When a local ice fisherman is brutally mauled to death in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the only explanation offered is a hodag, a mythical creature long believed to be nothing more than a local hoax. The claim isn’t taken seriously by the townsfolk, especially since the hodag is deeply tied to the town’s identity and tourism. As suspicion turns toward the eyewitness, who has a complicated history with the victim, professional cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is drawn into the investigation to prove whether the impossible could be real. Whatever killed the man is still out there, and it may have its sights set on Morgan next.

This is a cozy mystery series, but it’s not the kind that leaves me with warm fuzzies or makes me laugh, and that’s usually what I’m looking for in a cozy. It’s not a bad series at all; I enjoy the cryptozoology angle and the murder mysteries themselves are interesting. That said, the pacing is so slow, and the romance element feels stagnant. It’s present, but it never really goes anywhere. I did enjoy getting to know Rita more in this installment, though her character felt noticeably different once she took on a larger role. I also missed the humor and witty banter that I felt was more present in the first two books.

I’ll probably still read the fourth book coming out in January since I already have a copy and feel mildly invested, but this isn’t a series that’s going to completely captivate your attention. And it seems like Ryan is setting up the next book to have Morgan face her murderous ex-fiance, so I’m interested to see how that pans out.

Death in Door County Review | Death in the Dark Woods Review

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP | ★★★★

Beast of the North Woods is out now. Huge thank you to Berkley Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.