The Woodkin

By: Alexander James

Narrated by: Alex Knox

On the trail, anything can happen.

After secrets and betrayal shatter his marriage, Josh Mallory seeks solace on the Pacific Crest Trail, in the mountains of Washington. On the trail, he’s just another hiker. On the trail, he can outrun the memories.

When wild animals destroy his food, Josh detours through a small mountain town. Missing hiker posters hang in the windows, and residents won’t look him in the eyes, let alone speak to him or help him.

Trapped on a mountain ridge beneath a full moon and desperate for help, Josh moves on, only to encounter a mysterious group who call themselves the Woodkin. Hoping for food, shelter, and rest until he can hike back home, he soon realizes that he may never leave the mountain alive.

©2023 Alexander James (P)2023 CamCat Books

Ok, but…

I liked the story and the narrator was great, but the whole book just seemed to go on and on and on…

Great narration and things go crazy.

Great writing and pacing so far and I'm 4 hrs in. The main characters literally takes no action the whole book. That's the horror.

great story and ambiance

Fantastic pacing and with lots of twists and turns. A fun read that will have you jumping at every noise outside your tent! Read it on your next camping trip!

A terrifying, gardenia-scented triumph

This novel is a love letter, if a twisted one, to the Pacific Northwest. It is a clear-eyed consideration of childhood trauma and guilt carried like so much hiking gear into adulthood. It is a beautifully-paced and inventive horror story. And it's a poisoned apple, with an antidote for the reader who makes it out of the treeline. I loved the book. I look forward to hearing a great deal more from Alexander James.

Excellent narration

The narrator was excellent at keeping me interested in the story with his command of different character voices, but the plot was confusing in parts. The descriptions of events happening sometimes was over the top without reprieve.

The WoodKin

This novel grabbed my attention right away and did not let go until the end! I would recommend it to any adult!

Narrator enhanced experience

The book was really good. Alex Knox did so well with the different character voices and really brought the characters to life.

Atmospheric PNW feel

Man on PCT confronting and dealing with ghosts from his past while dealing with trauma.

Body Horror

Josh’s back story plays a big role and I don’t know how I feel about it. The revving up of the story was great, slow at some points, but mostly paced pretty well. The sticking point for me is its tense. First person past tense looses the full forced fear. Like, will they make it? I treat past tense as if the narrator is telling the story from the comfort of there desk or a couch opposite their therapist. The ending felt conclusive for the Woodkin, but Josh and Deb’s relationship not so much. Alex Knox did a good job, yet he did sound a bit too old for Josh though. I kept thinking of different guy who’re 28 and could’ve narrated. Last thing… the story that Apple-Tree tells Josh about his life was heartbreaking and should be fleshed out and made into its own novel.

Kind of a let down….

I had high hopes for this book but they fell flat. The main character was such a coward. 5 hours left I had to force myself to finish. It was cheaper to buy this book verses using a credit but ultimately a waste of money.