The final book in this 5 book series where we get a peak into the mind of a serial killer and his daughter who becomes a cop. I’ve loved this series and you can see my reviews for the previous 4 titles here. This book was the perfect way to end the series by giving us closure in a few key cases and giving Margot a new beginning with a new career choice and recognizing her feelings for her partner, Wes. I look forward to future books with Margot as FBI agent. Highly recommended!

Sadly, this is the final book in this series, however , Margot will be returning for more. The premise of a police officer having a serial killer father got me in right at the start. There are several layers to this story, and Kate Wiley pulls together all the loose ends well. I enjoyed the evolution of Margot, her relationship with Wes and the way she learned to be herself. The detective work and putting together the Redwood killer case made for interesting reading. The complexity behind serial killers was well done. The final reveal about Boyd Pressley was very gratifying, as was the scene in the courtroom. I would recommend this series to readers who like strong women and good plotting, and now that the series is finished, it would make for good binge reading so that the details remain fresh in your mind. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for introducing me to this author.

Out of the Woods by Kate Wiley is a well-crafted thriller and combines heart-pounding suspense with emotional depth. I'm sad that the Detective Margot Phalen series is ending. But things did wrap up, and it appears that new adventures await. Yes!! I really love the relationship between Margot and Wes and their funny banter. Their bond not only adds a touch of romance but also highlights the importance of trust and support during dark times.

Margot's pursuit of the Redwood Killer in the haunting backdrop of Muir Woods continued to draw me into this chilling narrative filled with unexpected twists. The story delves deep into themes of corruption, justice, and the shadows of the past, particularly through Margot's relationship with her father, a serial killer.

The author's writing is sharp and engaging, and each page is packed with tension. Just when you think you have things figured out, the author throws in a curveball that leaves you breathless.

Out of the Woods is a great addition to this series. I would suggest starting from book 1. You won't be disappointed. I would highly recommend this book, this series, and this author. I cannot wait to see what will happen in Margot and Wes's new adventures.

#OutOfTheWoods #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

I have been a fan of this series since book one, The Killers Daughter, featuring Detective Margot Phalen and her killer father, it's a series that I have fully enjoyed and I have to state that Kate Wiley has written a fantastic end to the series, Margot has grown so much since book one and it has been done in a slowly building way which suits her character well, All the characters work well together Wes and Margot are a great team and her father Ed is suitably creepy but lhe has been slowly losing his hold on his daughter, this story has roots from book one and the pace gradually built until everything got tied up in a satisfying way, all with out feeling rushed or cliched, and the best news it might be the end of this series but there is a new horizon coming for Margot and I can't wait.

I've enjoyed this series since finding it. I don't usually think about this, but towards the end I could picture this being adapted for television, maybe a miniseries with a couple episodes per book There's multiple cases that weave in and out, all connecting in some way. Flashbacks tell parts of the story. This book works to tie everything up. Margot has really evolved along the way and she has multiple "mike drop" moments. We get satisfying resolution to all the ongoing storylines. I'm happy to see that although this is the last of the series, we'll see Margot again in a spinoff series as she takes on a new challenge.

A fitting conclusion!!!

I have been a fan of this series since book 1. Margot Phalen is written with such depth that the growth she finds at the end of the book is endearing.

This book deals with the last of Ed's kills and the future Margot looks forward to. The conclusion to various storylines came to a satisfactory end though some were a bit exaggerated. Kudos to @Kate Wiley for doing an excellent job of keeping the characters true to their occupation and also writing each victim the decency they deserve.

I am glad that the author brought in a conclusion that is justified and not dragging it for the money. I look forward to reading more of Margot Phalen as she embarks on a new journey.

I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book has a seriously creepy premise: the investigating detective was raised by her father the serial killer! Even though I haven't read the earlier books in series, I was still totally blown away by the totally gobsmacking ending!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Pub Date Aug 20, 2025 ***** review #goodreads #storygraph #LibraryThing #NetGalley
#OutOfTheWoods by @katewileyauthor #DetectiveMargotPhalenBk5 @stormbooks_co
#policecorruption #serialkiller #psychologicalthriller #familydrama #suspense #escalatingpace #growingtension #murderinvestigations #growingrelationship

This thriller was a gripping and suspenseful read. The plot moved quickly and kept me guessing with unexpected twists and turns. The tension built steadily, and the mystery at the heart of the story was engaging. The characters were interesting, and the stakes felt real. It’s a solid choice for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced and exciting thriller.

This book features two storylines that are fast-paced. One storyline is engaging though somewhat exaggerated, while the other seems implausible and lacks thorough research.
The series concludes with a dramatic ending.

What a fantastic ending to this series, but not the characters. I love how everything was wrapped up in the end, but the author kept me guessing the entire book. I really liked seeing the relationship between Margot and Wes grow, along with Margot herself.

The Ed Finch chapters were well done, as always. I think it added something a little extra to the story, seeing things from the killer's POV.

I think my favorite scene was the "mic drop" Margot made on her way out the door. I was kicking my feet in joy! It was just perfect. I don't want to spoil anything but man, it was amazing to read.

