To save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil.
Wren Blythe has long enjoyed living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, helping her father with ministry at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess who is believed to still roam the forest. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coonses' cabin ruins and a sinister mystery she is determined to unearth.
In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last several years carrying the mantle of mystery since the day she emerged from the woods as a thirteen-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger's ax. She has accepted she will never remember what happened to her family, whose bodies were never found, and that the people of Tempter's Creek will always blame her for their violent deaths. And after a member of the town is murdered, and another goes missing, rumors spread that Ava's secret is perhaps more malicious than previously imagined.
Two women, separated by time, must confront a wickedness that not only challenges who they are but also threatens their lives, and the lives of those they love.
Wren Blythe has long enjoyed living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, helping her father with ministry at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess who is believed to still roam the forest. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coonses' cabin ruins and a sinister mystery she is determined to unearth.
In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last several years carrying the mantle of mystery since the day she emerged from the woods as a thirteen-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger's ax. She has accepted she will never remember what happened to her family, whose bodies were never found, and that the people of Tempter's Creek will always blame her for their violent deaths. And after a member of the town is murdered, and another goes missing, rumors spread that Ava's secret is perhaps more malicious than previously imagined.
Two women, separated by time, must confront a wickedness that not only challenges who they are but also threatens their lives, and the lives of those they love.
MY THOUGHTS
This was another stellar read from Jaime Jo Wright. I've loved all of her books, but this just might be my new favorite. It's exactly the kind of creepy and atmospheric thriller that I crave. And while this one definitely had some chills, some goosebump-inducing moments, things never got to be too much for me.
I was hooked from the very first page, completely captivated by the campfire ghost story of Ava Coons, wanting to know the real tale behind it because we all know that the very best ghost stories are steeped in at least a little bit of fact. I also quickly became equally invested in the present-day storyline following Wren Blythe. Both timelines were compelling, and I couldn't pick a favorite if you asked me. The mysteries were great and kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book. I did guess some of the twists, but there were still quite a few things that surprised me.
This was a very satisfying read that tugged at all of my emotions. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
FIVE STARS
This does sound very atmospheric! And I do love those creepy kind of campfire ghost stories. :D
ReplyDeleteThere's something so fun about creepy campfire ghost stories, lol! :D
DeleteAs long as you're not out camping when you read them. ;D
DeleteLOL! So true, Lark! That could be a tad too creepy for me. :D
DeleteI look forward to eventually catching up on her books and reading this one as well :) Great review, Ashley!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy! I hope you enjoy them when you do get caught up. :)
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