Summer Camp Secrets and Vanishing Heirs: Liz Moore’s ‘The God of the Woods’ Is the Literary Thriller You Can’t Miss

If May Day’s got you questioning your work-life balance, the economy’s doing its usual spring somersaults, and social media’s still chewing on Met Gala hot takes—why not trade all that noise for a good, old-fashioned missing heiress in the woods mystery?

Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods is your perfect escape from today’s headlines. Set in a 1975 summer camp deep in the Adirondacks, it opens with 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar vanishing from her powerful family's retreat—fourteen years after her brother disappeared in the same forest. Yeah, it’s giving Succession meets Yellowjackets with a touch of True Detective season one, and it’s glorious.

Moore’s masterful storytelling offers a psychological whodunit wrapped in class critique and family dysfunction—perfect for readers looking to sink into a story that’s as compelling as it is chilling. Trust us: this one won’t stay in your “to be read” pile for long.

The God of the Woods has been making waves in the literary world, earning accolades and captivating readers:​

• Goodreads Choice Award Winner for Best Mystery & Thriller of 2024. ​

• Described by The New Yorker as an “expertly paced thriller” that delves into the tensions between the wealthy and the working class. ​

• The Washington Post praises it as “chillingly astute about the invisible boundaries demarcating social class.” ​

Moore’s narrative doesn’t just unravel a mystery; it dissects the intricate web of family secrets, societal expectations, and the haunting grip of the past.​

In this episode, we delve into the depths of Moore’s novel, exploring:​

• Dual Timelines: How the 1961 and 1975 disappearances mirror each other and what they reveal about the Van Laar family dynamics.​

• Class Disparities: The stark contrast between the opulent Van Laar estate and the neighboring blue-collar community, highlighting themes of privilege and power.​

• Character Studies: An in-depth look at the novel’s richly drawn characters, from the rebellious Barbara to the determined investigator Judyta Luptack.​

Whether you’re a fan of slow-burning thrillers, complex family sagas, or stories that peel back the layers of societal facades, this episode is a must-listen.​

Liz Moore is no stranger to crafting compelling narratives that blend suspense with social commentary. Her previous work, Long Bright River, tackled the opioid crisis in Philadelphia and garnered critical acclaim. With The God of the Woods, Moore shifts her lens to the secluded world of summer camps and family legacies, delivering a story that’s both intimate and expansive.​

✨ Fun Fact ✨

Before becoming a novelist, Moore was a musician, which perhaps explains the lyrical quality of her prose and the rhythmic pacing of her storytelling.​

🎙️Listen to whttr on

📚 Purchase The God of the Woods on Amazon

🎧 Listen to the audiobook on Audible

And if you ever do find yourself, we hope it’s not in the middle of the Adirondacks with no cell signal and a murder mystery on your hands.

_{Stay Connected}

We’re strutting into May with thrillers in our tote bags, iced coffee in hand, and a whole lotta bookish hot takes on deck.

Stay tuned for more bangers, breakthroughs, and big reads.

Until then:
📖 Who has time to read? We do—and occasionally, we vanish into the woods just for the plot.

The WHTTR Team

Disclaimer: Some links contain affiliate links, meaning whttr will earn a small commission when you purchase through our link at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.