The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a literary thriller and family drama set in the 1970s at a summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains. The story begins with the disappearance of Barbara Van Laar, the teenage daughter of the wealthy family that owns the camp, echoing the earlier unsolved disappearance of her brother Bear 14 years prior. Told through multiple timelines and perspectives—including a camp counselor seeking a better life, a shy camper drawn into Barbara’s orbit, and Barbara’s mother grappling with family secrets—the novel weaves an intricate narrative about privilege, trauma, and the ties that bind and break.

The richly detailed setting and well-drawn characters deepen the mystery while exploring themes like class, misogyny, and loss. The plot’s slow-burn tension builds to a surprising and emotional conclusion, making this an immersive and thought-provoking read for fans of atmospheric mysteries and layered storytelling.