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These Silent Woods
No electricity, no family, no connection to the outside world. For eight years, Cooper and his young daughter, Finch, have lived in isolation in a remote cabin in the northern Appalachian woods. And that's exactly the way Cooper wants it, because he's got a lot to hide. Finch has been raised on the books filling the cabin’s shelves and the beautiful but brutal code of life in the wilderness. But she’s starting to push back against the sheltered life Cooper has created for her—and he’s still haunted by the painful truth of what it took to get them there.
The only people who know they exist are a mysterious local hermit named Scotland, and Cooper's old friend, Jake, who visits each winter to bring them food and supplies. But this year, Jake doesn't show up, setting off an irreversible chain of events that reveals just how precarious their situation really is. Suddenly, the boundaries of their safe haven have blurred—and when a stranger wanders into their woods, Finch’s growing obsession with her could put them all in danger. After a shocking disappearance threatens to upend the only life Finch has ever known, Cooper is forced to decide whether to keep hiding—or finally face the sins of his past.
Vividly atmospheric and masterfully tense, These Silent Woods is a poignant story of survival, sacrifice, and how far a father will go when faced with losing it all.
The only people who know they exist are a mysterious local hermit named Scotland, and Cooper's old friend, Jake, who visits each winter to bring them food and supplies. But this year, Jake doesn't show up, setting off an irreversible chain of events that reveals just how precarious their situation really is. Suddenly, the boundaries of their safe haven have blurred—and when a stranger wanders into their woods, Finch’s growing obsession with her could put them all in danger. After a shocking disappearance threatens to upend the only life Finch has ever known, Cooper is forced to decide whether to keep hiding—or finally face the sins of his past.
Vividly atmospheric and masterfully tense, These Silent Woods is a poignant story of survival, sacrifice, and how far a father will go when faced with losing it all.
275 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2021
About the author
Kimi Cunningham Grant
8 books1,815 followersKimi Cunningham Grant is the author of four books. Silver Like Dust is a memoir about her Japanese-American grandparents and their experience in the internment camp at Heart Mountain during World War II. Her second book, Fallen Mountains, is a literary mystery set in a small town in Pennsylvania, where fracking has just begun. In her third book, These Silent Woods, a father and daughter living in the remote Appalachian mountains must reckon with the ghosts of their past. Her fourth book, The Nature of Disappearing, features a woman who must team up with the ex-boyfriend who ruined her life to trek deep into the Idaho wilderness in search of a friend who's gone missing.
Before she wrote novels, Kimi was an award-winning poet and nonfiction writer.
She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.
Before she wrote novels, Kimi was an award-winning poet and nonfiction writer.
She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,757 reviews
April 21, 2024
OUTSTANDING! RIVETING! BROKE MY HEART THEN PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!
I'm searching for adequate words to describe this incredibly beautiful, moving, suspenseful drama about the fierce love of a father for his daughter. No sacrifice was too great for his little girl, and, unfortunately, Cooper would be called upon to prove this.
The last few chapters had me choking back tears: I was already dreading the inevitable end to this tale. From the very first chapter, we knew this day of reckoning was coming for Cooper.
I was captivated by Cooper's fierce, protective love for his precocious daughter, Finch. Out of the charred remains of his ruined life, Cooper had this one blessing that made all of his previous suffering and losses worth it. As Cooper put it
At the final point of reckoning, Cooper reflects on all of his past mistakes. In Afghanistan, he'd had to make a split second decision - that had horrifying consequences - in order keep his friend Jake alive. Jake had been badly injured when he stepped on an IED. Cooper had carried him into an abandoned building where they hid and waited for the cover of nightfall so that they could escape back to their base camp. Cooper admitted that he had many regrets in his life, but this could not be one of them:
. . . . . . . . . .
Despite his many self-perceived failings, Cooper was a good, decent man. (It cracked me up when he wondered why so many strangers would come up to him and unburden themselves to him.) He could never acknowledge anything heroic about himself; but - as I read all his self-blaming words - his innate rectitude, his humility and quiet inner strength were undeniable. I was choking on my own sobs as I read the last few chapters. If any man deserved a celestial intervention or a second chance, surely Cooper was that man. My heart was heavier than lead at this point in the story. Was it really going to end like this!?!.. (Sob, choke, sob!) It would take a real miracle to change Cooper's fate.
As Scotland, that sly rascal, so aptly put it:
I am an emotional wreck. It is midnight as I write this review and I just want to start at the beginning and read this incredibly moving story all over again. This one literally took my breath away, it was that good!!! If you don't read this book, you are committing a crime against yourself! That ending was inspired!!! I'm staggering off to bed now with a large box of tissues (to "happy cry!") This was so, so good!
10 out of 5 shining stars.!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this very fine novel in exchange for an honest review.
I'm searching for adequate words to describe this incredibly beautiful, moving, suspenseful drama about the fierce love of a father for his daughter. No sacrifice was too great for his little girl, and, unfortunately, Cooper would be called upon to prove this.
The last few chapters had me choking back tears: I was already dreading the inevitable end to this tale. From the very first chapter, we knew this day of reckoning was coming for Cooper.
I was captivated by Cooper's fierce, protective love for his precocious daughter, Finch. Out of the charred remains of his ruined life, Cooper had this one blessing that made all of his previous suffering and losses worth it. As Cooper put it
.....becoming a parent - it makes something inside of you bloom and deepen. You love as you haven't loved before."
At the final point of reckoning, Cooper reflects on all of his past mistakes. In Afghanistan, he'd had to make a split second decision - that had horrifying consequences - in order keep his friend Jake alive. Jake had been badly injured when he stepped on an IED. Cooper had carried him into an abandoned building where they hid and waited for the cover of nightfall so that they could escape back to their base camp. Cooper admitted that he had many regrets in his life, but this could not be one of them:
That part of my saving his life was a deed that would haunt me the rest of my own miserable days. He was worth it: that's what I've told myself, all these years since. (Jake was) Better than me from the start and full of goodness and worth it.
. . . . . . . . . .
Despite his many self-perceived failings, Cooper was a good, decent man. (It cracked me up when he wondered why so many strangers would come up to him and unburden themselves to him.) He could never acknowledge anything heroic about himself; but - as I read all his self-blaming words - his innate rectitude, his humility and quiet inner strength were undeniable. I was choking on my own sobs as I read the last few chapters. If any man deserved a celestial intervention or a second chance, surely Cooper was that man. My heart was heavier than lead at this point in the story. Was it really going to end like this!?!.. (Sob, choke, sob!) It would take a real miracle to change Cooper's fate.
As Scotland, that sly rascal, so aptly put it:
The thing about grace is that you don't deserve it. You can't earn it. You can only accept it. Or not..
I am an emotional wreck. It is midnight as I write this review and I just want to start at the beginning and read this incredibly moving story all over again. This one literally took my breath away, it was that good!!! If you don't read this book, you are committing a crime against yourself! That ending was inspired!!! I'm staggering off to bed now with a large box of tissues (to "happy cry!") This was so, so good!
10 out of 5 shining stars.!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this very fine novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Wow! This is fascinating! I got the arc in the morning! As soon as I finished my writing assignment, I dived into this beauty and I consumed it so fast! I couldn’t put it down!
I got tensed! I could explode! But I kept reading! Because the secrets of Cooper riled me up! I needed to know how this soul crushing, mind churning, intense story will conclude!
Interesting fact this book provided me the best claustrophobic cabin in the woods experience, it shocked me with brilliant twist and it made me wail ! It affected me deeper than I thought!
It started as slow burn, rich, complex mystery but before reaching the second half it suddenly grew on me more than I expected.
The character portraits are perfectly constructed, well relatable. The tense, eerie, scary atmosphere, the wild nature threatening the life conditions of the characters, other inner and outer threats which can ruin everything they have built we’re brilliantly depicted.
Cooper and his young daughter Finch have been living in the remote Appalachian mountains for 8 years long since Finch has been born, a secluded, isolated life style: away from the people, comforts of modern world ( electricity, hot water), spending 24 hours together.
Finch is so smart for her own age, knows the rules of isolation. Her father did something what he had to do and contacting with outsiders, leaving their households would bring danger into their peaceful world they created together.
Their only connections with outer world are Jake, Cooper’s old and only real friend . Cooper saved his life when they fought at the overseas and Jake keeps bringing them supplies to help them survive throughout winter time till his health condition is deteriorated and their eccentric neighbor Scotland who hangs out with his tame crow, reciting Bible verses, keeping jars of bugs in his house to clean the flesh from animal corpses so he can collect the skulls.
Interestingly Finch has also skull collection and accepts gifts from their neighbor, forming better relationship with him than her father has.
The first day Cooper and Scotland met, both of them aimed guns to each other and Scotland left newspapers for Cooper as gift. All those newspapers were specifically chosen because there were articles about Cooper telling the real reason why he and his daughter hiding in the woods.
The story gives you enough creeps to fidget restlessly: you keep asking what Cooper may have gotten himself into. How far did he go to take his daughter and ran away from the civilization? Is he a criminal, a murderer? What has he done?
You keep waiting Scotland will do something to ruin their peaceful life. Or another threatening thing will destroy their life: like strangers plan to camp in the woods! What if they see them ? What if they call the authorities?
You keep squirming in your seat, biting your cuticles, ordering yourself fake nails from Amazon and return back your restless reading!
The conclusion truly shook me to the core! I was planning to give four stars but the last bomb the author threw into your lap was way too much heart wrenching for me. Tears kept rolling into my cheeks! I loved this intense, heartfelt, dark, sad story and the beautifully portrait, genuine characters!
I’m rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 I always a big fan of ominous cabin in the woods premise with emotional father and daughter bounding story stars!
