‘Urgent. Come tomorrow. Can’t wait any longer.’
Charli Trenthan plans to leave her hometown of Stone Lake. But when she receives a cryptic message from a member of the Sanctuary, a conservative closed community nestled in the forest, she is determined to find answers.
A gruesome discovery soon lands Charli in hot water with the police, but how is the Sanctuary connected? As she digs deeper, dark secrets are uncovered and the fight to prove her innocence turns into a fight for her life.
A gripping thriller with a shocking conclusion that will leave you spellbound, Deep in the Forest raises questions about who we trust and why.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I could not put this book down easily. I read it in two nights. The last night I read until 1:00 a.m., I just had to finish it. You will be kept guessing as you read each chapter, with so many twists and turns that will have you doubting your ability to establish “whodunnit”. Charli Trenthan is a fragile, damaged young woman with a core of steel. You will grow to love her and her very small, tight circle of friends. Erina Reddan has created a gripping, exciting book with characters so finely drawn that you will feel you know them. I can’t wait to read this author’s next book. If you love books that keep you guessing until the denouement, buy Deep in The Forest. I loved it so much I’m off to read it again! Lyn, SA, 5 Stars
Charli Trenthan is the main character in this novel, a young 27-year-old single woman living in her family’s large sandstone mansion, at the edge of a forest. Her mother, who lived there too, died a year ago from a hit-and-run accident whilst walking home one night. The Sanctuary is a conservative closed community nestled in the forest. The closed community also runs a drug rehabilitation program. Charli and her mother have organised a large book about the Sanctuary, and Charli is in the process of completing it and then binding it, which is her vocation. She has a deadline of 14 days to have completed it. A government Senator is coming to launch this book at the Sanctuary’s one-hundredth anniversary. Readers are taken on an exciting journey of events. The author, Erina Reddan, has an awesome talent to lead us along the following pages, full of drama, excitement, friendship and fear! Dark secrets are discovered. To describe more would spoil the content. It was hard to put the book down, it became a gripping thriller with a shocking conclusion. Definitely a 5-star plus novel!! Edith, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I was thoroughly hooked the whole way through and couldn’t put it down. It would be anyone’s perfect holiday read. Samara, QLD, 5 Stars
We’ve all heard of mysterious cult-like retreats hidden away in the bush and on the outskirts of Stone Lake is The Sanctuary. Charli lives in her family home nearby and has been employed by The Sanctuary to complete a book-binding project for their anniversary. Her mother has recently been killed in a motor accident and she is shunned by the locals. Things become worse when she is suspected of murder. What part does The Sanctuary play in all of this? I was trapped from the first page and there was no way I could back out. Erina Reddan’s Deep in the Forest is a compelling story. It begins slowly but gradually sweeps you along through twists and turns, keeping you guessing to the very end. Robyn, NSW, 5 Stars
Erina Reddan gives us a thought-provoking narrative with her second novel, Deep in the Forest. Unpredictability is what keeps me coming back to a good thriller time and time again and this is one book I found my expectations being overturned constantly. Dylan QLD 5 Stars
An unexpected and quite mysterious book, Erina Reddan’s Deep in the Forest is an interesting exploration of the intrigue and insidious nature of cult psychology. I really enjoyed the writing and Australian setting. Although many of the characters were not particularly likeable, I did appreciate the strong women within the storyline. I enjoyed this novel as something a bit different. J, VIC, 4 Stars
Oh, Charli. My heart ached for her, struggling with the profound loss of her mother and then being ostracised by her community. I adored the imagery of her big beautiful house and the forest, it had a slight dark academia vibe. I found the ending a little bit predictable, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. Alicia, QLD, 4 Stars
Better Reading, indeed. Charli already has a lot happening in her internal world when she’s drawn to The Sanctuary by way of a note hidden in her current bookbinding commission. This gated, respected and protected community offers hope and new beginnings to those who have neither. Charli’s late mum was a long-time benefactor and The Sanctuary enjoys support from political identities and within law enforcement. Charli has her dog, Bojo, her best friend, Amra, and a whole lot of trouble. What I particularly enjoyed about this read was the empathy I felt for Charli, despite she and I sharing absolutely nothing in common. This speaks to Erina Reddan’s writing skill. The Australian setting was familiar and relatable. The premise of the story was compelling. I wouldn’t have claimed an overt fascination with ‘cults’ prior to having read the publicity for Deep in the Forest. Who knew? A terrific book. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
