The latest Monster Hunter Mystery by Annelise Ryan is action-packed and full of scares as cryptozoologist Morgan Carter travels to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to prove that a recent mauling death was caused by a hodag. BEAST OF THE NORTH WOODS will keep readers scanning the dark woods for a scaly-skinned, split-hooved, red-eyed creature in this excellent mystery with its signature cryptid twist.

Andy Bosworth was looking forward to a day of fishing when he heard the first scream. Stumbling on the body of a man bleeding profusely, Andy is stunned when he sees a hodag watching from the water’s edge. The creature runs off, but Andy is still in danger because the authorities soon suspect him in the man’s death. Andy has a troubled past with the victim, and it's not looking good for him. Rita Bosworth works with Morgan Carter at her Odds and Ends store. Andy is her nephew, and she convinces Morgan to travel to Rhinelander to clear Andy and prove the existence of the hodag. Morgan is skeptical because she knows the legendary creature is based on a hoax, but when she catches sight of a hooved, red-eyed creature, she’s not so sure.

Meanwhile, the townspeople are trying to save the reputation of their town’s mascot and their tourist trade by snubbing Morgan and her efforts. And somewhere out there is Morgan’s ex-fiancé, the man who killed her parents, who is shadowing her every move. As Morgan takes more risks, she gets closer to the truth, but will Morgan uncover the secrets in Rhinelander before she ends up in an icy cold grave?

BEAST OF THE NORTH WOODS is a fun-filled romp through the snowy landscape to track down a hodag. This mystery is well-written and researched, as the scientific details are thought-provoking and enlightening. The excellent storytelling is intertwined with several high-stakes situations and intriguing elements, including scary creatures, ominous townspeople, shadowy figures, footprints in the snow, a dead man, a stalking black car, art thefts, a secluded farm, genetic engineering, ethical dilemmas, and of course murder! Readers will find it all in this unique cozy mystery series that includes a dark undertone surrounding Morgan’s past as she tries to stay safe from her murderous ex-fiancé while running her store and hunting down elusive cryptids. Make sure to read the fascinating Author’s Note at the end.

BEAST OF THE NORTH WOODS is a fun-filled romp through the snowy landscape to track down a hodag. This mystery is well-written and researched, as the scientific details are thought-provoking and enlightening. The excellent storytelling is intertwined with several high-stakes situations and intriguing elements, including scary creatures, ominous townspeople, shadowy figures, footprints in the snow, a dead man, a stalking black car, art thefts, a secluded farm, genetic engineering, ethical dilemmas, and of course murder! Readers will find it all in this unique cozy mystery series that includes a dark undertone surrounding Morgan’s past as she tries to stay safe from her murderous ex-fiancé while running her store and hunting down elusive cryptids. Make sure to read the fascinating Author’s Note at the end.