I highly recommend it to not only the lovers of great mystery lovers, but also readers who may differentiate the great taste literature among the piles of books.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
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I got tensed! I could explode! But I kept reading! Because the secrets of Cooper riled me up! I needed to know how this soul crushing, mind churning, intense story will conclude!
Interesting fact this book provided me the best claustrophobic cabin in the woods experience, it shocked me with brilliant twist and it made me wail ! It affected me deeper than I thought!
It started as slow burn, rich, complex mystery but before reaching the second half it suddenly grew on me more than I expected.
The character portraits are perfectly constructed, well relatable. The tense, eerie, scary atmosphere, the wild nature threatening the life conditions of the characters, other inner and outer threats which can ruin everything they have built we’re brilliantly depicted.
Cooper and his young daughter Finch have been living in the remote Appalachian mountains for 8 years long since Finch has been born, a secluded, isolated life style: away from the people, comforts of modern world ( electricity, hot water), spending 24 hours together.
Finch is so smart for her own age, knows the rules of isolation. Her father did something what he had to do and contacting with outsiders, leaving their households would bring danger into their peaceful world they created together.
Their only connections with outer world are Jake, Cooper’s old and only real friend . Cooper saved his life when they fought at the overseas and Jake keeps bringing them supplies to help them survive throughout winter time till his health condition is deteriorated and their eccentric neighbor Scotland who hangs out with his tame crow, reciting Bible verses, keeping jars of bugs in his house to clean the flesh from animal corpses so he can collect the skulls.
Interestingly Finch has also skull collection and accepts gifts from their neighbor, forming better relationship with him than her father has.
The first day Cooper and Scotland met, both of them aimed guns to each other and Scotland left newspapers for Cooper as gift. All those newspapers were specifically chosen because there were articles about Cooper telling the real reason why he and his daughter hiding in the woods.
The story gives you enough creeps to fidget restlessly: you keep asking what Cooper may have gotten himself into. How far did he go to take his daughter and ran away from the civilization? Is he a criminal, a murderer? What has he done?
You keep waiting Scotland will do something to ruin their peaceful life. Or another threatening thing will destroy their life: like strangers plan to camp in the woods! What if they see them ? What if they call the authorities?
You keep squirming in your seat, biting your cuticles, ordering yourself fake nails from Amazon and return back your restless reading!
The conclusion truly shook me to the core! I was planning to give four stars but the last bomb the author threw into your lap was way too much heart wrenching for me. Tears kept rolling into my cheeks! I loved this intense, heartfelt, dark, sad story and the beautifully portrait, genuine characters!
I’m rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 I always a big fan of ominous cabin in the woods premise with emotional father and daughter bounding story stars!
I highly recommend it to not only the lovers of great mystery lovers, but also readers who may differentiate the great taste literature among the piles of books.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up
I don't give 5 stars very often, but this book had everything I needed to get there. This book has a bit of mystery, adventure, survival, and a lot of heart.
It's the story of a father, Cooper, who has gone to great lengths to protect his now-eight-year-old daughter Finch. He lives deep in the forest of the Appalachian mountains, off grid in the cabin of his military buddy Jake. Once a year, Jake comes to stock them with supplies, but this year he fails to show. That's only the beginning of a cascade of events. The deep secrets Cooper is hiding, coupled with the near-insatiable curiosity of Finch, begins to threaten their way of life.
It's difficult to write a short summary of this book, because the prose is full of nuance. It's not just about the plot, it's about the way it is told and the vivid emotions the story provokes in the reader. This tale is a combination of atmosphere, plot, and characterization. The characters are flawed and feel as if they are real people in difficult situations.
I was in tears by the end, because ultimately this is the story of sacrifice in the name of love, and all of the ways that can manifest. What a beautiful book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I don't give 5 stars very often, but this book had everything I needed to get there. This book has a bit of mystery, adventure, survival, and a lot of heart.
It's the story of a father, Cooper, who has gone to great lengths to protect his now-eight-year-old daughter Finch. He lives deep in the forest of the Appalachian mountains, off grid in the cabin of his military buddy Jake. Once a year, Jake comes to stock them with supplies, but this year he fails to show. That's only the beginning of a cascade of events. The deep secrets Cooper is hiding, coupled with the near-insatiable curiosity of Finch, begins to threaten their way of life.
It's difficult to write a short summary of this book, because the prose is full of nuance. It's not just about the plot, it's about the way it is told and the vivid emotions the story provokes in the reader. This tale is a combination of atmosphere, plot, and characterization. The characters are flawed and feel as if they are real people in difficult situations.
I was in tears by the end, because ultimately this is the story of sacrifice in the name of love, and all of the ways that can manifest. What a beautiful book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 17, 2022
How is this book not talked about more? How is this book not on the New York Times Bestsellers List?? I do not understand! This book is AMAZING!!!! If you have not read it, DROP EVERYTHING and go read it now!!
Update: This was by far the best book I’ve read in 2021, maybe even my favorite book ever now! It has stuck with me, and I find myself thinking about it often. I just pre-ordered 3 copies for Christmas gifts! It comes out November 17th, 2021! Add it to your TBR list now. You have to read this one!!
WOW!! I am completely blown away!! These Silent Woods is hands down the best book I’ve read in a long time, definitely my favorite of the year thus far! I could not put it down, I was totally engrossed and had to keep going to know what was going to happen. I was hooked from the beginning and read it super-fast. The best part of this book is the ending, which I did not see coming at all! Totally unexpected and so bittersweet. I shed so many tears! This book really hit me hard in the feelings. Add this to your TBR list now, it is nothing short of amazing!
Thank you to Net Galley, and St. Martin’s Press, for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review!
Update: This was by far the best book I’ve read in 2021, maybe even my favorite book ever now! It has stuck with me, and I find myself thinking about it often. I just pre-ordered 3 copies for Christmas gifts! It comes out November 17th, 2021! Add it to your TBR list now. You have to read this one!!
WOW!! I am completely blown away!! These Silent Woods is hands down the best book I’ve read in a long time, definitely my favorite of the year thus far! I could not put it down, I was totally engrossed and had to keep going to know what was going to happen. I was hooked from the beginning and read it super-fast. The best part of this book is the ending, which I did not see coming at all! Totally unexpected and so bittersweet. I shed so many tears! This book really hit me hard in the feelings. Add this to your TBR list now, it is nothing short of amazing!
Thank you to Net Galley, and St. Martin’s Press, for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review!
February 14, 2022
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Bronson Pinchot (Narrator), Stephanie Willis (Narrator)
This lovely story starts slowly and keeps that pace all the way to the end. Cooper's telling of his story creates such a melancholy mood and it fits what he relates to us. In fact, knowing everything that has happened up the the beginning of the book, it's a wonder Cooper can sound so sane and calm. Behind Cooper's peaceful demeanor is his PTSD from his time in Afghanistan, from the horrible things he saw and the horrible things he did. And then later, from the loss that led to Cooper and his daughter, Finch, living a life of isolation in the remote Appalachian mountains. But, Cooper is a good dad and his daughter has the best home education that Cooper, nature, and books can give to her.
They have been in hiding since Finch was a few months old. The other people she knows, besides her father, are a crusty old neighbor named Scotland and Cooper's war ravaged best friend, Jake. They see Scotland from time to time although Cooper hates him and sees Scotland as a danger to their safety, never being sure what he wants from them or if he's going to betray them. Jake visits once a year, supplying Cooper and Finch with all the supplies they will need from the outside world.
The summer of Finch's eighth year, two more people enter their lives. One is a young woman who is trespassing on their property. Another is someone Jake met once before. Things happen and just as Cooper feared, their life is no longer safe. Until the epilogue we see this story through Cooper's eyes and it's obvious his love for his daughter trumps everything else in his life. The beauty of this story is not just a father's love for his daughter but also a gift of grace given with another kind of love.
TW: Hunting, trapping, and nature doing it's thing when it comes to animals.
Pub November 16th 2021
Bronson Pinchot (Narrator), Stephanie Willis (Narrator)
This lovely story starts slowly and keeps that pace all the way to the end. Cooper's telling of his story creates such a melancholy mood and it fits what he relates to us. In fact, knowing everything that has happened up the the beginning of the book, it's a wonder Cooper can sound so sane and calm. Behind Cooper's peaceful demeanor is his PTSD from his time in Afghanistan, from the horrible things he saw and the horrible things he did. And then later, from the loss that led to Cooper and his daughter, Finch, living a life of isolation in the remote Appalachian mountains. But, Cooper is a good dad and his daughter has the best home education that Cooper, nature, and books can give to her.
They have been in hiding since Finch was a few months old. The other people she knows, besides her father, are a crusty old neighbor named Scotland and Cooper's war ravaged best friend, Jake. They see Scotland from time to time although Cooper hates him and sees Scotland as a danger to their safety, never being sure what he wants from them or if he's going to betray them. Jake visits once a year, supplying Cooper and Finch with all the supplies they will need from the outside world.
The summer of Finch's eighth year, two more people enter their lives. One is a young woman who is trespassing on their property. Another is someone Jake met once before. Things happen and just as Cooper feared, their life is no longer safe. Until the epilogue we see this story through Cooper's eyes and it's obvious his love for his daughter trumps everything else in his life. The beauty of this story is not just a father's love for his daughter but also a gift of grace given with another kind of love.
TW: Hunting, trapping, and nature doing it's thing when it comes to animals.
Pub November 16th 2021
January 7, 2022
I double dog dare you to make it through the end of this book without a lump in your throat.
These Silent Woods is a gem I almost passed up since its title and jacket art had me thinking it was just another bland psychological or procedural thriller. I couldn’t have been more wrong, which is fitting since one of the primary themes of the story is to not judge a book by its cover.