A gripping read with a focus on the world of cults in closed communities. Then, there is the ominous realisation that one of these closed communities could be closer to us than we think. The story relates how people with power addiction can behave. These power-hungry individuals relentlessly pursue their prey, determined to break them. The reader becomes a helpless bystander, watching the events take place but unable to intervene. My background research took me to Erina Ridden’s website. This statement is very indicative of the writing style she has followed: “All my work is about how to be a woman given all the constraints around us; about the way we weave together and pull apart, and the possibilities of living richer fuller lives.” Erina Reddan describes the women’s emotions with an intensity that draws you in, and you start to feel for them and care about their stories. The rawness of their emotions will captivate you and urge you to walk beside them as they search for the truth. You’re in for a wild ride that might leave you feeling unsettled. But I promise you won’t be able to put it down! Susan, QLD, 4 Stars
Thanks to @betterreading I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the novel Deep in the Forest by Erina Reddan. The book follows the main character Charli as she recovers from a family tragedy, her attempts to continue with her book-binding and self-publishing career and improve her mental health. As the reader gets to know Charli and her history, mysteries are occurring at a rapid pace in the close community around her. Charli has a dear friend Amra and an incredible Aunt Gigi, who are very supportive and feature throughout the story. Themes such as trust, mental health, greed, sects, lust, murder and so many more are covered. The story is complex and I found it took a while to get into. The characters are great and feel very real although, warning, you may be frustrated at some of the decisions Charli makes. The twist is a good one and as this occurs the novel really becomes a page-turner. The women depicted are all strong and good role models, quite inspiring. I would like to read the author’s prior book, The Serpent’s Skin. Toni Rae, QLD, 4 Stars
On first seeing the Deep in the Forest cover by Erina Reddan I was intrigued. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I found this a gripping read and being set in Australia made it all the sweeter. You are taken on Charli’s journey as she literally goes deep in the forest and everything is not as it seems. This book is perfect for those fascinated by cults and will keep you turning pages long into the night. With an ending that will leave you picking up your jaw from the floor, Deep in the Forest ticked all the boxes to make it an engaging thrill ride from start to finish. I definitely recommend this book, it was one I thoroughly enjoyed. Cassandra, VIC, 4 Stars
What a freaking wild ride that was!! After a slow start (on my behalf, I was VERY time-poor and could only get in one chapter at a time), I hit the halfway mark and couldn’t put it down! Only one of my theories proved correct but I didn’t even mind after I got to the end and all the secrets had answers. Jessica, QLD, 4 Stars
I was immediately drawn to this book – who doesn’t love a cult story, especially one set in rural Australia? But this book gives you way more than the intrigue of a secretive, religious cult – it turns into a fast-paced crime thriller. Friendships form, romances blossom, the plot thickens. There are corrupt cops, tearaway youths, mysteriously shadowy deaths and all watched over by the shadowy cult with its enigmatic leaders. Throughout all of this, lives are on the line. The book is tautly paced, and the net draws tighter and tighter over the protagonist, who is caught up in an unwitting death, at the same time processing the tragic passing of her mother a year earlier. The book perfectly encapsulates the claustrophobia of a small country town and the prejudices such places can exhibit. But we also see the best of people, as others fight for freedom, their friends and family and for what is right. This book is an absolute page-turner, the reader is along for the journey as it reaches a truly nail-biting conclusion. Kate, VIC, 4 Stars
Receiving this ARC from Better Reading immediately had me intrigued by the cover and synopsis, and pleasantly surprised to learn that it all takes place in Australia. This story starts in one direction, but you soon discover that there are many twists before the ending is in sight, taking you along for the ride on Charli’s journey. As the pages turn, you find out more about Charli, her backstory and all the events that have moulded her into the person that she is, which also allows you to see her vulnerability, understand it more and celebrate her little triumphs along the way. The Sanctuary and its community of characters provide an opportunity for the author Erina Reddan to remind us that not all is black and white, and while something may be perceived in an unfavourable light, that does not go to say that everyone and everything associated with it is necessarily unfavourable as well. This thriller will have you wondering what will happen next and keep you guessing until the very end. I enjoyed Deep in the Forest as Erina has created a storyline that flows effortlessly allowing to reader to sit back and enjoy the adventure. Nerelle, NSW, 4 Stars
