What Lies in the Woods: A Novel

Twenty-two years ago, Naomi Shaw, Cassidy, and Olivia spent the summer playing the Goddess Game in the woods. Naomi was attacked and survived, but her testimony put away a serial killer. When Alan Michael Stahl dies in prison, Olivia calls Naomi, revealing a secret worth killing for. Naomi returns to the town she escaped to find out the truth, no matter how dangerous it is.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Flatiron Books

Twenty-two years ago, a young girl named Naomi Shaw had a profound belief in magic. Alongside her two closest friends, Cassidy and Olivia, the trio spent the summer wandering the enchanting woods, conjuring up visions of grand ceremonies and wondrous enchantments – the Goddess Game. However, their idyllic escapade came to an abrupt end when Naomi was tragically attacked. Miraculously, she managed to survive her seventeen stab wounds and emerged from the ordeal with the strength to identify her assailant. Their courageous testimony led to the capture of a serial killer, who had been responsible for the murder of six women. The girls were hailed as heroes, their names celebrated in the media. Yet, the truth was far more sinister than they had ever imagined.

One day, Naomi receives a call from Olivia, informing her that Alan Michael Stahl, the man responsible for her attack, has passed away while serving his prison sentence. For decades, the three friends had harbored a secret that was worth killing for. But now, Olivia has decided to break their silence, and Naomi is reluctantly drawn back to the town she had fled. Determined to uncover the truth, Naomi embarks on a perilous journey back into the woods, where danger lurks around every corner. She knows that the truth may be shocking, even deadly, but she is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a burning desire for justice.

As Naomi delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters a cast of characters who all have their own secrets and motivations. She meets a mysterious woman named Sarah, who claims to have been present during the attack on Naomi. Sarah provides Naomi with fragmented memories and clues that suggest there was more to the story than what was initially revealed. Naomi also runs into John, a former police officer who was involved in the investigation into the serial killer's crimes. John is reluctant to help Naomi, fearing that the truth may implicate him in wrongdoing.

As Naomi's investigation progresses, she begins to uncover a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond the woods and the small town of Willow Creek. She discovers that the Goddess Game was not just a game, but a dark ritual that was meant to summon a powerful demon. The serial killer, Alan Michael Stahl, was a pawn in a larger scheme, and his victims were merely sacrifices to appease the demon's thirst for power.

With each step closer to the truth, Naomi becomes more and more endangered. She is relentlessly pursued by members of a secret society who are determined to keep the truth hidden at all costs. They use their influence and resources to silence anyone who threatens to expose their dark secrets. Naomi must navigate through a maze of lies and treachery, using her wits and courage to outsmart her enemies and uncover the truth before it is too late.

In the end, Naomi emerges victorious, having faced her fears and overcome the obstacles that stood in her way. She exposes the truth about the Goddess Game and the serial killer's crimes, bringing justice to the victims and closure to the families of the deceased. The three friends, once hailed as heroes, are now seen for who they truly are – liars and deceivers who had betrayed the trust of their community.

The consequences of their actions are far-reaching, and Naomi must face the backlash of their deceit. She is ostracized by many in the town, and her reputation is ruined. However, she refuses to let their condemnation define her. She uses her experience to help others who have been victimized by similar crimes, becoming a voice for those who have been silenced.

In the end, Naomi emerges as a hero, not just for her bravery and determination, but for her ability to rise above the darkness and use her experience to make a positive impact on the world. The Goddess Game may have been a game of magic, but Naomi's journey was a testament to the power of truth and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 233 x 154 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250859884