In the remote mountains of Appalachia, present day, readers follow the straightforward, linear narrative (hooray!!!) of a man, Cooper, and his 8-year-old daughter, Finch. Their existence is an isolated one, and they are clearly hiding from society… and Cooper’s past.
The writing is simplistic yet moving, and the story is familiar yet surprising. Just when I was ready to roll my eyes in anticipation of a cliched ending, author Kimi Cunningham Grant zigged where her more predictable peers would have zagged. The result is a denouement I’ll be thinking about for some time.
In a book club and need to select the next read? Here you go. At a mere 288 pages, even the most sluggish readers will make it through this one. And if anyone doesn’t like your choice, it’ll be that one person who always just wants to be a dissenting pain in the patoot, and y’all can use it as an excuse to finally kick them out. You're welcome.
All the stars.
(Trigger warning for my animal-loving friends: death of a chicken and deer hunting.)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
These Silent Woods is a gem I almost passed up since its title and jacket art had me thinking it was just another bland psychological or procedural thriller. I couldn’t have been more wrong, which is fitting since one of the primary themes of the story is to not judge a book by its cover.
In the remote mountains of Appalachia, present day, readers follow the straightforward, linear narrative (hooray!!!) of a man, Cooper, and his 8-year-old daughter, Finch. Their existence is an isolated one, and they are clearly hiding from society… and Cooper’s past.
The writing is simplistic yet moving, and the story is familiar yet surprising. Just when I was ready to roll my eyes in anticipation of a cliched ending, author Kimi Cunningham Grant zigged where her more predictable peers would have zagged. The result is a denouement I’ll be thinking about for some time.
In a book club and need to select the next read? Here you go. At a mere 288 pages, even the most sluggish readers will make it through this one. And if anyone doesn’t like your choice, it’ll be that one person who always just wants to be a dissenting pain in the patoot, and y’all can use it as an excuse to finally kick them out. You're welcome.
All the stars.
(Trigger warning for my animal-loving friends: death of a chicken and deer hunting.)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
December 28, 2022
I can’t remember the last time I was so emotionally invested in a story. It pulled all my heartstrings and I felt raw and exposed after each chapter. Loving a child means sacrificing everything, and Grant’s book described how that feels so beautifully. The choices Cooper had to make were heartbreaking, but understandable. How unlucky is it possible to be and still manage to soldier on?
The ending was unlike anything. I felt overwhelmed and also sad that there weren’t any pages left.
The ending was unlike anything. I felt overwhelmed and also sad that there weren’t any pages left.
May 27, 2023
“These Silent Woods” by Kimi Cunningham Grant started out great as I loved the atmosphere and world-building right off the bat. It was really peculiar at first and had me hooked trying to figure out what was ultimately going on with the main characters hiding away in a cabin in the woods.
Before I jump into my review, I do have a few trigger warnings to make sure everyone is aware of. In “These Silent Woods” you will find violence against animals (chickens), going through panic attacks, and military PTSD about war. If any of these trigger warnings affect you, please do not read this novel.
Moving along, this is a book I enjoyed reading while listening to my nature/outdoor playlists since it’s the perfect ambiance for a book literally about surviving in the woods. It’s an intriguing story that had a pretty good mystery aspect to it in the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the slow burn as to why the main protagonists are hiding out in the woods in the first place.
With each chapter, I was really into the story and enjoyed Grant’s solid writing style, especially with the father-and-daughter dynamic of Cooper and Finch. The first half of this novel was a genuine page-turner for me but then at the 50% mark, it lost a bit of steam and momentum that was being built up. I started to get bored and wondered why Grant went in this direction when it was going along nicely at first.
Too many backstories to fill in the gaps that eventually led to the big reveal as to why both of these characters chose to live in the woods and it was a bit underwhelming. I was expecting something bigger, to be honest. I also felt the second half of this novel dabbled more into romance and it just didn’t do anything for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a little romance here and there in the mystery books I read, but this just felt out of place and unrealistic. It just started to get really dull for me and dragged on. Another thing I didn’t like is how events and situations of the past kept getting repeated a few times which felt like fluff to me. I hate when recaps happen in a story since it’s already been previously known by the reader.
A thriller is supposed to be gripping. It’s supposed to keep me on the edge of my seat as I keep reading. With incredible plot twists leading to a huge finale for an ending that leaves me speechless. I got this at first and was so excited about reading this novel until the second half which completely fizzled out for me. Even the ending was disappointing since again, I just wanted more. Ultimately, this was a decent read that felt more like a slow-paced survival novel with a bit of romance than a true mystery thriller that blows your mind.
I give “These Silent Woods” by Kimi Cunningham Grant a 3/5 as I enjoyed her writing style and the first half of this novel very much. That first half was great and if Grant kept that going, this could have been a blockbuster of a read with a higher rating. I was bored in the second half by repeated dialogue recapping events, a romance that felt forced, backstories of the past (that also got repeated a few times), and a plot twist that just didn’t deliver. It fizzled out when it mattered most and don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything but even the ending wasn’t all that great to me. As I said, it’s a decent novel. It wasn’t terrible but it also wasn’t extraordinary for me.
Before I jump into my review, I do have a few trigger warnings to make sure everyone is aware of. In “These Silent Woods” you will find violence against animals (chickens), going through panic attacks, and military PTSD about war. If any of these trigger warnings affect you, please do not read this novel.
Moving along, this is a book I enjoyed reading while listening to my nature/outdoor playlists since it’s the perfect ambiance for a book literally about surviving in the woods. It’s an intriguing story that had a pretty good mystery aspect to it in the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the slow burn as to why the main protagonists are hiding out in the woods in the first place.
With each chapter, I was really into the story and enjoyed Grant’s solid writing style, especially with the father-and-daughter dynamic of Cooper and Finch. The first half of this novel was a genuine page-turner for me but then at the 50% mark, it lost a bit of steam and momentum that was being built up. I started to get bored and wondered why Grant went in this direction when it was going along nicely at first.
Too many backstories to fill in the gaps that eventually led to the big reveal as to why both of these characters chose to live in the woods and it was a bit underwhelming. I was expecting something bigger, to be honest. I also felt the second half of this novel dabbled more into romance and it just didn’t do anything for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a little romance here and there in the mystery books I read, but this just felt out of place and unrealistic. It just started to get really dull for me and dragged on. Another thing I didn’t like is how events and situations of the past kept getting repeated a few times which felt like fluff to me. I hate when recaps happen in a story since it’s already been previously known by the reader.
A thriller is supposed to be gripping. It’s supposed to keep me on the edge of my seat as I keep reading. With incredible plot twists leading to a huge finale for an ending that leaves me speechless. I got this at first and was so excited about reading this novel until the second half which completely fizzled out for me. Even the ending was disappointing since again, I just wanted more. Ultimately, this was a decent read that felt more like a slow-paced survival novel with a bit of romance than a true mystery thriller that blows your mind.
I give “These Silent Woods” by Kimi Cunningham Grant a 3/5 as I enjoyed her writing style and the first half of this novel very much. That first half was great and if Grant kept that going, this could have been a blockbuster of a read with a higher rating. I was bored in the second half by repeated dialogue recapping events, a romance that felt forced, backstories of the past (that also got repeated a few times), and a plot twist that just didn’t deliver. It fizzled out when it mattered most and don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything but even the ending wasn’t all that great to me. As I said, it’s a decent novel. It wasn’t terrible but it also wasn’t extraordinary for me.
November 6, 2021
This book is the perfect example of why I enjoy reading so much! 5 stars isn't enough!
Living off the land. That is what Cooper, and his daughter did for eight years. His friend, Jake came once a year with supplies, other than that, they were on their own. They had a neighbor, Scotland, who stopped over time to time, and of course, there were the chickens, but essentially, they were alone. They lived a life free of obligation, free of electricity, free of plumbing, free of outsiders.
They live in the cabin because Connor has something to hide. It the reason they are living deep in the woods away from civilization. As his daughter gets older, she has questions and a desire to have a friend. When their friend, Jake does not turn up for his yearly supply drop off, everything changes for them.
This book was lush with atmosphere, love, relationships and the bond between a father and daughter. As Connor reflects on his life, we learn about his past, his choices, and what drove him to the mountains. We see his love and devotion for his daughter. We see what Connor is willing to risk to keep her safe.
This was such a wonderfully written and absorbing book. I was captivated from the beginning, absorbed, and enchanted by the storytelling. This is a book I know will stay with me. I enjoyed the characters, the self-reflection, the mystery, and the resolution.
Not only was this book thought provoking, but it was emotion evoking as well. Man, as it got to the end, I was so worried and anxious waiting to see how things would end. The author did a tremendous job of having readers feel for the characters. I was invested in what was happening and what I thought was going to happen. This one packs a punch and left me so very happy that chose to read this wonderful book. This is a perfect fall/winter read.
Gripping, Atmospheric and heartfelt.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Living off the land. That is what Cooper, and his daughter did for eight years. His friend, Jake came once a year with supplies, other than that, they were on their own. They had a neighbor, Scotland, who stopped over time to time, and of course, there were the chickens, but essentially, they were alone. They lived a life free of obligation, free of electricity, free of plumbing, free of outsiders.
They live in the cabin because Connor has something to hide. It the reason they are living deep in the woods away from civilization. As his daughter gets older, she has questions and a desire to have a friend. When their friend, Jake does not turn up for his yearly supply drop off, everything changes for them.
This book was lush with atmosphere, love, relationships and the bond between a father and daughter. As Connor reflects on his life, we learn about his past, his choices, and what drove him to the mountains. We see his love and devotion for his daughter. We see what Connor is willing to risk to keep her safe.
