cryptozoologist who owns a specialty book & oddities shop. She frequently becomes in involved in solving mysteries involving the possibility of mythical creatures. This third installment involves Rita, one of the shop employees, asking Morgan for help in proving Rita's nephew was not involved in a murder. The series has engaging characters, interesting mysteries and wonderfully descriptive surroundings of the Wisconsin settings. There are continuing story lines between the books which further the connection the reader develops with the
…more characters but the story could be read a stand alone (I'd still start with the first mystery though). (less)What a fun and unique read. This is the first novel of Annalise Ryan that I have read, but it won't be my last. This clever novel follows Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist, as she searches for a Hogad in the North Woods. This premise sounds like it could have easily veered into a campy novel, yet it remained believable and entertaining throughout. The characters were interesting, the story came together with lots of action and minimal explanations. This was a quick and enjoyable read and I will be recommending this book and this author to all my reading friends.
Hannah L. (Plymouth, MA)
Plot twists that keep you on your toes!
I really enjoyed reading Beasts of the North Woods and it actually exceeded my expectations as it wasn't a predictable plot which can often be the case with mysteries. The plot twists kept me guessing! I will definitely be reading Anneliese Ryan's next book!
Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
Hodags, Murder, and Mayhem, Oh My!
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery! The main characters are well-developed and truly engaging. I particularly appreciated the rich details the author provided about the Wisconsin town of Rhinelander and the mythical Hodag, which added a unique local flavor to the story. As the protagonist delves into the mystery, readers are drawn into a world where the line between myth and reality is tantalizingly blurred. Ryan builds tension skillfully, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of the hodag and whether there's more than folklore behind the recent sightings. The mystery itself is intricate and satisfying,
…more with a clever resolution. Plus, the cliffhanger at the end left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series! (less)This mystery begins when cryptozoologist (one who studies legendary creatures) Morgan Carter is asked to help prove the innocence of a friend's nephew who is in jail for murder. The nephew claims that the victim was killed by a mythical creature, the Hodag. Obviously the authorities and community are skeptical. Soon though, her mission progresses into more and more mysterious events.
The novel is engaging and well paced, and characters and environment are developed. At some point in the novel, the many situations almost overwhelm Morgan's mission to exonerate the nephew, but the story sustained my interest even
…more as mysteries become more complicated. I consider it a fine and enjoyable weekend read.
While this book is the third in a series, it is a solid stand-alone. Readers might want to try the first two books: A Death in Door County, and Death in the Dark Woods. (less)Ordinarily, I do not make it through fantasy stories, but "The Beast if the North Woods" held me to the end. I enjoyed the interworking of supernatural with reality. Now, I am going to read more of Ryan's works.
Mary S. (Bow, NH)
A beast of a book
This is book is based on the interesting concept that maybe mythical creatures (yeti, unicorns, etc) may exist or did exist. Don't worry the book is mystery/thriller, not an examination of those creatures but features a cryptozoologist who researches and does some searching for those types of creatures. So how does this all come together? Very well actually. The cyrptozoologist, Morgan Carter, is asked to help a person who has been accused of murder. The accused claims that a hodag (a local beloved mythical creature) was the murderer. And the romp begins, with some twists and turns, you eventually find out what
…more happens - but I'm not spoiling the end for you.
Readers that like mysteries will like this book. I'm a huge mystery reader (Denise Mina, Jeffrey Deaver, Micheal Connelly, Harlan Coben - you get the picture) and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. (less)I must admit I'm familiar with the authors other two books, having read both, so I was looking forward to Beast of the north woods, when I saw Bookbrowse and the publisher were offering this for review. Well I jumped at the chance to try for a copy and lucked out, and it did not disappoint! This one takes place in Rhinelander Wisconsin and involves the relative of an employee of Morgan's bookstore who asks her to take a look at the case. Andy is accused of murdering a once rival of his but swears it was a hodag, a fictional monster made up long before that brings in tourist dollars for the town. intrigued? It
…more was another excellent read with hints of the supernatural, mystery, with plenty of twists and turns, and a little hint of romance. Recommended read, and while your at it give the other two a look, thanks to Bookbrowse and the publisher for the advance copy! (less)
