It Waits In The Forest by Sarah Dess
3.5 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Selina DaSilva, a logical-minded botanist, has always denied magic—until a string of mysterious murders on her island forces her to confront the evil lurking in St. Virgil’s forests. Alongside her ex-boyfriend Gabriel, Selina races to uncover long-buried family secrets, confront dark forces, and seek justice. Perfect for fans of Angeline Boulley and Tiffany D. Jackson, this gripping YA mystery blends suspense, romance, and folklore into a chilling read.
Bookish Thoughts
The premise of this novel immediately caught my attention—I can never resist a mystery woven with folklore and magic. What truly sealed the deal, though, was the stunning cover, which first drew me in and made me want to learn more about the story inside. For fans of YA mystery, second-chance romance, subtle love triangles, and the magic of Caribbean folklore.
My Review
Selina has always been an outcast on her small Caribbean island after a scandal left her father dead and her mother in a coma. When the novel begins, she’s trying to move forward and carve out a new life for herself—but a fresh murder forces her back into the heart of the island’s mysteries. As the investigation deepens, Selina begins uncovering long-buried family secrets, including the truth about what tore her family apart.
The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements. The author weaves Caribbean folklore and history seamlessly into the story, bringing the island to life with a mix of beauty, danger, and haunting magic. Once the plot picked up, I was completely hooked—I needed to know what really happened to Selina’s parents and who was responsible for the string of murders.
Selina’s character growth was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Watching her reconnect with her roots, push back against others’ expectations, and embrace her true self was powerful and relatable. And then there’s Gabriel—I absolutely loved his character! His fierce loyalty to Selina, even after their breakup, made me root for their second-chance romance. I don’t usually gravitate toward that trope, but their journey felt natural and heartfelt.
I also really enjoyed diving into the folklore and legends threaded throughout the book. They added depth and atmosphere, and I’d definitely recommend looking further into the real history and mythology—it’s fascinating.
That said, a few things kept this from being a higher-rated read for me. The beginning felt a little slow, taking its time to build momentum. I also didn’t care for many of the secondary characters, who often came across as dishonest or cruel toward Selina. One in particular, Edward, frustrated me throughout—he constantly tried to mold Selina into someone she wasn’t, and I was relieved when she finally stood up for herself.
Overall, this was an excellent read with a gripping mystery, rich folklore, and a romance that surprised me in the best way. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy YA suspense with a touch of magic and a slow-burn second-chance love story.
“Mummy believed trauma left a mark, not just on people but on places, too. Not like a splash of paint on the wall, but something deeper, embedding itself into the foundation and reverberating for years to follow.”
Sarah Dass
If You Loved This, Try
A literary pairing similar to this novel is We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, which follows four friends—bound by love, lies, and tragedy—as their perfect world unravels after a shocking accident. Much like It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass, it delivers the same haunting island atmosphere, tangled family secrets, and characters questioning what’s true and what’s not.
Sarah Dass is a writer with roots in Trinidad and Tobago whose background and global experiences shape her storytelling. She studied at the University of the West Indies and later at University College London. When she’s not traveling, she’s just as happy enjoying a quiet day at home.Her published works include Where the Rhythm Takes You & When the Vibe Is Right.
Shelf To Table
Rum Cake: A rum cake is a rich, moist spice cake infused with rum, offering warm flavors of vanilla and brown sugar with a subtle boozy kick.
If you love the isolated island trope—where secrets fester, legends feel a little too real, and danger lurks just out of sight—Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand is a chilling must-read. Set on the remote island of Sawkill Rock, the story follows three very different girls whose lives slowly collide. Sawkill Rock itself feels alive: windswept cliffs, restless waves, and whispered folklore passed around at bonfires and sleepovers. For generations, girls have gone missing, and the island’s residents have learned to look away rather than ask why. But when the truth behind the legend begins to surface, these three girls are forced to confront the darkness head-on—and decide whether they’ll continue the cycle of silence or finally fight back. Perfect for readers who enjoy feminist horror, eerie folklore, and atmospheric settings, this novel blends suspense, mythology, and emotional depth into a haunting, unforgettable story.
“It Waits in the Forest is a love letter to life on a Caribbean island; the tight-knit, small-town dynamics; the double-edged sword of tourism; the sense of isolation but also local pride; the dissonance of living in paradise while struggling with poverty, lack opportunity, clausrophobic relationships, and the weight of your family’s reputation.”
Rick Riordan