This was such a wonderfully written and absorbing book. I was captivated from the beginning, absorbed, and enchanted by the storytelling. This is a book I know will stay with me. I enjoyed the characters, the self-reflection, the mystery, and the resolution.
Not only was this book thought provoking, but it was emotion evoking as well. Man, as it got to the end, I was so worried and anxious waiting to see how things would end. The author did a tremendous job of having readers feel for the characters. I was invested in what was happening and what I thought was going to happen. This one packs a punch and left me so very happy that chose to read this wonderful book. This is a perfect fall/winter read.
Gripping, Atmospheric and heartfelt.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 1, 2022
5 stars! Loved this!
Cooper and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch, live off-the-grid. They have been living alone and isolated deep in the forest for all of Finch’s life - she knows no different. There are reasons that Cooper chooses this life of isolation in the remote wilderness, reasons he cannot explain to Finch.
I love everything about this authors writing! The thick atmosphere, the unique and root-worthy characters and their relationships, the gritty backwoods plot, the unnerving sense of foreboding, the tension and suspense that builds thicker with each chapter. I felt gripped and on edge for the entire novel.
The pace was perfect as the author slowly weaved pieces of Cooper and Finch’s backstory into the narrative which seamlessly flowed between timelines. I was hanging on every word. My one teeny tiny critique would be that the very end wrapped up a little too quick and neat, but I super loved the twist!
This book had high expectations to live up to after the last release from this author, Fallen Mountains, which is one of my top favourite novels. I’m thrilled to say that while Fallen Mountains remains my favourite by this author, this comes in a VERY close second.
Thank you Minotaur Books for gifting me a physical review copy!
Cooper and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch, live off-the-grid. They have been living alone and isolated deep in the forest for all of Finch’s life - she knows no different. There are reasons that Cooper chooses this life of isolation in the remote wilderness, reasons he cannot explain to Finch.
I love everything about this authors writing! The thick atmosphere, the unique and root-worthy characters and their relationships, the gritty backwoods plot, the unnerving sense of foreboding, the tension and suspense that builds thicker with each chapter. I felt gripped and on edge for the entire novel.
The pace was perfect as the author slowly weaved pieces of Cooper and Finch’s backstory into the narrative which seamlessly flowed between timelines. I was hanging on every word. My one teeny tiny critique would be that the very end wrapped up a little too quick and neat, but I super loved the twist!
This book had high expectations to live up to after the last release from this author, Fallen Mountains, which is one of my top favourite novels. I’m thrilled to say that while Fallen Mountains remains my favourite by this author, this comes in a VERY close second.
Thank you Minotaur Books for gifting me a physical review copy!
October 11, 2021
That ending …. I don’t know how to feel!
Before I get into that:
Cooper and eight-year-old Finch are a dad and daughter living off the land and off the grid in his Army buddy’s cabin in the Appalachian mountains. I won’t give spoilers, but we know that something happened when Finch was a baby, and they’ve been perpetually on guard against threats to their life together ever since. Now, after years of relative quiet, when an unexpected event happens, life as they know it is put to the test.
The story is told entirely from Cooper’s POV, and let me say: he’s kind of a mess, though a good-hearted one. Present day chapters are interspersed with those of the past events that got him here. This birds-eye view of his state of mind and thought processes as he struggles to give freedom to bright, inquisitive Finch, while also protecting her from a past he’s largely hidden from her, made me care for both of them. I felt his loneliness, vulnerability and distrust of others, but also cheered his seed of hope that maybe things could be different one day.
Other characters - like mysterious and nosy neighbor, Scotland, whose actions and intentions are kept very ambiguous, and Marie, the sister of Jake, Cooper’s aforementioned Army buddy, added some nice intrigue and interaction, as I was never sure who could be trusted or what impact they’d have on Cooper and Finch.
All those good things said, I’m so conflicted! It’s an emotionally compelling story about a father’s love for his daughter, and the lengths he would go to to protect her. How could I not love that? The answer is, I do! I fell in love with this pair, and was rooting for them the whole way. Finch’s openness, maturity, affinity for poetry and budding independence were a nice balance to Cooper’s loving, but anxiety-riddled and more jaded view of others.
So why not the full 5 stars?
As I stated up front, it’s the ending. Let me stress: it’s a good one, and I don’t dislike it, I’m just torn by the decision of one of the characters, which was somehow deeply moving and utterly soul-crushing at the very same time. I understand WHAT was done - I’m just not sure I could fully buy into WHY it was done, despite the character’s explanation. Other readers will likely find it the best part of the story, so it just depends on how you perceive it. It’s a beautiful story which I highly recommend, and I look forward to more by author Kimi Cunningham Grant! For the record, I can totally see this being made into a movie, and I'd be there for it.
★★★★ ½ (rounded down to 4)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and author Kimi Cunningham Grant for this ARC in exchange for my honest views. This is due to be published October 26, 2021.
This and all my other reviews can also be found at: https://acuriouskatreads.blogspot.com/
Before I get into that:
Cooper and eight-year-old Finch are a dad and daughter living off the land and off the grid in his Army buddy’s cabin in the Appalachian mountains. I won’t give spoilers, but we know that something happened when Finch was a baby, and they’ve been perpetually on guard against threats to their life together ever since. Now, after years of relative quiet, when an unexpected event happens, life as they know it is put to the test.
The story is told entirely from Cooper’s POV, and let me say: he’s kind of a mess, though a good-hearted one. Present day chapters are interspersed with those of the past events that got him here. This birds-eye view of his state of mind and thought processes as he struggles to give freedom to bright, inquisitive Finch, while also protecting her from a past he’s largely hidden from her, made me care for both of them. I felt his loneliness, vulnerability and distrust of others, but also cheered his seed of hope that maybe things could be different one day.
Other characters - like mysterious and nosy neighbor, Scotland, whose actions and intentions are kept very ambiguous, and Marie, the sister of Jake, Cooper’s aforementioned Army buddy, added some nice intrigue and interaction, as I was never sure who could be trusted or what impact they’d have on Cooper and Finch.
All those good things said, I’m so conflicted! It’s an emotionally compelling story about a father’s love for his daughter, and the lengths he would go to to protect her. How could I not love that? The answer is, I do! I fell in love with this pair, and was rooting for them the whole way. Finch’s openness, maturity, affinity for poetry and budding independence were a nice balance to Cooper’s loving, but anxiety-riddled and more jaded view of others.
So why not the full 5 stars?
As I stated up front, it’s the ending. Let me stress: it’s a good one, and I don’t dislike it, I’m just torn by the decision of one of the characters, which was somehow deeply moving and utterly soul-crushing at the very same time. I understand WHAT was done - I’m just not sure I could fully buy into WHY it was done, despite the character’s explanation. Other readers will likely find it the best part of the story, so it just depends on how you perceive it. It’s a beautiful story which I highly recommend, and I look forward to more by author Kimi Cunningham Grant! For the record, I can totally see this being made into a movie, and I'd be there for it.
★★★★ ½ (rounded down to 4)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and author Kimi Cunningham Grant for this ARC in exchange for my honest views. This is due to be published October 26, 2021.
This and all my other reviews can also be found at: https://acuriouskatreads.blogspot.com/
November 28, 2021
You’ve probably noticed all the five-star reviews for this book by now. And naturally, you’re wondering…does it really live up to all that hype?
One word. YES! It deserves all the stars and praise it’s been receiving.
How far would you go to protect your family?
Cooper, a decorated Army Ranger had difficulty readjusting to civilian life once back home stateside. Suffering from PTSD, he managed his day to day struggles by putting one foot in front of the other, hoping to keep the nightmares at bay.
Cooper has been raising his daughter Finch in a remote mountain cabin. More or less an island of two, managing to shut the outside world out for 8 years. So secluded, only two people are aware of them at all. The nosy neighbor Scotland, who Cooper can’t bring himself to trust. And Jake, Cooper’s best friend and war buddy who brings them supplies on the same day each year. This year, Jake didn’t show up. But someone else did…
Now Cooper’s private world is at risk.
Can Cooper keep Finch safe? Or are all his secrets about to be exposed.
WOW! What an incredibly thought provoking book about love, family, friendship and sacrifice. I adored Cooper and his desperate struggles to be a good man while fighting back his military demons. And Finch stole my heart in her innocence and wonder.
Beautifully written. I highly recommend.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Goodreads and Minotaur Books
One word. YES! It deserves all the stars and praise it’s been receiving.
How far would you go to protect your family?
Cooper, a decorated Army Ranger had difficulty readjusting to civilian life once back home stateside. Suffering from PTSD, he managed his day to day struggles by putting one foot in front of the other, hoping to keep the nightmares at bay.
Cooper has been raising his daughter Finch in a remote mountain cabin. More or less an island of two, managing to shut the outside world out for 8 years. So secluded, only two people are aware of them at all. The nosy neighbor Scotland, who Cooper can’t bring himself to trust. And Jake, Cooper’s best friend and war buddy who brings them supplies on the same day each year. This year, Jake didn’t show up. But someone else did…
Now Cooper’s private world is at risk.
Can Cooper keep Finch safe? Or are all his secrets about to be exposed.
WOW! What an incredibly thought provoking book about love, family, friendship and sacrifice. I adored Cooper and his desperate struggles to be a good man while fighting back his military demons. And Finch stole my heart in her innocence and wonder.
Beautifully written. I highly recommend.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Goodreads and Minotaur Books
January 30, 2022
Cooper and his daughter Finch live a simple life in an isolated cabin in the woods. They have to you see, as Cooper isn't really Cooper; his real name is Kenny Morrison. He went into hiding 8 years ago when his daughter was just a baby, and in order to keep his freedom he's had to live off the grid and in constant fear he will be discovered and his daughter taken away from him. So far they've managed to get by with the help of an annual supply run from Cooper's only trusted friend Jake. But when Jake doesn't show up and other people start poking around the woods near the cabin, their precarious situation may finally have become untenable.
