Whispering Pines

Have you ever opened a book, read the first chapter, and then had to take a minute to really process what you just read? That's Whispering Pines, my friends. It's no secret that I am a big fan of creepy reads. I love ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. However, I admit that I wasn't quite ready for the prospect of an eye-snatching monster. This story gave me the shivers, and I loved it for that.

Let's start with Rae and Caden, shall we? Two very different characters, who mesh together perfectly. Rae is still reeling from the loss of her father, and her abrupt move to a new town. A town that, to be brief, is definitely not normal by any means. Caden has also lost someone, his brother, and is dealing with the guilt that comes along with that. When these two meet a bond is formed that is easy to get attached to. I loved that there is no romantic subplot here. Just two friends, who are determined to uncover what is happening and stop it by any means necessary.

One of my favorite things about stories like this is when a trail of breadcrumbs is laid, enticing the reader to keep following along with the characters. Lang and Bartowski did a stellar job of this! As Rae and Caden investigate, little pieces fall into place. I'm particularly happy to report that I was unable to figure out the ending before it happened. If you've been following me for any length of time, you know what a big deal that is! The mystery here is well built, and a lot of fun to follow.

So why the four stars? It was only the ending that had me a tiny bit on the fence. I can see why it was set up that way and, without spoiling, I am actually looking forward to what is potentially coming. Still I was hoping for more of a climax after such an exciting romp through the terrifying woods. Will I read anything else that comes out in this series? You bet I will. So that should tell you how much this book needs to be on your TBR. It is well worth your time!

Thank you for the e-arc from NetGalley for this novel. I was intrigued by the description of the novel. It is very much Stranger Things meets X-Files. I loved the friendship that evolved over the story. It was a weird wild ride.