Death in the Dark Woods

A Monster Hunter Mystery, Book 2

By: Annelise Ryan

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A potential Bigfoot sighting is linked to a vicious murder, but skeptical cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is on the case in this new Monster Hunter Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Annelise Ryan.

Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.

Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.

When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.

©2023 Annelise Ryan (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Morgan Carter vs Bigfoot

In the second book of the Monster Hunter Mysteries series, our protagonist, Morgan Carter is hired to look into the death of a hunter who is said to have been mauled by a Bigfoot. Outside her usual stomping grounds, she runs into local dismissal as a hoax, is accused of perpetrating a hoax, an angry local sheriff, a game warden with a strange backstory, and another killing. Morgan perseveres of course and approaches the puzzle with commendable scientific methodology. She is also hindered by the presence of a bogus cryptozoologist with definitely shady motives. Before long, she, and her trusty dog Newt, are targets of threats and are in danger of becoming the next victims of the killer. And yes, there is very definitely something in those dark woods.

This is a fun cozy mystery with likable characters. No sex or profanity and only the required amount of violence for such a story. I recommend it.

This was really fun!

I listened to it, all at once. I have enjoyed all of Annalise Ryan’s, series. I love how strong and capable she writes the lead female characters, without going over the top. They are vulnerable, without being weak, strong, without trying to be like a man and loving, without being a Victorian “heroine”? They are real women, in unusual professions. I love them all.
Morgan Carter had an idealistic childhood with supportive, interesting parents. They’re gone now.
She has carved out an interesting life for herself and continues to explore it in this second book in the series.
I really enjoy the word game!

Wonderful hunt for a cryptic

I enjoyed the story and characters so much. I can’t wait for the next book in the series

Loved it!!

Waited a long time for this audiobook to come! It was totally worth it. Can’t wait for the next one.

Love this series

I think Ryan has hit on a great idea for a series. Not only for its interesting characters but also a running commentary on the scientific method in action. I also think the narrator is perfect to portray the quirky protagonist, and does a good job on the other characters.

Fun naturalist/monster mystery

Such an interesting adventure in the woods! As it unfolded, I enjoyed learning about the geography & flora/fauna of the area.

Okay

I usually highly recommend books written by Annelise Ryan, however this one was just okay. The story moved slowly and the mystery fell just short of flat. I'll get the next book to see if the series rebounds.