Looks like I'm going to be an outlier on this one, but it just did not work for me. If you can suspend *all* the disbelief and don't mind some fairly prominent religious overtones, this may work better for you.
At first I was really into this. It has strong The Searcher vibes, and a comparison to Tana French is a big compliment from me. The thing is, while the writing here was lovely, it did not make sense within the narrative. Cooper simply would not speak this way, which makes the choice of first person narration odd. To the point of being jarring at times. There would be moments when the author seemed to remember she wanted him to have more humble roots and he would say things like "The day after me and Finch see the girl..." but the rest of the time the prose was eloquent and elevated. Finch also spoke and wrote far beyond her years. There's an argument to be made that if an 8 year old had nothing else to do all day but read, this may be the case. But she had very limited reading material and her only teacher is her father whose education ended with high school.
The rest of my problems with realism are difficult to detail without spoilers, but suffice it to say I had some major issues with how the legal, criminal justice, and social service systems supposedly functioned here. Often I'm more able to set aside these types of inaccuracies in mysteries and thrillers, but this felt like a book that was leaning much more toward the literary fiction end of things, and thus I'm going to judge it more harshly. It was hard to take this book all that seriously.
As for the ending, well. I have some thoughts. I wish I could share those thoughts, but I try to keep things spoiler free. I do think it's an emotionally satisfying ending, though certainly not intellectually satisfying. So depending on one's mood and what they are looking for in their reading experience, it will be hit or miss.
2.5 that I'm rounding up because I can recognize why other readers would enjoy this more.
Looks like I'm going to be an outlier on this one, but it just did not work for me. If you can suspend *all* the disbelief and don't mind some fairly prominent religious overtones, this may work better for you.
At first I was really into this. It has strong The Searcher vibes, and a comparison to Tana French is a big compliment from me. The thing is, while the writing here was lovely, it did not make sense within the narrative. Cooper simply would not speak this way, which makes the choice of first person narration odd. To the point of being jarring at times. There would be moments when the author seemed to remember she wanted him to have more humble roots and he would say things like "The day after me and Finch see the girl..." but the rest of the time the prose was eloquent and elevated. Finch also spoke and wrote far beyond her years. There's an argument to be made that if an 8 year old had nothing else to do all day but read, this may be the case. But she had very limited reading material and her only teacher is her father whose education ended with high school.
The rest of my problems with realism are difficult to detail without spoilers, but suffice it to say I had some major issues with how the legal, criminal justice, and social service systems supposedly functioned here. Often I'm more able to set aside these types of inaccuracies in mysteries and thrillers, but this felt like a book that was leaning much more toward the literary fiction end of things, and thus I'm going to judge it more harshly. It was hard to take this book all that seriously.
As for the ending, well. I have some thoughts. I wish I could share those thoughts, but I try to keep things spoiler free. I do think it's an emotionally satisfying ending, though certainly not intellectually satisfying. So depending on one's mood and what they are looking for in their reading experience, it will be hit or miss.
2.5 that I'm rounding up because I can recognize why other readers would enjoy this more.
January 19, 2022
We have a cabin just north of the city. Close enough to get to and tucked away. where one can hike and fish in a river or swim with the leaches in the small lakes.
But the one thing I can’t stand- besides the bugs in the late spring- is being isolated. It makes me feel like Jason could be lurking in the forest. Yikes. We don’t have the luxury of guns so we sit around the camp fire and make s’mores and drink instead. Hoping our imagination will mute with the sugar and the liquor.
These woods sound similar. Creatures lurking as well as a few humans. A man has taken his daughter there a number of years ago to escape. His girlfriend passed away and custody of his daughter was at risk.
8 years have since passed. But when their annual friend doesn’t make an appearance and a girl goes missing in those woods, their life as they know it comes into jeopardy.
An atmospheric one. You can breathe the dirt and foliage, and see and hear the birds and animals. The crunching of the snow breaking the silence.
Choices, regrets & making amends.
The ending had me a bit conflicted so hence the 4⭐️ But a good page turner.
But the one thing I can’t stand- besides the bugs in the late spring- is being isolated. It makes me feel like Jason could be lurking in the forest. Yikes. We don’t have the luxury of guns so we sit around the camp fire and make s’mores and drink instead. Hoping our imagination will mute with the sugar and the liquor.
These woods sound similar. Creatures lurking as well as a few humans. A man has taken his daughter there a number of years ago to escape. His girlfriend passed away and custody of his daughter was at risk.
8 years have since passed. But when their annual friend doesn’t make an appearance and a girl goes missing in those woods, their life as they know it comes into jeopardy.
An atmospheric one. You can breathe the dirt and foliage, and see and hear the birds and animals. The crunching of the snow breaking the silence.
Choices, regrets & making amends.
The ending had me a bit conflicted so hence the 4⭐️ But a good page turner.
January 31, 2022
Meet Cooper. Cooper did something bad many years ago and now lives in the woods with his young daughter Finch.
They live off the land and rarely see another living soul aside from their creepy neighbor Scotland.
"Howdy, I'm Scotland!"
Cooper is running not just from the law, but also from his demons. As content as he is to be living out in the woods like Grizzly Adams, he has a constant fear of being discovered by trespassers or turned into the police by weird ol' Scotland.
Young Finch has never been to school or a store or anywhere else other people go. She hasn't left their chunk of the woods since her father brought her there as an infant. She knows only Daddy, Scotland, and Daddy's friend Jake who brings them supplies once a year.
"Hello! My name is Finch! What's yours?"
So all is going well and I was really drawn into this book. The author writes well and descriptively and the story is slow-moving and introspective which I like. Despite being mildly annoyed at the Christian undertones, I thought this would be a four or five star book.
But half way through, Marie enters the scene.
Marie is Jake's younger sister, all grown up. She is also the first woman Cooper has laid eyes on in eight years. You can guess where that goes. Now this non-thrilling thriller morphs into a sappy-ass romance.
We get to read all about Cooper's feelings for Marie and yada yada yada.
Even though things get more precarious for Cooper when a photographer trespasses on their land (the book becomes a little more suspenseful - if you stretch the definition), the budding love story was So. Freaking. Boring.
And if that isn't bad enough, we get more religion thrown in.
There are publishing houses that put out nothing but Christian fiction. This couldn't have been published through one of them? We now have to have Christianity preached at us in what we are led to believe are secular books?
However, I would probably have overlooked it if the author hadn't demonized atheists. That pissed me off.
Marie, soon after meeting Cooper, tells him she's recently divorced. She had been young when she met her ex and didn't realize what kind of man he truly was.
The only things we learn about this man is that: 1) He had an affair, 2) Her parents and brother loathed and distrusted him, 3) He was very bad, and (presumably because) 4) he was an outspoken atheist.
Nothing about what kind of work he did or the hobbies he had. Nothing about his personality. No. The only thing the reader needs to know to understand how bad he was is that he is an atheist -- "There was something poisonous about him, I see that now."
Yes, because we all know atheists eat babies for breakfast and have no morals. They don't have a god who they fear will punish them, or reward them if they're good, and so they do all kinds of horrendous things.
BTW, if the only reason theists refrain from harming others is because they're afraid of being punished, that scares me. I try not to hurt people and animals simply because I don't want to cause pain or harm to other living beings.
Isn't it enough to know we shouldn't do to others what we don't want done to us? (And no, the Golden Rule didn't originate with Jesus. His version of doing to others as we would have done to us is not as good as the original of not doing to others what we don't want done to us. After all, would you want a masochist treating you as they wish to be treated?
I resent this stereotype of atheists that we have no morals. I live as though I have more morals than many, many believers I know. To have this stereotype upheld in a novel pisses me off. The character who is the most helpful and loving is a Christian who likes to sing Christian songs and quote bible verses, and the character-in-passing who is evil, poisonous, and apparently has no redeeming qualities is an atheist.
Yes, the author writes well, but the stereotypes and preaching about grace and how we're all sinners and undeserving and blah, blah, blah.... not to mention the romantic element of the book puts it firmly in the one star category for me.
September 5, 2021
A soldier.......in a place faraway.
This one gutted me. Up-ended me in its telling.
These Silent Woods scratches at those places in the heart that are sacred. Those dark corners in which we only allow those who hear the same hymn of humanity that we do. That not everything in this world is plainly black and white or can be explained with the given words of others. And the admitting that love is complicated from start to finish. It's as personal as the breath we breathe.
Kenny Morrison is one of tens of thousands of nineteen year olds who stepped forward to serve his country much like those similar in the Vietnam War. His life was typical in youth when there are not a lot of avenues for those born with limited finances and expectations. Kenny served three tours in Kabul, Afghanistan finishing well in Ranger School during the "War On Terror". But like Vietnam Vets, Kenny experienced the unspeakable. His mind wrestled with his thoughts. The visuals swam back and forth inside his head. Surely, he suffered from PTSD, but like all the others, you swallowed it down.
Upon returning stateside, Kenny connected with his high school sweetheart, Cindy. They both existed at different ends of the tangent. Cindy's parents were wealthy and Kenny's mother abandoned him as a child. But they clung together and the result was their infant daughter, Grace Elizabeth. And here's where the story escalates as Kenny runs off with his daughter after Cindy's death. Her parents aimed to take the baby away from him.
Kenny now known as "Cooper" and Grace is known as "Finch". They take refuge in a cabin in the Appalachian mountains owned by his fellow military friend, Jake. We will come to know the hardships that face both father and daughter through these years. The only neighbor they have is Scotland who checks on them occasionally. Cooper vows to never reveal their past.
