Book Review: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Genre: Mystery, Slow-Burn Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

As a mystery lover, I often find myself drawn to stories that keep me guessing—and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore delivered exactly that. This book is absolutely everywhere right now. And for good reason. While it’s not your typical fast-paced thriller, this slow-burn mystery offers something deeper: a meticulously crafted story with layered characters and a twisty plot you’ll 100% never be able to predict. If you’re looking for a high-quality, character-driven mystery to really sink your teeth into, The God of the Woods is for you. Watch this in video form here.

The Plot

The God of the Woods is set in the hauntingly atmospheric Adirondack Mountains at a summer camp owned by a wealthy family. Tragedy strikes when the family’s teenage daughter goes missing—echoing the mysterious disappearance of her brother decades earlier. With no shortage of suspects, from an escaped serial killer to camp staff and shady locals, the town is gripped by panic. Stakes are high and everyone is a suspect.

This isn’t a typical “cheap thrills” thriller. It’s really more of a sl0w-burn mystery. It weaves an incredibly complex narrative that builds suspense slowly and methodically with many different players and time periods. Each new revelation pulls you deeper into the mystery, leaving you wondering who—or what—might be responsible.

Characters

One of the standout aspects of The God of the Woods is its richly developed characters who take turns telling the story through their POVs.  There were so many characters that I had to start taking notes because I couldn’t keep them straight at first. This isn’t a “sleepy time” before bed kind of book. I had to be awake and focused to read it or else I knew I’d miss important details!  Here are a few of my favorite characters who were insightful, full of grit, and incredibly realistic.

• Judyta: The first female investigator in her state, young Judyta is determined, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge expectations.
• TJ: A tough, self-sufficient camp director who embodies resilience and resourcefulness.
• Louise: A young counselor juggling family struggles, including a brother to care for and a troubled mother. Her poor choices make her relatable and real, and her arc was one of my favorites.
• Barbara: The rebelious teenage daughter of the Van Laar family who goes missing her first time at summer camp.

Structure and Style

Do not read this book when you’re tired! You’ll miss everything! The book spans multiple timelines, from the 1950s to 1975, weaving together perspectives and events across decades. While the big cast of characters and time periods adds depth, it also demands focus. I found myself needing to reread sections occasionally, especially when reading late at night. However, the effort is well worth it, as the layered storytelling creates a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate.

The Ending (No Spoilers!)

One of the most rewarding parts of The God of the Woods is its ending. Spoilers at the bottom of the review! Without giving anything away, I can say it caught me completely off guard. My initial theory—about a mythical “god of the woods” demanding sacrifices—was way off base, but the actual resolution was just as intriguing and far more grounded.

The final chapters left me feeling both satisfied and emotional. It’s a rare book that can surprise you while also tying up loose ends in such a thoughtful way.

A Note on Pacing

At nearly 500 pages, this book is a commitment. The slow pace and intricate details might feel daunting, especially if you’re used to fast-paced thrillers. But if you’re willing to invest the time and energy, you’ll be rewarded with a story that’s as moving as it is suspenseful.

Final Thoughts

The God of the Woods is a book that challenges you. It’s not a quick read or a casual thriller—it’s a meticulously crafted, character-driven mystery that leaves a lasting impression. If you enjoy atmospheric settings, complex characters, and stories that make you think, I highly recommend giving this book a try. I’ll definitely be reading more of Liz Moore’s books!

Want someone to spoil The God of the Woods for you? Scroll onward, friends!

The God of the Woods Ending Explained:

Read on if you’re dying to know about the God of the Woods ending…

I’ll break down The God of the Woods spoilers here. Thankfully, both missing Van Laar siblings get explained, one you might see coming, the other not so much. We discover that Alice Van Laar, Barbara’s depressed, alcoholic mother was actually responsible for her son Bear’s accidental drowning during a rowing accident while she was drunk. Her husband and family couldn’t let her know what she’d done for fear of her not being able to cope, so they framed an innocent man: their gardener, who was one of the last people seen with the son that day. The whole time the son has been buried in the forest with the help of the Hewitts, including TJ.

Barbara is found at the very end by Judyta, who pieces together that TJ the camp director has been helping her live off the land in her isolated cabin. Barbara had been disappearing in the night at camp to get wilderness lessons from TJ. The boyfriend story was just a fake explanation for her best friend Tracy.

Judyta asks Barbara if she wants to stay hidden and when she says yes, she leaves her there and never tells anyone, leaving Barbara to make life choices for herself for the first time in her life. Chef’s kiss!

Did you see the ending coming? Personally I had a feeling that Barbara was going to be at TJ’s cabin, but we never could have known that Alice was responsible for Bear’s death.

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