It Waits In The Forest - shelf-to-table.org

It Waits In The Forest by Sarah Dess

3.5 Stars

"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."

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.

Before the First Page

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.

Book Thoughts

Book Synopsis

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.

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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.

“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.”

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.

Shelf-To-Table

The perfect food pairing for this novel is a rum cake. Spiced rum cake is rich, decadent, and soaked with flavor—much like the atmosphere of It Waits in the Forest. The warmth of the spices and the depth of the rum mirror the novel’s blend of Caribbean culture with something darker lurking beneath the surface. It’s a dessert often tied to tradition and family, which makes it a perfect match for Selina’s journey as she uncovers the long-buried secrets of her own family. Just as each bite of rum cake lingers with complexity, this story leaves readers with layers of suspense, folklore, and the bittersweet taste of truth. It’s indulgent, a little dangerous, and utterly unforgettable—exactly like the novel.

Do you think local legends and folklore often contain a grain of truth?

I do think that local legends and folklore often contain at least a bit of truth. Many legends likely originate from real events, tragedies, or unexplained experiences that are passed down through generations. Over time, those stories can become exaggerated, and the real people or events behind them may be transformed into fictional monsters, supernatural creatures, or larger-than-life tales.

Even if the details aren’t entirely true, I think many legends exist for a reason. They often carry warnings, lessons, or pieces of history that communities want to preserve and pass on. Whether it’s teaching people to be cautious, respect nature, or learn from past mistakes, there is usually a deeper meaning behind the story.