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terhill's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
_aurora_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
3.0
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I have really mixed feelings about "What Lives in the Woods".
Let's start with what I didn't like.
My first issue is that this book isn't what I thought it would be. (SPOILERS) The title and the book blurb are a little misleading. Based on them you'd think that this book is about mysterious creatures lurking in the woods and that the main character would be investigating them, right? Nope, this book is actually about a manor that is being haunted by a ghost. I wouldn't have had an issue with that, except that's not what I was expecting or wanting when I picked up this book. Maybe I'm the only one confused by this, though, lol. EDIT. I just read some other reviews and I am NOT the only one that found them to be misleading. (END OF SPOILERS).
Another thing I didn't enjoy was the pacing. There are times we seemed to really linger too long on a scene and other moments that ended way too quickly. The ending felt especially disjointed.
Now, for what I did like.
I think the best thing about this book are the cast of characters. Ginny is a likeable protagonist. She is inquisitive, stubborn, and not afraid to admit when she's messed up. Leo and Will, the two supportive characters, bring some levity and fun to the otherwise somber story. I wouldn't mind seeing them all investigate another mystery together again!
Another thing I think is a strong point of this book was the atmosphere the author created. There were plenty of moments that felt tangibly creepy and strange. Even though this is a middle grade book, don't assume that that means it won't be at all scary!
I am glad I picked up "What Lives in the Woods," even though it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I think I probably will give other Lindsay Currie books a chance in the future!
I have really mixed feelings about "What Lives in the Woods".
Let's start with what I didn't like.
My first issue is that this book isn't what I thought it would be. (SPOILERS) The title and the book blurb are a little misleading. Based on them you'd think that this book is about mysterious creatures lurking in the woods and that the main character would be investigating them, right? Nope, this book is actually about a manor that is being haunted by a ghost. I wouldn't have had an issue with that, except that's not what I was expecting or wanting when I picked up this book. Maybe I'm the only one confused by this, though, lol. EDIT. I just read some other reviews and I am NOT the only one that found them to be misleading. (END OF SPOILERS).
Another thing I didn't enjoy was the pacing. There are times we seemed to really linger too long on a scene and other moments that ended way too quickly. The ending felt especially disjointed.
Now, for what I did like.
I think the best thing about this book are the cast of characters. Ginny is a likeable protagonist. She is inquisitive, stubborn, and not afraid to admit when she's messed up. Leo and Will, the two supportive characters, bring some levity and fun to the otherwise somber story. I wouldn't mind seeing them all investigate another mystery together again!
Another thing I think is a strong point of this book was the atmosphere the author created. There were plenty of moments that felt tangibly creepy and strange. Even though this is a middle grade book, don't assume that that means it won't be at all scary!
I am glad I picked up "What Lives in the Woods," even though it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I think I probably will give other Lindsay Currie books a chance in the future!
briannethebookworm's review
4.0
Synopsis: Ginny Anderson is mourning her summer plans to hang out with her best friend, Erica, and attend a mystery writing workshop to become the next Agatha Christie. Instead, she is forced on a month-long trip to Saugatuck, Michigan for her dad’s work. They won’t be staying in the cute downtown area, buzzing with tourists and fun activities; they’ll be staying in the Woodmoor mansion, secluded in the woods and rumored to be haunted. When spooky and unexplainable things start happening to Ginny, she makes it her mission to get out of Woodmoor ASAP—so long as she can prove to her parents without a shadow of a doubt that it’s really haunted.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5I loved Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie when I read it last year, and I was excited to pick up another one of hers for spooky season! I love that her books are creepy but not so creepy that I lose sleep (I need my sleep, okay.). Similar to Scritch Scratch, there was a bit of a mystery to be solved, and the spooky things happening had an explanation that was realistic at the end, which is more my speed than something unbelievable. Loved that Ginny was a book nerd like me, and her love for Agatha Christie inspired me to read one by her this month. If you know of a middle grade kid who likes scary stuff, this would be a perfect gift!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5I loved Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie when I read it last year, and I was excited to pick up another one of hers for spooky season! I love that her books are creepy but not so creepy that I lose sleep (I need my sleep, okay.). Similar to Scritch Scratch, there was a bit of a mystery to be solved, and the spooky things happening had an explanation that was realistic at the end, which is more my speed than something unbelievable. Loved that Ginny was a book nerd like me, and her love for Agatha Christie inspired me to read one by her this month. If you know of a middle grade kid who likes scary stuff, this would be a perfect gift!
rebeshelton's review
2.0
I try to view middle grade through the lens of my younger self, knowing that I'm not the target audience. Still, I don't think I would have enjoyed this one as a middle grader.
Also, I'm tired of main characters in books who have a special *qUiRkY* interest that is discussed ad nauseum in the plot.
Also, also, the title has nothing to do with what actually happens.
Spoiler
Anagram speaking ghosts? Ripped off plot from Tower of Terror? An author who spells absolutely everything out, often repeating certain revelations? No, thank youAlso, I'm tired of main characters in books who have a special *qUiRkY* interest that is discussed ad nauseum in the plot.
Also, also, the title has nothing to do with what actually happens.
angiedkelly's review
5.0
Another winner from the queen of middle grade scary books, Lindsay Currie. She provides just enough chill and shivers to make you question reading it at night but not to the point that I am going to bed with all the lights on! (or that is just me)
Seriously, read this book. Even if you are a grown-up, read it. It is a spooky story with heart.
I also think it would make for an awesome read aloud for fourth grade and up.
So good.
Highly recommend!
Seriously, read this book. Even if you are a grown-up, read it. It is a spooky story with heart.
I also think it would make for an awesome read aloud for fourth grade and up.
So good.
Highly recommend!
laurii's review against another edition
2.0
Middle grade horror sounded fun, but I think I'm just too old for this book.
I would recommend it for actual middle schoolers though!
I would recommend it for actual middle schoolers though!
thissarahgray's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
Read harder:
- Read a middle grade horror novel
It was a fun read. I haven’t read middle grade horror in a long time but overall I’d say it strikes the right balance with the spooky stuff.