This Australian thriller is not only a page-turner but an exploration of grief and guilt and its consumption of our souls. Deep in the Forest touches on relationships, stereotypes, who and why we trust, while unravelling its mysteries. It is very emotive, particularly for those who have suffered loss, it takes you back there. I think I would find a friend in the main character, Charli, a so-called outcast with a fascinating occupation (calling). There is a cast of strong female personas that support each other in their hours of need. One of my favourite scenes is when Charli’s friend Arma is consoling her with a hug and says “Take the love. Love. Love.” I could feel the squeeze. Theresa, QLD, 4 Stars
A little slow and confusing to read at the beginning. I was unsure about the fire history and her mother’s role in the Sanctuary. I was skeptical towards Amra and didn’t feel a real connection with her which made me suspicious about her role. I would have liked more history. I enjoyed Gigi, her boldness and confidence. I liked how she changed Charli and her newfound confidence. I felt the ending was a little rushed and short. Tara, WA, 4 Stars
Deep in the Forest was a well-written and plotted story that had me hooked from the beginning. It was very readable, moving at a good pace, with some well-crafted characters and an explosive conclusion. Vanessa, QLD, 4 Stars
It seems you cannot trust anyone, no matter where you turn, no matter that on the surface they look to be ‘good people’ doing good things. Some of the story was too predictable, though I was invested in how the mystery would be solved. Here is another story of a small rural town with its secrets and prejudices. Thankfully we can find a couple of people genuinely willing to help, rather than hinder. I was hoping to have been informed of Charli’s mental health diagnosis so I could better understand her. Nonetheless, it is a good read and shows promise for a newish fiction author (with a background in journalism). Katie, NSW, 3 Stars
I took two attempts at getting into this novel (my issue, not the novel). Once in, I was caught up in trying to sort out what was going on in the Sanctuary, deciding if the support people in Charli’s life were really there in her best interest. All the while falling in love with Bojo. Thank you for a chance to escape and use other parts of my mind. Maryanne, NSW, 3 Stars
Charli needs to leave. Leave her hometown, her past, her trauma. She will, just as soon as she finishes her job of binding a centennial book for the closed-gate community of the Sanctuary. As she follows up on a cryptic message, she also finds a grim discovery, one that will force her to stay, and ultimately dark secrets will surface from the past that will free her. A slow burn thriller that casts doubt, questions character’s intentions, and brings light to their dark pasts. Amanda, VIC, 3 Stars
Deep in the Forest by Erina Reddan is an Australian story that touches on isolation, both of the protagonist Charli and the people in the nearby closed society – The Sanctuary. Charli is a loner, who cares more for books than she does for people. She’s still recovering from incidents in the recent past and is trying to put her life back together when an unwelcome discovery overturns her life again. She has to work hard to uncover the truth whilst fighting small-town prejudices. She needs some loyal allies, but who can she trust? The book depicts small-town life, as well as the isolation of the Australian landscape. Bushfires and the pandemic are touched in to ensure currency and authenticity. This was a slow burner in the beginning, but the pace picked up as the book progressed with a fast-paced, tense conclusion. All in all, it was a tense Australian thriller with a small-town feel. Kim, QLD, 3 Stars
There are lots of elements in this novel that are cleverly done – the slow unravelling of the crime paralleling the unravelling of the character’s behaviour and the explanation for her weird fears. Will her mind break first or will she get to the bottom of the crime first? However, there were also a lot of cliches in the book – the religious cult with sex issues, the unhelpful police force with the rogue cop abetting the protagonist, the always-there-best-friends and the main character being the town outcast. The ending was a little too predictable although it was the fastest-paced section of the book so kept me reading right to the end. Fran, NSW, 3 Stars
I have not had the pleasure of reading any books by Erina Reddan before. Once I got into the book, I wanted to read more. The beginning was a little slow and I found it difficult to follow the characters and plot. The book was about a different way of life. Good conclusion in the end. Pat, QLD, 3 Stars
This was a bit of a slow burn for me, it didn’t quite have me turning pages quickly. I found it hard to connect with the main character but the writing had a nice style. Karlie, SA, 2 Stars
This one fell flat for me. It is described as a “gripping thriller with a shocking conclusion that will leave you spellbound” but I have to say I didn’t really find it particularly gripping. I am always surprised by the ridiculous choices of the main characters in thrillers and this book was no different. Belinda, NSW, 2 Stars
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