I read The God of the Woods by Liz Moore at the end of summer, which turned out to be the perfect time for this atmospheric mystery set at a summer camp in upstate New York. The story follows multiple characters at the camp when a girl from the prominent Van Laar family (who founded the camp and owns the nearby estate) disappears from her cabin. The mystery deepens as this disappearance echoes the unsolved case of her brother who went missing years before.

The summer camp setting absolutely made this book for me. Moore captures that specific blend of wilderness freedom and isolation that makes camps both magical and slightly unnerving. I enjoyed how the story unfolds through different perspectives, letting us see how different characters process their shock and suspicion, while also harboring their own secrets. As a new-ish mom, Alice’s devastation over her missing children (mostly Bear) felt visceral and real in a way that probably wouldn’t have affected me the same before having my own baby.

I’d definitely recommend this if you like atmospheric mysteries and thrillers where the setting is practically its own character. The moody summer camp vibes are strong, and it’s especially perfect to read during the warmer months when you can really sink into that summer feeling.