I'm so glad I picked this series up. Each book kept me entertained, and I can't wait to see more of these characters in the future.

Can't believe we already reached the final book of this amazing series! It ended PERFECTLY and with a baaam. But don't be sad!! Margot will be back in a new series.

As always the Ed Finch chapters were fantastic and they kept me up my toes ( even though I knew how they will end - namely in MURDER ) but still they were always implemented nicely.

The Redwood Killer story line was also concluded in a chefs kiss.

This series will be missed but I'm looking forward to the new one :)

I love the Detective Margot Phelan series, and while they can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting with book 1 (this is book 5). Out of the Woods is another quick thriller, with the familiar storylines of the Redwood killer, Ed Finch, and Margot’s love life. Margot is still trying to solve the Redwood Killer case and come to terms with her feelings for her partner Wes. Familiar characters from books 1-4 are back and at this point I feel like Margot’s an old friend and I’ve gone alongside many exciting cases with her. I love that we have closure in this final book of the series (and a great opportunity for new adventures).

ARC provided by Storm Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/ba831113-dee7-4b38-9b65-870d0a31d870/share
GoodReads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7721980055
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Out of the Woods absolutely worked for me. Kate Wiley delivers a mystery that is both emotionally layered and atmospherically tense.

The plot centers around several crime cases, each one adding complexity without feeling like filler. I was pulled in by the emotional fallout just as much as the central mystery. Wiley writes trauma, grief, and survival with care, never rushing the emotional weight behind the story.

The romantic connection was handled so well. It stays quiet for most of the book, just beneath the surface, making the final payoff feel authentic and earned. Two people who have seen the worst of the world finally giving themselves permission to hope for more? That hit.

I also appreciated how the motive behind the serial crimes ties back to a need to be seen. That desire for recognition—however twisted—adds a very human ache to the darker plotline.

Highly recommend for fans of emotionally intelligent mysteries with layered characters and beautifully restrained tension.

Out Of The Woods brings the San Francisco chapter of the Detective Margot Phalen series to a satisfying conclusion. You'll be impressed how deftly Wiley wraps up three storylines in this book. I know I was. It's a commendable achievement and a massive payoff for those who've followed the series from the start. It's another triumph in the rapidly growing list from the publisher. It's rewarding to see a great character like Phalen part the storm clouds seeded by her serial killer father and step into the blue skies of her future. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought this book was just okay. Maybe you had to be following along in the series to really build up the character development. I liked how characters connected and were interwoven, but very similar to other books I’ve read.

Thank you netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.

Back with Margot and the team for the last time.. at the SFPD anyways.

This is the last of Margot and Ed's story line. I felt that it was wrapped up nicely. Really glad to get an answer to the Redwood Killer as well. It will be interesting to see if the drama from the tape fallout follows Margot to her next adventure.

Another enjoyable read.

Amazing. Simply amazing. This book was the perfect ending to this storyline and wrapped things up to a T. This series and this author are amongst my favourite of all time. I am so happy that I grabbed the first book of the series when I did. I bought every other book as soon as they became available. I am ecstatic that even though this particular storyline is done, we will be seeing more of Margot and Wes soon. I highly, highly recommend reading this book and the other 4 in the series.

Before entering the woods, or reading this book, I recommend you read the previous four books in this series first.

Detective Margot Phalen has been on the hunt for a killer called "The Redwood Killer" who leaves his unfortunate victims in beautiful trails of the Muir Woods. Each victim has roots to some of the most powerful families. Unfortunately, not only are the roots corrupted, but so are the families and the police department.

Finding evidence that could bring down her very own Chief of Police, Margot finds herself snagged between honoring her vows to protect and simply surviving. Feelings are being brought to the surface about her partner, Wes, who is the only one who knows the struggle that is going on inside her heart. An offer looming from the FBI does nothing but complicate matters, even though it shows her a glimpse of how good things could be.

Just like the tangled roots of trees, the past will not let go of Margo. She finds herself ensnared in a fight with a monster, her serial killer father.
Margot must fight her way out of the forest and find new life again.

The daughter of a serial killer, Margot has worked hard to put her past behind her - even to the point of changing her name. Whilst investigating a series of murders where Margot notices some commonalities, the FBI calls... her father wants to talk and confess to another set of murders. This weighs heavily on Margot and she eventually speaks with him in order to bring home these bodies to their families. This appears the be the final book of the series, but where the author left off - I think there's room for more (fingers crossed). I did not know this was part of a series when I started to read it, Ms. Wiley does a solid job of sharing Margot's backstory so the reader can jump right into the book. This book will keep you up at night - reading just one more chapter... Thank you to Storm Publishing for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

I never realised this was a book from a series and went into this with no expectations other than seeing the cover (which was spooky and looked cool) so I was pleasantly surprised to find a story all about escort agencies and corrupt cops!
Absolutely loved getting to know the character of Margot and Wes and how they worked together as a partner on the cases and how well they gelled together.

A fantastic who-dunnit kind of a detective story with lots happening and lots behind the scenes going on.