Kimi Cunningham Grant is a gifted writer. She has an uncanny way of keeping her finger on the pulse of these individual characters. We will feel "the shift" that is happening as the years go by and the adjustments that must be made to keep Finch safe. The father/daughter relationship is a solid one even though Cooper has not much of a blueprint of what a family actually may be. And when others intrude in this forest hideaway, decisions must be made under heartrendering circumstances. Don't miss this one. It's not just a read but an experience.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Kimi Cunningham Grant for the opportunity.
This one gutted me. Up-ended me in its telling.
These Silent Woods scratches at those places in the heart that are sacred. Those dark corners in which we only allow those who hear the same hymn of humanity that we do. That not everything in this world is plainly black and white or can be explained with the given words of others. And the admitting that love is complicated from start to finish. It's as personal as the breath we breathe.
Kenny Morrison is one of tens of thousands of nineteen year olds who stepped forward to serve his country much like those similar in the Vietnam War. His life was typical in youth when there are not a lot of avenues for those born with limited finances and expectations. Kenny served three tours in Kabul, Afghanistan finishing well in Ranger School during the "War On Terror". But like Vietnam Vets, Kenny experienced the unspeakable. His mind wrestled with his thoughts. The visuals swam back and forth inside his head. Surely, he suffered from PTSD, but like all the others, you swallowed it down.
Upon returning stateside, Kenny connected with his high school sweetheart, Cindy. They both existed at different ends of the tangent. Cindy's parents were wealthy and Kenny's mother abandoned him as a child. But they clung together and the result was their infant daughter, Grace Elizabeth. And here's where the story escalates as Kenny runs off with his daughter after Cindy's death. Her parents aimed to take the baby away from him.
Kenny now known as "Cooper" and Grace is known as "Finch". They take refuge in a cabin in the Appalachian mountains owned by his fellow military friend, Jake. We will come to know the hardships that face both father and daughter through these years. The only neighbor they have is Scotland who checks on them occasionally. Cooper vows to never reveal their past.
Kimi Cunningham Grant is a gifted writer. She has an uncanny way of keeping her finger on the pulse of these individual characters. We will feel "the shift" that is happening as the years go by and the adjustments that must be made to keep Finch safe. The father/daughter relationship is a solid one even though Cooper has not much of a blueprint of what a family actually may be. And when others intrude in this forest hideaway, decisions must be made under heartrendering circumstances. Don't miss this one. It's not just a read but an experience.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Kimi Cunningham Grant for the opportunity.
September 20, 2023
My thanks to Kimi Cunningham Grant, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley. I've read one other book from this author. Fallen Mountain's? Something like that. I was impressed. This story? Again, I'm impressed! It's not just the tale, it's the people. The characters. Ms. Grant is a rock star at developing people. Also, can I just give some minor character love to Scotland?.😍👣🐳😢🎵🐧. I had read a review where they cried at the end. So, it made me a wee bit skittish! No need! I was worried as heck, but overall I loved the ending. Also, it takes a lot for my shriveled up, beef jerky "but nicely spiced" heart to twist and make me cry! O.K., I may have shed a tear it 4. Shut up! 😬☔I have nothing but praise for this woman!
September 23, 2021
Kimi Cunningham Grant has written another beautiful, character rich story.
Cooper left his old life 8 years ago after the death of his girlfriend. He and his now 8 year old daughter, Finch, are hiding out in the Appalachian mountains. Grant paints the forest and their life in such a way that you can picture every scene. It’s a quiet, simple life, without any of the frills we have in the “civilized” world. They only see two other people. Jake is Cooper’s ex- military buddy who owns the cabin they live in. And Scotland is their weird neighbor.
This isn’t a fast paced mystery. It’s more of a suspenseful story, wondering first why Cooper left and then how long their life can continue before they’re found out, especially when a young woman encroaches on their space. There’s an underlying sense of tension throughout the story.
I felt for both Cooper and Finch, for very different reasons. Cooper has made some bad decisions and boxed himself into a corner. Finch is so young and trusting with the high moral certitude of the young. And then they are faced with a moral dilemma. The ending was perfect as it explores what we will do for those we love.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Cooper left his old life 8 years ago after the death of his girlfriend. He and his now 8 year old daughter, Finch, are hiding out in the Appalachian mountains. Grant paints the forest and their life in such a way that you can picture every scene. It’s a quiet, simple life, without any of the frills we have in the “civilized” world. They only see two other people. Jake is Cooper’s ex- military buddy who owns the cabin they live in. And Scotland is their weird neighbor.
This isn’t a fast paced mystery. It’s more of a suspenseful story, wondering first why Cooper left and then how long their life can continue before they’re found out, especially when a young woman encroaches on their space. There’s an underlying sense of tension throughout the story.
I felt for both Cooper and Finch, for very different reasons. Cooper has made some bad decisions and boxed himself into a corner. Finch is so young and trusting with the high moral certitude of the young. And then they are faced with a moral dilemma. The ending was perfect as it explores what we will do for those we love.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
December 25, 2021
Oh, you got me Kimi Cunningham Grant!! I was so sure this is a 3-3.5 star book, and she brought me to tears just before the book ends.
A very small cast of characters, Cooper and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch live off the grid in an Army friend's (Jake) remote cabin in the Appalachian mountains. Jake delivers supplies on an annual basis. They have a creepy neighbor, Scotland.
Cooper has PTSD from his deployment in Afghanistan and resulted in panic attacks from time to time. It's very sad when Finch has to witness these episodes. I enjoy their simple daily life in the wild. I won't spoil you with why they are living in the deep forest, but this is a thriller worth reading.
I started with reading this book on a kindle and really enjoyed it. Hooked. But with a hectic schedule, I switched to listening for the remainder of the book and have to admit I have moments where I was bored. I would recommend reading this one.
A very small cast of characters, Cooper and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch live off the grid in an Army friend's (Jake) remote cabin in the Appalachian mountains. Jake delivers supplies on an annual basis. They have a creepy neighbor, Scotland.
Cooper has PTSD from his deployment in Afghanistan and resulted in panic attacks from time to time. It's very sad when Finch has to witness these episodes. I enjoy their simple daily life in the wild. I won't spoil you with why they are living in the deep forest, but this is a thriller worth reading.
I started with reading this book on a kindle and really enjoyed it. Hooked. But with a hectic schedule, I switched to listening for the remainder of the book and have to admit I have moments where I was bored. I would recommend reading this one.
October 2, 2022
4.5⭐️
More often than not I end up disappointed with books with a lot of hype surrounding them . So, naturally, I had my reservations about investing my time in reading this novel. But I am glad my curiosity got the better of me and I did not miss out on this beautifully written, atmospheric and moving novel about survival, a father’s unconditional love for his child, kindness, sacrifice and above all, grace.
“The thing about grace is that you don’t deserve it. You can’t earn it. You can only accept it. Or not.”
Cooper and his eight year old daughter Finch are living under assumed names in a remote cabin deep in the northern Appalachian woods. The cabin is owned by Cooper’s ex-army buddy, Jake who visits them once a year with supplies to last the duration till his next visit. Isolated, living off the grid their only contact with the outside world is Jake and their neighbor Scotland , who Cooper regards with more a little suspicion but whom Finch is fond of and considers her friend. Fond of animals with a love for reading and exploring the woods with her father and often on solo trips with a reasonable distance, Finch is curious of the world outside and of the people in it. Cooper suffers from PTSD which manifests in the form of panic attacks when triggered but is a loving and devoted father to Finch. When they notice a young girl on one of their walks in their neck of the woods, Copper is worried about being discovered , having his reasons for living the way he does, however, with no friends of her own Finch is curious about the girl and eager to interact with people outside her little world. Cooper’s past and his reasons for choosing to live the way he does is a mystery that is explored as the story progresses. Finch’s growing restlessness, Jake’s failing to appear on the designated date, the appearance of the girl close to his dwellings and other unforeseen events force Cooper to venture outside his self-imposed boundaries and as the tension builds Cooper finds himself in a situation that weighs heavily on both his and Finch’s safety and his conscience. As tensions build he is forced to make a difficult choice that would irrevocably alter their lives.
With a slow start the narrative gradually picks up the pace as the story progresses and I felt my heart pounding through the last quarter of the book. With its compelling narrative, lush descriptions of the natural beauty of the Appalachian forests and its wildlife and a cast of characters who will touch your heart , These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a novel that will stay with me for a long time.
“I’ve always believed that if something was meant to happen, you’d have a second chance at it. But never have I been so bold as to believe in a third or even a fourth chance. Almost like the world was trying to hand you something good after all it had dealt you your whole life was heartache, like it had changed its position on who you were and what you could have. Call it what you will: karma or good luck or maybe something more. Grace.”
More often than not I end up disappointed with books with a lot of hype surrounding them . So, naturally, I had my reservations about investing my time in reading this novel. But I am glad my curiosity got the better of me and I did not miss out on this beautifully written, atmospheric and moving novel about survival, a father’s unconditional love for his child, kindness, sacrifice and above all, grace.
“The thing about grace is that you don’t deserve it. You can’t earn it. You can only accept it. Or not.”
