This book seems at first heavily inspired by Stephen King's The Body (filmed as Stand By Me).. The action is moved to Arizona, a group of misfits band together, deal with bullies in a way that raises the ante dramatically from The Body, find an abandoned car in the woods loaded with a body in the trunk and millions of dollars in the backseat, and soon deal with a mysterious killer called The Collector. Seth Adams writing is engaging, and the first half of the book nicely straddles the line between YA and adult thrillers, but then the book goes completely off the tracks and becomes a blood splattered thriller fueled by inane decision by the 13 year-old narrator, which lost me as a 58 year-old crime fiction reader, but still might keep it a thrilling read for teen readers. While the book lost me, I'll still give it 3 stars for the writing and that it might work for teen readers.

They were only so young just 13 years old and making the most or the sunshine .
We found a car which was a burnt out wreck in the woods .
They was a load of cash in the front seat , then the collected arrived

This book is well written with plenty of description and plenty of action. The main characters are all outsiders and fate brings them together. Family loyalty and friendship loyalty are well explored and the friends are able to laugh at themselves.
I think this book would definitely be a 4* rating for young adults who are not too squeamish.
Many thanks to Seth C. Adams/Harper Impulse/Killer Reads/Netgalley for the digital copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my personal views.

Joe moves to Payne, Arizona at 13. It ends up being a summer he will remember for the rest of his life. His new friends, forming The Outsiders Club, the car they find abandoned in the woods, a serial killer.... Definitely an eventful summer.

There is some language in this book that might be very offensive to most people. But....let's be truthful here...there is no middle school or group of tweens/teens where at least some (or even all) of those words don't get used during a fight or disagreement. At times, those words are used in normal conversation even. In fact, I've heard those terms (and worse) used in the lyrics of songs that kids listen to. Wanting a more diverse and kind world is a great thing to strive for....but there is no magic wand you can wave and take hurtful words kids hurl at each other out of the mix. Fat kids are going to be called fat and be subjected to hurtful things. Kids are mean. Wanting them to not be that way doesn't take that magically away and leave middle school and those final years before adulthood a kind, nurturing, happy place and time. It has never been a perfect, happy place for anybody.....but it's a learning time, a place of lessons and memories that last a life time. Good and bad. And the strongest, best friendships, too. To rate down a book because it uses terms that kids actually use saying "It's 2018'' and a book shouldn't use those words.....that's akin to censorship and it's asking authors to make books based on a fake, cleansed picture of the world. Now....did the story get just a bit over-the-top and trope-y with a few of the characters like the racist, corrupt, disgusting sheriff ? Yes. But, do teen boys hear and say words like retarded, fat, gay, n*****, b*tch, and the like on a daily basis? Yes, they do. Do nerdy kids or those branded as "losers'' or fringe get picked on and targeted? Yes, they do. Wanting a kinder planet is unfortunately never going to take those words out of the English language and out of the arsenal that kids use against each other. Does it make those words the right thing to say? NEVER. But authors can't create stories based on a cleansed world that doesn't exist. Nothing good will come from that. Does that mean we have to accept and like words and actions like that? Of course not. But in writing a story about bullies and a group of kids outside the normal social circles, those words are realistic. If I sat in the center of my son's middle school at lunch time, I guarantee I would hear every single one of those words coming from kids in reference to other kids. It's unfortunate......but realistic. That being said....I think calling a character N***** Jim is going over the line. Really? I can tolerate that in Tom Sawyer because it's from another time. But in this book it was a cringe-worthy moment that pulled me out of the story. One step too far.

In fact, I felt this book went just that step too far several times. Events occurred that went just a step past reality towards melodramatic and bad trope. Actions and characters went just a step past believable towards ridiculous. The sheriff. The Collector. The bullies. Mobsters. Some portions of the story felt like a bad 1980's movie script.

I don't like it when books are marketed as "like Stephen King'' or "for lovers of" some bestseller or popular author. Nobody can pull off Stephen King plots but Stephen King. It was nothing like It or The Chalk Man. This book is just not up to that level of writing or story-telling. Is the story enjoyable? Most of it is. But at certain places, it failed....and failed hard.

All in all, this story was okay. I would read another book by this author. I think he needs to find his own voice and not strive to emulate his favorite authors. I'm giving it 3 stars based on the portions of the story I liked. The first half of the book was stronger than the last half.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Harper Impulse/Killer Reads via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Killer Reads and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of If You Go Down to the Woods. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Clearly written as a nod to Master of Horror, Stephen King, If You Go Down to the Woods is the story of a group of kids for whom adventure turns deadly. As outsiders who are bullied by both teenagers and adults alike, Joey, Fat Bobby, Jim and Tara take a foray off the beaten path and end up in a boatload of trouble. When the rightful owner of property they found in the woods comes looking, will the teenagers put themselves and their families in danger?

The problem with If You Go Down to the Woods is that it is way over the top. Unlike Stephen King, who injects humor into his horror-laced books, this novel by Seth C. Adams is heavy on the violence without the benefit of a joke to lighten the mood. The end result is an unrealistic novel with many unlikable characters. The narration of the story by Joey is too similar to The Body by Stephen King for my tastes, giving me no alternative but to make comparisons. In the end, I was not blown away by either the plot or the characters, so I would be hesitant to recommend the book.

