by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Casey Duncan #4
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
The secret town of Rockton has seen some rocky times lately; understandable considering its mix of criminals and victims fleeing society for refuge within its Yukon borders. Casey Duncan, the town's only detective on a police force of three, has already faced murder, arson and falling in love in less than the year that she's lived there. Yet even she didn't think it would be possible for an outsider to find and cause trouble in the town she's come to call home.
When a US Marshal shows up in town demanding the release of one of the residents, Casey and her boyfriend, Sheriff Dalton, are skeptical. And yet only hours later, the marshal is shot dead and the only visible suspects are the townspeople and her estranged sister, in town for just the weekend. It's up to Casey to figure out who murdered the marshal, and why they would kill to keep him quiet.
Watcher in the Woods is the fourth book set in the remote/off the grid Yukon town of Rockton where people go to hide and trouble seems to find them. Addictive and suspenseful Armstrong has me hooked on this series.
The series seems to have been renamed Rockton on Goodreads, but still shows as Casey Duncan on Amazon. Ugh. Whatever series they decide on it is fine by me because it rocks!
Casey Duncan went into hiding with her friend and found a place to call home. She works as a detective with her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton. With limited resources, and the mysterious Council failing to provide basic medical care, Eric and Casey reach out to her estranged sister. It shocks Casey when she agrees to return with them.
Things get tense when a man claiming to be a US Marshal arrives. Rockton may be a small remote town but things are hopping in the suspense department and Casey has her hands full analyzing citizens and hunting a killer. When her estranged sister is viewed as a viable suspect, Casey needs to work even harder.
The town surrounded by woods and things that go bump in the night has an atmospheric environment that lends itself to nail-biting mysteries. The remote town has limited resources and all of its residence have secrets. They need the doctor to help a resident who was injured in the previous book. I love the unique characters, like our friendly butcher. He sees so much, I’d love to have a drink with him even if he scares the bejesus out of me.
Armstrong fully developed the tale and dropped red herrings and clues that kept me guessing. I loved the uncertainty of whom to trust and figuring out their motives. We see growth, learn more about residences and the council. I slipped in and before I knew it hours had passed. Every time I finish a book in this series I am left satisfied but eager for the next release.
While I suspect some could jump into the series here, I recommend reading them in the order of their release. Relationships, events and reveals are best enjoyed in a linear timeline.
Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong was another addictive story set in the remote Yukon town of Rockton, where everyone has a secret. #NewRelease #CaseyDuncan Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I love the sound of this one. Who doesn’t love a great thriller? Great review.
Mary
Melanie Simmons
I have really enjoyed this series so far too. I’ve heard it called both Casey Duncan and Rockton. Either works for me, as long as we keep getting fun stories. LOL. Great review.
Olivia-Savannah Roach
This one sounds like such a gripping book and that the clues dropped along the way makes it so thrilling and engaging. I have Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong on my shelf waiting for me to read and I need to get to it as soon as I can!
Rachel
So thrilled to see you loved this installment, too! I loved all the twists and turns and the way Casey smartly analyzes things out. I like the addition of her sister, but really most of the characters are fascinating, even the ones I can’t stand like Jen, Dianna and Roy! Ugh, Roy!! Fab review, Kimberly! 🙂
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOoh nice! I decided not to request this one for review this year as I soon became backlogged with Edelweiss ARCs and I am just barely done with those at the moment now! Lol. I love Kelley’s books so I was sure to preorder it regardless! Cannot wait to dive back into this series! I miss Rockton! Great review!
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
I’m so happy this series continues to rock, Kim. I love KArmstrong and I really need to get back to reading her. I’ll have to pick up this series. 🙂
Lara @ Words With Lara
This looks soooo good! I love a good thriller/mystery book and I do not read enough! I’m so glad you enjoyed this, I’m definitely adding it to my TBR. Awesome review!!
Kay @ It's a Book Life
I haven’t read a Kelley Armstrong book in a while, for really no good reason. I may have to check out this series. Thanks for another helpful review!
Nadene
I heard great things about this one. Love me a good mystery and this looks like it hit the spot.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love this series SO much. Wonderful review. The trust issue is huge with all the secrets and even those you trust often end up betraying you.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds creepy in a good way. A police force of three, dang.
sherry fundin
I read and reviewed this one too, but for some reason it didn’t click for me. I have been reading a ton of books so maybe I’m getting sensory overload. lol
Sophia Rose
Argh, I really need to get through my stack of commitment reads (though, I do not mean to make them sound bothersome) so I can keep going with this series. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Well I have to admit the title caught my attention because of the old horror film of a similar title but after reading your review this looks like a series I could take a bite out of.
Thanks Kim
kindlemom1
I am so excited for this and I can’t believe I almost missed it! I adore this series and I’m so glad it is still going strong.
Greg
Glad this was good. I just bought it and can’t WAIT to revisit Rockton. 🙂