Cooper and his eight year old daughter Finch are living under assumed names in a remote cabin deep in the northern Appalachian woods. The cabin is owned by Cooper’s ex-army buddy, Jake who visits them once a year with supplies to last the duration till his next visit. Isolated, living off the grid their only contact with the outside world is Jake and their neighbor Scotland , who Cooper regards with more a little suspicion but whom Finch is fond of and considers her friend. Fond of animals with a love for reading and exploring the woods with her father and often on solo trips with a reasonable distance, Finch is curious of the world outside and of the people in it. Cooper suffers from PTSD which manifests in the form of panic attacks when triggered but is a loving and devoted father to Finch. When they notice a young girl on one of their walks in their neck of the woods, Copper is worried about being discovered , having his reasons for living the way he does, however, with no friends of her own Finch is curious about the girl and eager to interact with people outside her little world. Cooper’s past and his reasons for choosing to live the way he does is a mystery that is explored as the story progresses. Finch’s growing restlessness, Jake’s failing to appear on the designated date, the appearance of the girl close to his dwellings and other unforeseen events force Cooper to venture outside his self-imposed boundaries and as the tension builds Cooper finds himself in a situation that weighs heavily on both his and Finch’s safety and his conscience. As tensions build he is forced to make a difficult choice that would irrevocably alter their lives.
With a slow start the narrative gradually picks up the pace as the story progresses and I felt my heart pounding through the last quarter of the book. With its compelling narrative, lush descriptions of the natural beauty of the Appalachian forests and its wildlife and a cast of characters who will touch your heart , These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a novel that will stay with me for a long time.
“I’ve always believed that if something was meant to happen, you’d have a second chance at it. But never have I been so bold as to believe in a third or even a fourth chance. Almost like the world was trying to hand you something good after all it had dealt you your whole life was heartache, like it had changed its position on who you were and what you could have. Call it what you will: karma or good luck or maybe something more. Grace.”
November 17, 2021
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a suspenseful and atmospheric novel about a father and daughter who live in complete isolation in the Appalachian mountains. Perfect for a cold rainy, or winter day.
For eight years, Cooper has been raising Finch, his daughter, in an isolated forest since she was an infant. They live in a cabin without electricity, running water, and no connection to anyone except an unwanted neighbour. A friend of Finch's comes by once a year, but the rest of the time, Cooper and Finch live in isolation.
Cooper is content hiding from his past but is slowly realizing he cannot avoid it indefinitely. Not only is Finch becoming more curious as she grows up, but also it is not a sustainable lifestyle. When everything starts spiralling out of control, Cooper must deal with the consequences of his actions much sooner than anticipated.
This novel was a quick, moody read that picked up in the last fifty pages or so.
I loved Finch. She is super-intelligent and loves to read anything and everything, including the Ancient Greeks. Finch is also deeply attuned to the forest and reacts as naturally to it as her father, if not more so, which is saying something since he is ex-military.
Indeed, I was very invested in this story about the depths a father would go to when faced with losing everything he holds dear.
Thank you to Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.
For eight years, Cooper has been raising Finch, his daughter, in an isolated forest since she was an infant. They live in a cabin without electricity, running water, and no connection to anyone except an unwanted neighbour. A friend of Finch's comes by once a year, but the rest of the time, Cooper and Finch live in isolation.
Cooper is content hiding from his past but is slowly realizing he cannot avoid it indefinitely. Not only is Finch becoming more curious as she grows up, but also it is not a sustainable lifestyle. When everything starts spiralling out of control, Cooper must deal with the consequences of his actions much sooner than anticipated.
This novel was a quick, moody read that picked up in the last fifty pages or so.
I loved Finch. She is super-intelligent and loves to read anything and everything, including the Ancient Greeks. Finch is also deeply attuned to the forest and reacts as naturally to it as her father, if not more so, which is saying something since he is ex-military.
Indeed, I was very invested in this story about the depths a father would go to when faced with losing everything he holds dear.
Thank you to Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 6, 2021
A favorite, perfect for fall reading. leaves 🍁 🍁 🍁 🍁 🍁
Kimi Cummingham Grant’s Fallen Mountains is another favorite of mine. Grant is the queen of atmospheric stories.
These Silent Woods is set deep in the Appalachian mountains. Cooper and his daughter Finch live in a remote cabin with no electricity. Why? Because Cooper is hiding.
Finch is an avid reader, and she starts asking questions and is seeking more freedom. Only two people know their location, and when one doesn’t arrive with their supplies, things erupt quickly.
A stranger moves into the woods, and that only adds fuel to the fire. The tension builds from the very first page. Full of emotion and masterful storytelling, I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Kimi Cummingham Grant’s Fallen Mountains is another favorite of mine. Grant is the queen of atmospheric stories.
These Silent Woods is set deep in the Appalachian mountains. Cooper and his daughter Finch live in a remote cabin with no electricity. Why? Because Cooper is hiding.
Finch is an avid reader, and she starts asking questions and is seeking more freedom. Only two people know their location, and when one doesn’t arrive with their supplies, things erupt quickly.
A stranger moves into the woods, and that only adds fuel to the fire. The tension builds from the very first page. Full of emotion and masterful storytelling, I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 1, 2021
I am definitely an outlier when it comes to this books. Tons of praise from everyone else, so take this with a grain of salt. But… I was bored.
July 28, 2022
4 stars
For eight years Cooper has lived with his daughter in a cabin in the middle of the woods with little to no contact with the outside world. Once a year their friend brings them supplies to get them through the winter, but this year he doesn’t and it sets off a chain of events that throws Coopers world into a spiral. Cooper has a secret, and now all these years later it may be exposed.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, I went in mostly blind with no expectations. But this was definitely more of an atmospheric thriller that relied on tone and suspicion to drive the story more than plot. We got a lot of flashbacks and slice of life descriptions, the thriller part didn’t come until much later. I enjoyed listening to this book and was pleasantly surprised by the ending, I didn’t really see it coming and it was better than I anticipated.
For eight years Cooper has lived with his daughter in a cabin in the middle of the woods with little to no contact with the outside world. Once a year their friend brings them supplies to get them through the winter, but this year he doesn’t and it sets off a chain of events that throws Coopers world into a spiral. Cooper has a secret, and now all these years later it may be exposed.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, I went in mostly blind with no expectations. But this was definitely more of an atmospheric thriller that relied on tone and suspicion to drive the story more than plot. We got a lot of flashbacks and slice of life descriptions, the thriller part didn’t come until much later. I enjoyed listening to this book and was pleasantly surprised by the ending, I didn’t really see it coming and it was better than I anticipated.
January 3, 2023
Wtf why did no one tell me this was gonna make me sob???
November 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
’I am larger, better than I thought, I did not know I held so much goodness.’
-- Walt Whitman
Set in the remote regions of the Appalachian mountains, Cooper and his daughter, Finch, have lived in these woods for eight years as this story begins. Cooper, a war veteran with a history of PTSD, has a secret about his past that he is hiding from Finch, who was just an infant when her mother died shortly after Finch was born, a car accident that took her life.
There is an older neighbor nearby, who goes by Scotland, one who Cooper doesn’t trust - and who would, the way he arrives without a sound warning them that an intruder is on the property. Property that doesn’t technically belong to them, but to the family of a friend of Cooper’s from the war, Jake, who tells him he is welcome to stay there as long as he needs. It is a simple life, devoid of things we take for granted, family and friends, although they do not yearn for more than they have. They have enough to eat, chickens to raise, books for Finch to read, and woods to protect them from the world. For Cooper, to hide from the past. Until one year, after losing two of their chickens, Jake doesn’t arrive, as he has every year before, to deliver their annual food and supplies.
He is forced to go to a Walmart far enough away and early enough in the day not to be crowded, not to be noticed. But Finch is now old enough to question why her father won’t take her into stores, leaving her hiding under covers in the back seat while he shops.
Out in the woods, hunting, they hear a noise, and then a voice. The voice of a girl, not a child but not quite a woman yet, taking photographs in the woods nearby.
Finch becomes obsessed with her, creating her own fairy tale for this elusive young woman. To Finch, she is a princess trying to escape the confines of her life, to know what lies beyond the gates of her kingdom. Soon, she begins to wander through the woods despite her father’s warnings, putting their fragile life into danger.
Soon, Finch isn’t the only one obsessed with this young woman. Her family has been searching for her, and the search for her begins in the woods that surround the home where Cooper thought they were safe from those who could take it all away. He must make a decision, to continue to hide from his past, or to finally expose his past to Finch and the world, and face the consequences.
While there is an atmosphere of tension and suspense as this story, especially as this story draws to a close, I wouldn’t classify this as a thriller. It is, however, a heartfelt story of sacrifice, a father whose love for his daughter is strong enough to forsake his own happiness to ensure hers.
Published: 16 Nov 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books
December 7, 2021
These Silent Woods is a phenomenal story of a father and daughter, living off the grid in the Appalachians, that I will not soon forget! It's one of those stories written so exceptionally well that it felt like one of those beloved classics we are forced to read while in school.
The story revolves around Cooper, who is a veteran with PTSD, and his eight-year-old daughter Finch, who have lived in his friend’s cabin since Finch was a toddler. They live a life of simplicity and isolation, which is exactly how Cooper wants it. You see, Cooper did something eight years earlier that forced him into hiding. Nobody knows where he and Finch are, except Jake, a fellow veteran and owner of the cabin, and his neighbor, a local hermit named Scotland.
Jake makes the 9-hour journey to the cabin annually, providing them with enough supplies to last the year, until this year when he doesn’t show. Knowing exactly what this means, Cooper is forced to make the journey for supplies on his own, risking exposure. To add further complication, a local wildlife photographer wanders into their woods and then inexplicably disappears, leading to multiple search parties in the cabin’s immediate area. As the investigation into the young woman's disappearance intensifies, and the tension escalates, leading Cooper to make a life-altering decision. A heartbreaking, sacrificial decision he’s been dreading for eight long years. What is it that Cooper is hiding???!!
