Detective Margot Phalen has been living in the shadow of her father, a serial murderer now in prison. This aspect of her life lies behind her motivation to solve murder cases. In particular, she and her partner have been chasing the Redwood Killer for quite some time. In this new book, the search continues. Just as she thinks she is free from having to visit her father to get clues to find the bodies of his victims, he tosses one more bone before the FBI. There is a body out there that only he knows the location, and it will require the FBI to get him a day pass from prison to find the body. Despite all the potential dangers, his wish is granted. This sets up a very dangerous and suspenseful scenario that keeps Katie on her toes. The outcome will set the stage for the rest of her life, both professional and personal. It's a great read, and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

I think this entire series is so underrated. I have enjoyed every book so far and this one was no exception!

But here's the thing: while the plot is engaging, it doesn't quite hit the emotional depth I was hoping for. Margot's journey is compelling, but at times, it felt like the narrative was more focused on the crime than her internal struggles. I wanted to dive deeper into her psyche, understand her motivations more intimately. Given that this is the 5th book, I was hoping to feel more connected to her as a character by now.

That said, the pacing is tight, the suspense is real, and the ending delivers a satisfying conclusion. If you're a fan of crime thrillers with strong female leads, this one is worth the read. Just don't expect it to linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

3.5 stars.

If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I personally urge you to! Firstly because it is a MAGNIFICENT series, and secondly, because this is a series that has a flowing backstory that is weaved through each book.

In Book #5, Homicide Detective Margot Phalen from San Francisco Police Dept is still hunting the Redwood Killer, the serial killer that has evaded her and her team for two years and they never seem to get any closer. Dead body after dead body keeps turning up. The killer is always a few steps ahead, but finally, Margot feels they are catching up!

But, then they catch a lead *no spoilers* and I've got to admit, the interrogation that Margot gave had me actually smirking at the suspect. She is one hell of a detective. Strong willed, tenacious, and with a spirit that won't be broken.

If you've read the previous installments, you'll know just how haunted Margot is by her past. Having an infamous serial killer as a father would do that to anybody, but having to face him on a regular basis, just so he can slowly drip feed her information on his victims has taken it's toll. So when inevitably she receives the call that Ed wants to see her again, she decides it will be the last time, but does she really believe that?

This was a multi layered plot, with dual POVs from Margot and Ed but with the perfect ending that had every tiny loose thread that may have been left frayed throughout the series, all tied off in a perfect bow.

I have absolutely loved the evolution of Margot's character through the series, especially her friendship/relationship with Wes, showcasing their loyalty and trust to each other, with a tiny sprinkling of romance.

Dark, gritty, and gripping with suspense and tension that you can feel in your bones, I honestly could not get enough of this series and am so pleased that this is not the end for Margot.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing the ARC.

WOW!! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC. I absolutely LOVED this book and could not put it down!! This story follows Margot Phalen, a homicide detective in San Francisco, as she hunts down a serial killer- known as the Redwood Killer, who has been targeting young women in the city for over a year. Not only does Margot have to bring down the Redwood Killer, but has to face her own father, also a serial killer, who offers to lead her to his last two undiscovered victims. If you’re a fan of exciting, fast-paced thrillers or true crime, this book has it all. It was a wild ride and I can’t wait to check out more of Kate’s work!!

Another fantastic read from kate Wiley perfect ending for ed . So glad that there is going to be more books can't wait for next one .

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Solid, atmospheric finale with deep character arcs — but I wish I’d started at book one.

I picked up Out of the Woods without having read the first four Detective Margot Phalen books, which probably affected my overall experience. The case is dark and gripping, the family threads are complex, and Margot is a layered, believable protagonist — but some emotional beats and past connections didn’t hit as hard for me since I didn’t have the full backstory.

That said, Wiley’s writing is sharp, the pacing is tight, and the Redwood Killer storyline is tense and satisfying. If you’re a fan of character-driven crime thrillers, I’d definitely recommend this series — just start at the beginning for the best payoff.

#MysteryThriller #CrimeFiction #KateWiley #DetectiveMargotPhalen #BookReview #SerialKillerThriller #ReadingCommunity #BookFive #OutOfTheWoods

Obsessed obsessed obsessed!! Such a great read and love this series! Loved how it ended and that is the biggest thing is the ending as it makes it or breaks it for me. The suspense and thriller and even action that happens had me at the edge of my seat! Can’t wait to keep reading more of this author with the same aspect and more of Margot Phalen! Thank you NetGalley for this great and best opportunity!!

I picked up Out of the Woods (book 5) by Kate Wiley without having read any of the other books in the series, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it — even without any prior context.

The protagonist’s journey — both literal and emotional — is compelling enough to stand on its own. I never felt completely lost, although there were moments where it was clear that certain relationships or backstory threads would have carried more weight if I’d read the previous books.

