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The Woods
Harlan Coben

The Woods

Quick Answer

Read "The Woods" as the 8th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Under The Streets Of Nice" (Book 7)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 8th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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“An intricate thriller that begins with a missing girl and ends up in unexpected territory” from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If You Tell (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).   A schoolgirl found it on a nature hike. A severed human foot wearing pink nail polish. A gruesome but invaluable clue that leads forensic pathologist Birdy Waterman down a much darker trail—to a dangerous psychopath whose powers of persuasion seem to have no end. Only by teaming up with sheriff’s detective Kendall Stark can Birdy hope to even the odds in a deadly game. It’s a fateful decision the killer wants them to make. And it’s the only way Birdy and Kendall can find their way to a murderer who’s ready to kill again . . .    Praise for Gregg Olsen’s Novels “Grabs you by the throat.”—Kay Hooper “An irresistible page-turner.”—Kevin O’Brien “Olsen writes rapid-fire page-turners.”—The Seattle Times “Frightening . . . a nail-biter.”—Suspense Magazine “A work of dark, gripping suspense.”—Anne Frasier “Truly a great read.”—Mystery Scene Magazine "Olsen writes rapid-fire page-turners." —Seattle Times "Grabs you by the throat." —Kay Hooper “The fifth Waterman and Stark thriller from the very talented Gregg Olsen . . . it’s truly a great read.” —Mystery Scene Magazine
Next Recommended Book

Love And Other Stars

Book #8 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Woods?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Woods before Under The Streets Of Nice?

No. We recommend reading Under The Streets Of Nice first. The Woods is the 8th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Woods required reading for the Standalone Novels?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Woods in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Woods is Love And Other Stars (Book #8).