Wildwood Secrets is a brilliant second instalment in the Wildwood Meadows series. Hattie, a true crime podcaster dedicated to bringing forgotten missing women back into public consciousness, clashes wonderfully with Kip Holt, a forest-loving game warden who believes civilians have no business in investigations. The tension between them is electric, and their opposing worldviews make for a compelling and convincing romance alongside a genuinely gripping mystery.

The true crime investigation kept me on the edge of my seat, particularly towards the end when I simply could not put it down. The family WhatsApp group — gloriously named Dysfunction Junction — is an inspired touch that adds humour and heart at exactly the right moments. Every family member feels distinct and real, and I'm already looking forward to getting to know them better in future books.

A perfect blend of suspense and romance. If you enjoyed book one, this absolutely delivers.

This is the second book in the series, but I haven't read the first and followed it well. You might get more from the friends' characters if you had read the first, but I would say it's not a necessity.

I thought the characters were really well developed, and you could really step into the world they are living in and feel immersed. The story itself is twisty and gritty, and I really felt for Harper as the story progressed. That being said, it was a little slow in places for me. If you enjoy a slower burn and building tension, then this one is definitely for you.

The final 3rd of the book really had me gripped, with the story being more fast-paced and all of the story lines coming together with a satisfying end.

I really enjoyed the world-building in this book and liked the twist to where the magic came from; it's one I haven't seen before. The characters are well thought out and have their own personalities and backstories that affect how the story develops. We start with Ellie going off to the academy, and I expected a 'learning my power' sort of story, but wow, it is so much more. She meets Caeo, an alluring guy who is just trying to build a better future, and her world shifts. The twists keep you guessing and reading way past when you planned to do 'life stuff'. Looking forward to the next book in the duology.