Talk about a richly atmospheric, compulsively readable, suspenseful mystery!! I could not put this book down the final 100 pages! It’s one of those books you know will leave you gutted, and you dread finishing because of it, yet must keep reading because you just must know how it all unfolds – I LOVED it!! By the conclusion of this novel, I realized I had fallen in love with all the wonderfully fleshed-out characters, especially, and surprisingly, Scotland! Talk about an intriguing, complex character. If I'd have to give any critique, I'd say I wish Scotland's character were given a voice - every scene he was in was entertaining, to say the least!
To give others some idea, if I had to compare this to a recent novel, I would say it reads like a favorite of mine, Where the Crawdads Sing, which is an incredible feat in itself!
This will undoubtedly and undeniably go down as one of my top five best reads of the year, hands-down!! This probably goes without saying, but I’m a new fan of Kimi Cunningham Grant’s – it’s insane this was her debut! I’m on pins and needles in anticipation of her next release!!
The story revolves around Cooper, who is a veteran with PTSD, and his eight-year-old daughter Finch, who have lived in his friend’s cabin since Finch was a toddler. They live a life of simplicity and isolation, which is exactly how Cooper wants it. You see, Cooper did something eight years earlier that forced him into hiding. Nobody knows where he and Finch are, except Jake, a fellow veteran and owner of the cabin, and his neighbor, a local hermit named Scotland.
Jake makes the 9-hour journey to the cabin annually, providing them with enough supplies to last the year, until this year when he doesn’t show. Knowing exactly what this means, Cooper is forced to make the journey for supplies on his own, risking exposure. To add further complication, a local wildlife photographer wanders into their woods and then inexplicably disappears, leading to multiple search parties in the cabin’s immediate area. As the investigation into the young woman's disappearance intensifies, and the tension escalates, leading Cooper to make a life-altering decision. A heartbreaking, sacrificial decision he’s been dreading for eight long years. What is it that Cooper is hiding???!!
Talk about a richly atmospheric, compulsively readable, suspenseful mystery!! I could not put this book down the final 100 pages! It’s one of those books you know will leave you gutted, and you dread finishing because of it, yet must keep reading because you just must know how it all unfolds – I LOVED it!! By the conclusion of this novel, I realized I had fallen in love with all the wonderfully fleshed-out characters, especially, and surprisingly, Scotland! Talk about an intriguing, complex character. If I'd have to give any critique, I'd say I wish Scotland's character were given a voice - every scene he was in was entertaining, to say the least!
To give others some idea, if I had to compare this to a recent novel, I would say it reads like a favorite of mine, Where the Crawdads Sing, which is an incredible feat in itself!
This will undoubtedly and undeniably go down as one of my top five best reads of the year, hands-down!! This probably goes without saying, but I’m a new fan of Kimi Cunningham Grant’s – it’s insane this was her debut! I’m on pins and needles in anticipation of her next release!!
December 18, 2021
An enjoyable novel set in the remote Appalachian Mountains. I enjoyed the setting of the novel and the sense of time and place, the plot was suspenseful and entertaining and kept me interested throughout, having said that there were a couple of happenings in the novel that I just didn’t find believable hence my 3 star rating as opposed to 4.
Firstly I have to admit I was completely drawn in by the stunning cover of this book.
I really enjoyed the Father / daughter relationship and understood Coopers reasons for bolting. I loved the slow pace of the story and it helped connect with the remote setting and of the novel. The characters were interesting and vivid and came alive in the book. However for me there were a couple of happenings in the story that didn't feel believable and I struggled with the ending of the novel.
An enjoyable read but not a book for my real life bookshelf.
Firstly I have to admit I was completely drawn in by the stunning cover of this book.
I really enjoyed the Father / daughter relationship and understood Coopers reasons for bolting. I loved the slow pace of the story and it helped connect with the remote setting and of the novel. The characters were interesting and vivid and came alive in the book. However for me there were a couple of happenings in the story that didn't feel believable and I struggled with the ending of the novel.
An enjoyable read but not a book for my real life bookshelf.
February 1, 2024
Living off the grid is not an easy thing to do but somehow Cooper and his eight year old daughter Finch have made it work. Deep out in the woods in a small cabin with just the necessities to survive in the wilderness this father and daughter team work and love hard to make this a simple yet comfortable life. Only one neighbor a strange veteran called Scotland who Finch adores and Cooper doesn't like or trust and Coop's old army buddy Jake who owns the cabin and brings up all their supplies once a year so Coop doesn't have to venture anywhere in public. Cooper has some very dark secrets which forced him to make this change in his life so that he and Finch could stay together.
Finch is Coop's only reason for living and he loves her so fiercely that hewould lay down his life or kill someone if he had to in order to keep her safe, many have said these words but for Cooper they are an iron law of life. Cooper has raised Finch in these silent woods since she was an infant and they have always been happy and made do but now that Finch is getting older she is starting to push back and wonders about the world outside of her books and the the forest creatures that have been her only friends.
One day a stranger wanders in the woods maybe lost, maybe not but Cooper has a gut feeling that the beautiful life they have been living is finally going to change and they are not yet ready for this type of change to happen. Finch watches this stranger from afar and is memorized and excited and begins creating fantasies around this unknown intruder. Cooper feels edgy and anxious each day while bringing back episodes of his PTSD which are destructive to his psyche and also for little Finch to witness. Will Coop and Finch be able to live out their lives in harmony or will everything come crashing down upon them all at once to finally tear them apart?
This was a fantastic story told with a beauty of emotion and such creative writing that I just didn't want the book to come to an end. I fell in love with this wonderful father and child and never wanted anything bad to happen to them. This is the first book that I have read by the author "Kimi Cunningham Grant" and I will be seeking out more of her books because her writing was breathtaking at times and drew me in, mind and heart and I could almost see and smell all the wonderful aspects if the woods and hear the sounds of nature, animals, and insects right outside their door. The suspense always hovered subtly in the background while the beauty of the fierce love between the two never became tiresome, all due to the exquisite writing by this imaginative author who made the story come to life. I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this novel that had myself feeling so many emotions from the beginning until the end. I very highly recommend this book to all readers who want to read a suspense/mystery with a lot of heart.
I want to thank the publisher "St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books" and Net galley for the opportunity to read this wonderful story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific book a rating of 5 BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
Finch is Coop's only reason for living and he loves her so fiercely that hewould lay down his life or kill someone if he had to in order to keep her safe, many have said these words but for Cooper they are an iron law of life. Cooper has raised Finch in these silent woods since she was an infant and they have always been happy and made do but now that Finch is getting older she is starting to push back and wonders about the world outside of her books and the the forest creatures that have been her only friends.
One day a stranger wanders in the woods maybe lost, maybe not but Cooper has a gut feeling that the beautiful life they have been living is finally going to change and they are not yet ready for this type of change to happen. Finch watches this stranger from afar and is memorized and excited and begins creating fantasies around this unknown intruder. Cooper feels edgy and anxious each day while bringing back episodes of his PTSD which are destructive to his psyche and also for little Finch to witness. Will Coop and Finch be able to live out their lives in harmony or will everything come crashing down upon them all at once to finally tear them apart?
This was a fantastic story told with a beauty of emotion and such creative writing that I just didn't want the book to come to an end. I fell in love with this wonderful father and child and never wanted anything bad to happen to them. This is the first book that I have read by the author "Kimi Cunningham Grant" and I will be seeking out more of her books because her writing was breathtaking at times and drew me in, mind and heart and I could almost see and smell all the wonderful aspects if the woods and hear the sounds of nature, animals, and insects right outside their door. The suspense always hovered subtly in the background while the beauty of the fierce love between the two never became tiresome, all due to the exquisite writing by this imaginative author who made the story come to life. I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this novel that had myself feeling so many emotions from the beginning until the end. I very highly recommend this book to all readers who want to read a suspense/mystery with a lot of heart.
I want to thank the publisher "St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books" and Net galley for the opportunity to read this wonderful story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific book a rating of 5 BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
October 23, 2021
“There is a word for such unmerited favor. That word is ‘Grace.’ The thing about grace is that you don’t deserve it. You can’t earn it. You can only accept it. Or not.”
Cooper, a war veteran dealing with PTSD, has been raising his daughter Finch in a remote cabin in the Appalachian woods for eight years. No one knows where they are except for his friend Jake, who brings supplies once a year, and a mysterious man named Scotland, who pops by unannounced when he least expects it. When Jake doesn’t show up with supplies and they see a strange woman wandering the woods, Cooper realizes that their lives are about to be turned upside down. Soon, Jake is confronted with a very difficult choice. Should he continue hiding or face the consequences of what he did all those years ago?
These Silent Woods is definitely not an edge of your seat type of thriller. In fact, it is more of a slow burn story with a pinch of suspense. Typically, this is not my favorite type of read, but I was pleasantly surprised with how invested I was in these absolutely phenomenal characters. The writing is fantastic! It will grab you from the very first page and pull you into the atmospheric and haunting story, which is filled with so much emotional depth.
Do not expect a survivalist story. Cooper and Finch live in an upscale cabin, have plenty of money, and never seem to want for anything. They even take a trip to Walmart! Instead, Grant explores the themes of war, love, friendship and religion in this book.
However, a few points made me lower my rating just a bit. Finch is only eight years old, but seems much more mature than her age through her words and actions. She is homeschooled by her father, but only has the books left in the cabin by Jake’s family to read and study. Most of which are books of poetry. Also, there is a fair amount of time spent hunting and describing dead animals. These sections did not appeal to me at all.
I was absolutely blindsided by the ending! I loved how all of the pieces of the plot came together and it was very satisfying. I even enjoyed the epilogue!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy more “feel good” types of books, but this savvy thriller lover is now a fan as well!
4.5/5 stars rounded down
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of These Silent Woods in exchange for an honest review.
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