My only gripe as a standalone reader is that a few side characters felt thin, probably because their development relies on what came before. A few plot points seemed to lean on the larger arc of the series too. But overall, the story’s core — about survival, self-discovery, and what we find when we’re forced out of our comfort zones — is strong enough to resonate on its own.

Fantastic read!!!! Highly recommend!!! Not what I expected , but a smart thought out page turner!! Well done! I will look for other. books from this author!

WOW!! Detective Margot Phalen is a force to be reckoned with in this page-turning finale! Out of the Woods is the 5th book in the Detective Margot Phalen series, but was the first in the series that I had read. This fast paced crime thriller works well as a standalone novel, but I’m definitely going to go back and read the first four books in the series to properly get to know Margot and her story now! GREAT book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out of the Woods was the perfect ending to one of my favorite thriller series. It was intense, emotional, and had me hooked from the first page.

I loved how Margot faced both the killer she’s been chasing and the monster from her past. The tension was nonstop and the stakes felt higher than ever. That final showdown with her father was chilling and so well done.

I’m sad the series is over but excited that Kate Wiley is continuing Margot’s story in a new series. I’m not ready to let her go and I can’t wait to see what comes next 😍

This is a hard one to review, I’ve inadvertently read the final book in a long running series.

That said, it’s brilliantly written and the characters (as you’d expect) are well constructed and the dialogue has a good mix of banter and backstory to just about keep up.

I enjoyed it massively but it did take me a while to read as I was planning and packing for holiday. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I’d started the series earlier. I’d definitely check out another of of these books - even though I know how it all ends haha

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a fantastic read - loved it

The finale of Detective Margot Phelan who is still hunting the Redwood killer, current case and her serial killer father had promised to reveal the location of the final bodies. Margot wants this over so she don’t have anything else to do with her father.

Can’t wait to see if FBI Phalen returns

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

A fantastic conclusion to a great series. Lots of loose ends tied up and new beginnings. Really hope we get more of Margot and Wes together in future as they work so well together. Once more, Ed Finch plays a part in the book, and the impact of his crimes still have a big effect of Margot in all aspects of her life. I can't really say any more about the plot without giving away spoilers, suffice to say it is a fitting end to a great series,

Loved this series and this newest addition. Loved everything about it! Sad to see this is the end of the series but ... wow. Great way to end it.

Highly recommend. Love the strong, badass female lead character Margot Phalen.

Thank you #netgalley and #stormpublishing for the eARC.

Wow, what an end to the series. I've read all of them and without any spoilers, this is a fantastic book. The main characters continue to develop and the plot line is stunning. It's hard to say too much without spoiling it so just get on and read it, you won't be disappointed.

A gripping and unforgettable story with a satisfying ending!

Since I was not able to follow the whole series, I'm lost at some parts but the short recap helps with connecting to the story. I'm still confuse sometimes but I got the hang of it which is great.

There are 2 POV's in this book which is a third POV of the present and Ed's past POV about his kill and how it is revealed in the end to be the bodies Margot's team are going to find.

Margot Phalen have been following a lead to the Redwood Killer for 2 years already. It's frustrating for them to see dead bodies after dead bodies without seeing as much progress. However in this series, they finally got the lead they want. The way Margot interrogated the suspect is pleasing it put a smirk to my face while reading. She's a badass character and I love it.

Additionally, the end parts are bombs after bombs! Ed showed Margot's team where he hid the bodies of his final victims. It was an interesting place (which makes the title makes sense) but a fierce encounter in the middle! It was unfortunate what Margot had done but definitely necessary. Margot's testifying at the court was chef's kiss. Not to mention she's finally living her life normally without fear. It was a big step but she's brave about it and I love it. The big revelation about the police chief is finally out it makes you go wohooo. What a wonderful ending for Margot.

Overall this book is a happy pill. Justice is finally served and Margot is living her best life. I am looking forward to Margot's chapter at the FBI and of course her new life without fears.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the Advance Reading Copy.

This was really good. Gripping and I loved the emotional turns it took. Really sucked me in! I really appreciate the NetGalley copy but now wish I had read the rest of the series first!

This book grabbed my attention and I finished it in one day! Although I have not read the full series, I was able to read this as a standalone and still remain captivated by the story. A well thought story that brings everything together at the end.

While this was kinda a neutral read I did like how the author connected things and how the characters were written. And I did really appreciate how a lot of the loose ends were tied up by the end.

Plot: 8/10
Pace: 7/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Enjoyability: 7/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Quote: ❝This whole plan—and calling it a plan felt like too kind a phrase for what it was—stank to high heaven. Ed had not one but two dead women in his trunk, and not the faintest fucking clue what to do with them.❞