Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong Narrator: Therese Plummer
Series: Rockton #4
Published by MacMillan on February 5, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 368
Length: 11 hours, 30 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eBook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
The secret town of Rockton has seen some rocky times lately; understandable considering its mix of criminals and victims fleeing society for refuge within its Yukon borders. Casey Duncan, the town's only detective on a police force of three, has already faced murder, arson and falling in love in less than the year that she's lived there. Yet even she didn't think it would be possible for an outsider to find and cause trouble in the town she's come to call home.
When a US Marshal shows up in town demanding the release of one of the residents, Casey and her boyfriend, Sheriff Dalton, are skeptical. And yet only hours later, the marshal is shot dead and the only visible suspects are the townspeople and her estranged sister, in town for just the weekend. It's up to Casey to figure out who murdered the marshal, and why they would kill to keep him quiet.
Another fantastic read in the Rockton series. This world is wild, beautiful and yet a bit scary. There are the people in Rockton who are on the run with shaded pasts, the hostiles who used to live in Rockton or who live the surrounding Yukon Wilderness and the outsiders to be contained who are all possible problems / threats. This town all has to work together with unique rules to survive in this somewhat primitive outpost.
I am totally in love with this world, its well-developed characters with their unique aspects. The mysteries are fast-paced and well-plotted. Watcher in the Woods has Rockton coming to the attention of outsiders. in more ways than one. Phil continues to be a problem. There are shocking revelations about those close to the law enforcement team of Eric, Casey and Will. But I do love the solid connection and trust this trio has for each other.
The characters are so well developed ; they make me feel. I am happy with Eric. I feel a bit on edge with many others. I appreciate the help of Isabelle and Will. I feel the irritation with Diana, Jen and Paul. I feel the uncertainty with Matthias. I feel the frustration with April. I feel furious with Mark Garcia. OK and I feel joy with Storm. I feel fear and excitement and pride about Casey.
Casey has her eyes opened to a different perspective on her past with her estranged sister, April, coming to town. Storm is part of their lives but less present in this story. So there is continued growth in their personal journeys as a backdrop to the usual murder and mayhem. I don’t know how I will wait another whole year for more, as every book in this series is amazing.
Narration:
I listened to this one at 1.25x speed which used to be my usual speed but now I listen more often at 1.5x speed. I am not sure why except maybe there is great detail and a fast pace to the action and I probably need the time to absorb it. Therese Plummer performs this with a great style to each voice, which are now like old friends to me. I enjoyed this performance so much. Highly Recommended.
Listen to a clip:
About Therese Plummer
Therese Plummer is an actor and voice over artist living and working in New York City. Favorite roles to date include TV: Rose Nerrick, The Good Wife, Andy in Law and Order SVU. Stage: Celebrity Row; New York Theatre Workshop, Under Tillage, The Irish Repertory Theatre. Off-off Broadway credits include The Vagina Monologues, Suzanne in Twilight of the Gold’s and Madeline in the Award Winning Samuel French Short play The Sweet Room. Comedy Credits include Improv at Upright Citizens Brigade and Stand-up at Caroline’s Comedy Club. Therese also performed her one woman show, Ribbons Undone, at the Here Arts Center.
Therese records audio books for Audible.com, Recorded Books and Talking Books, Inc. As an adolescent counselor, Therese spent five years utilizing Drama therapy techniques in individual and group settings before moving to New York. She shares a passion of creating, helping and entertaining and feels incredibly lucky to do all three.
About Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could
write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a
story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls
and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. Today, she continues to
spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked
away in her basement writing dungeon. She lives in southwestern
Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
- COYER WINTER
I can tell this is a favorite series. I can’t wait to get to this one.
Yes, it is awesome. It’s a genre I like well too. Mystery, suspense, a bit of romance. It doesn’t hurt that Kelley Armstrong is amazing.
I need to try book 2 one day
Yes, it’s one of my favorite series and I wanted to go right on to the next one. But sometimes things happen and get in the way, and sometimes the first book is tough, or it isn’t just your kind of thing.
Got this series marked to start soon and can’t wait. Isn’t it awesome when you love everything about a book in the series this far into it!! Great review:)
Well if you keep going with a series it is probably because you like it. But when you get 5 hearts, it is firing on all cylinders for you. It is the narrator, characters, the world, the story all connect for you.
This sounds like a solid addition to the series. And I’ve never been disappointed by There’s Plummer’s performance. She always brings a story to life.
Therese Plummer is excellent. She and Armstrong have not disappointed me yet. I really love this series so much.
I loved book 1 in this series, but haven’t read the later books. I think I even already own a copy of book 2. I really need to make time to catch up with these as I remember enjoying those things you mention here about the world and the mystery and that I enjoyed those parts. I am happy to hear the series is still going strong :). Great review!
Thank you! I think it just gets better. But also because I become more attached to the characters.
This is one of my very favorite series. I have it on reserve at the library so am impatiently waiting…lol. So glad you liked it so much.
LOVED it. I can’t believe it is a whole year for more.
I bet these rock on audio. I read and loved the book. This series has such a great setting. Wonderful review!
Thank you! I just love these and yes, they are excellent on audio.
Wonderful review, Anne, and I loved hearing how much you’ve enjoyed this series. I read the first one and loved some things about it but didn’t continue on with the series. Now I want to give it another try!
I hope you do; it’s an amazing series.
I have a feeling I really, really should pick up Kelley Armstrong, Anne! I am so glad you keep enjoying her books!
These are wonderful books. I love them. They are more mystery/thriller with just a touch of romance.
I love this series so much. Casey is such a great character and all the secondary characters are great.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Yes, I don’t know how many more ways I can say how much I love it. I get excited just thinking about reading a book in this series.
Wow! Five stars in every category. That’s wonderful, Anne! Love it when you have this kind of reading experience.
Yes – this was just amazing in every way. I have to say I have been having some really, really great reads in January.