The Woodkin by Alexander James

Release: July 1, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

On the trail, anything can happen.

After secrets and betrayal shatter his marriage, Josh Mallory seeks solace on the Pacific Crest Trail, in the mountains of Washington. On the trail, he’s just another hiker. On the trail, he can outrun the memories. But this backpacking trip swiftly turns grisly when he comes across the body of another hiker who seems to have fallen to his death. Josh is forced to detour through a small mountain town, where missing hiker posters flutter in the windows, and residents show no interest in hearing about the dead hiker. Unease that something is not quite right chases him back to the trail.

But night falls too quickly and in his haste to get away, he becomes trapped on a mountain ridge beneath the light of a full moon. Feeling more and more uneasy, Josh soon realizes that he may not be alone on the mountain, and begins to fear that, like the missing hikers, he won’t make it out alive.

About the Author:

Alexander James spent most of his childhood in southern Germany, and then went to culinary school in South Louisiana. He’s worked as a chef in everything from atrocious mall restaurants to a northern Italian farm-to-fork joint with Michelin dreams. He started writing because he’s only got another ten years or so left in his knees. When he’s not sweating through a crushing dinner service, he’s either drinking Scotch whisky in front of his computer keyboard or backpacking . . . also with Scotch whisky.

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The Woodkin Review:

Firstly, I was captivated by the author’s skillful depiction of Josh’s emotional journey. The author interweaves past traumas and present revelations, enabling Josh to confront and ultimately transcend his profound guilt and suffering. This intricate blend of memory and nightmarish ambiance keeps readers in suspense, eager to unravel the story’s enigmatic twists. As the plot unfolds, it delves deeper into psychological horror, pulling Josh further into an alarming and cryptic world.

Secondly, the author adeptly crafts an eerie and foreboding atmosphere throughout Josh’s journey, instilling an unsettling sense of unease as he traverses the PCT. Even upon entering Bedal, an eerie atmosphere permeates the town, particularly in Josh’s encounter with Ronnie. The author fills the story with spine-tingling moments that had me on the edge of my seat. These include the chilling encounter with the boy in the woods, whose screams and subsequent attacks create a palpable dread. The story’s second half intensifies this feeling, as Josh is trapped in dire circumstances that send shivers down my spine.

However, amidst the tale’s harrowing elements, it also offers tender moments, particularly in Josh’s initial interactions with Appletree. An unspoken understanding pervades their conversations, hinting at the deeply personal revelations on the horizon. Appletree’s silent support amid the forest’s darkness underscores the profound connection between these two hikers as they confront their inner turmoil.

In conclusion, “The Woodkin” is an exceptional choice for those seeking a riveting dose of psychological horror. This book is a true testament to the author’s storytelling prowess and ability to immerse readers in a world of chilling suspense and emotional depth. I will feel claustrophobic over the next few days whenever I hear someone going on a hike or the word “Feast.”