Mystery · Free kit
The God of the Woods
A haunting Adirondack mystery spanning three timelines (1950s, 1961, 1975) where two children from the same wealthy family disappear fourteen years apart from their family's summer camp — exposing secrets, class tensions, and the devastating cost of grief.
“Some people get lost in the woods. Some people are running toward something. And some are running away.”
Complete free book club kit
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Plan your meeting
The God of the Woods Hosting Guide
A free, printable-minded plan for hosting The God of the Woods.
Invite hook
“Join us for The God of the Woods — an Adirondack mystery where two children disappear fourteen years apart, class warfare simmers beneath polite smiles, and survival means knowing when to run. Bring your theories, your flashlight, and your appetite for dark family secrets.”
The question you’re arguing about: If you could disappear into the woods tomorrow and start over, would you leave a note or vanish without a trace?
Shopping list
- □S'mores ingredients (graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows — very Adirondack camp)
- □Trail mix or granola bars (survival food Barbara would approve of)
- □Hot cider or hot chocolate (cozy, woodsy, perfect for a mystery night)
- □Small pine branches or pinecones as table decor (bring the woods inside)
- □Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for ambiance (evoke camp and search parties)
- □Blank 'missing person' flyers as a cheeky photo prop (dark humor welcome here)
Day-of timeline
- 0–10 minWelcome, icebreakers, hot cider, and settling in
- 10–20 minTrivia round to test who paid attention to the details
- 20–65 minDiscussion questions (this book needs time — it's layered)
- 65–80 minThis or That speed round to break the intensity
- 80–90 minRate the book, debate the ending, vote on next month's pick
Surprise touch
Set up a 'search party' photo op: give everyone a flashlight, write 'MISSING' on a small chalkboard, and take a group photo holding flashlights like they're searching the woods. It's campy (pun intended), fun, and perfectly fits the book's vibe. Bonus: it makes a great Instagram story and reminds everyone why book club is the best night of the month.
Wrap-up
- □Group photo with flashlights and 'search party' props
- □Quick rating round: 1–5 stars, plus one word to describe the book (haunting? twisty? devastating?)
- □Vote on next month's book (maybe pick something lighter unless your group loves dark mysteries)