Oh my, oh my, oh my.
Why is it that, every time I see "for fans of Stephen King", I just can't help myself from wanting to devour it? I should know by now that no one can live up to the master (I mean after-all, he is the King for a reason), and that I should instead give them the widest berth possible. This is just a truly horrendous replica attempt of the iconic IT - the composition of the Losers' Club, Bill's pithy crush, the brutality of the human bullies. Nobody asked for this, nobody wants it; they, like me, just want to see even a little original thought, or they just want to go back and give IT another re-read.
And, because the original was published in the 1970s/80s I can give Stephen King a little leeway on the language - of course it's still not okay, but the context of the time in which the novel was published allows the reader to judge it a little less harshly - but If You Go to the Woods was published in 2018.
2018!
And, I don't care if Seth C. Adams was just mangling an attempt of trying to create the same atmosphere as King - which is possible without the language, by the way, just look at Stranger Things - but in a short space of time, the book directs its vitriol towards people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, people who are overweight, and forms a disgusting dichotomy between women who the main character is attracted to (who deserve kindness and respect) and those that he is not (who deserve ridicule and hate).
This book is just disgusting. It is frankly just pages and pages of misogyny, racism, bigotry and malice that is attempting to frame itself in the same atmosphere as Stephen King.
But guess what? Being a dick doesn't make you like Stephen King, unsurprisingly it just makes you a dick.

1 star.

The racial and homophobic slurs, and terrible representation towards a black and a fat character, have made me hate it.

This book takes place in the 70s/80s, so these types or wordings were normalized back then, but this is a 2018 release. It's understandable wanting to be realistic, but you can write a historical piece without the CONSTANT use of slurs and microagressions. STRANGER THINGS and IT (the movie, the book was about as offensive as this, but they had the brains to use other wordings BECAUSE ITS 2018) did it (which is what this book is CONSTANTLY being compared to, which makes sense because this is IT, but done worse), so why couldn't they with this book?

Thank you to Netgalley for sending this to me for review, but I will never recommend this book to a single soul.

The beginning was interesting enough but quickly went downhill and began to bore me. Not to my liking.

If you Go Down To The Woods by Seth C. Adams in a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Impulse and Killer Reads, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Synopsis: 
13-year old Joey Hayworth and his friends Fat Bobby, Jim, and Tara call themselves the Outsiders’ Club. Joey is new to Payne Arizona. Fat Bobby lives in a run-down trailer, and has a father that beats him. Jim is a black boy, whose father runs the town dump, and Tara quickly becomes Joey’s first love. When they find an old car in the woods, their adventure truly begins. What they find in the car is what changes the adventure to a never-ending nightmare. Joey’s older sister Sarah ends up becoming part of the group, much to everyone’s surprise. Between the town bullies, the corrupt sheriff, the “Collector”, and the mob, it is surprising that any of the group survive the summer.

My Opinions: 
I liked the book. Didn’t love it, but it definitely held my interest. In one way it is a coming-of-age book. When the hormones kick in, love blossoms, siblings annoy, and friends are the best. I think if I had liked Joey a little better, my rating would have been higher. But he was rather full of himself, and although that is mainly an age thing, it was annoying. As well, I wasn’t sure that a 16-year old girl would be attracted to 13-year old Joey. So I’m not sure everything rang true. However, the story itself had lots of action, and it is an easy read. The writing was fine, the dialogs sounded “right”, and the overall plot was good (if a little over-the top).

I think the comparison to Stephen King and CJ Tudor did more harm than good. Yes, the stories are all about kids, but this one lacked something both the others had. I think it was the kids themselves. They didn’t mesh well together, and from the start I couldn’t see their relationships lasting.

However, for a debut novel, it had merit….looking forward to more from this author.

Solid 3.5 Stars.

A group of outsiders band together one summer while encountering bullies and other adversities. One day, they come across a Buick and go exploring and find a bit more than they were expecting, including coming across a terrifying character known as The Collector.

The story is well-written, fast-paced, and engaging. There is a fair amount of nostalgia for one’s lazy teen summers and a fair amount of “shwew, glad that’s over” when reading about the angst these kids go through. Here’s where I found most of the emotion in this story residing. There are some tender moments of real human connection that can get overlooked due to the drama of the story.

All that said, this novel comes with some flaws, as this reader sees it. Right off the bat, an offensive word is used and I found myself wincing but, remembering Joey is only 13 I rolled with it as kids this age do use language like this. However, when it was used again—gratuitously—I found it made me less sympathetic to Joey and wondering why the word needed to be used so frequently (kids are creative and I’m certain I’ve heard mine use more imaginative “dis” in their early teens).

I also found some of the baddies exaggerated, perhaps for effect, perhaps unintentionally. It made a few exchanges less believable in my opinion.

Overall, I think this is a quick, entertaining read and a few key edits could have made it shine even brighter.

eARC by netgalley and Harper impulse/killer reads for fair review.

I thought this was a fantastic book. As a big fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz I thought this was in a very similar style and storytelling. A coming of age story with lots of twists and turns, fraught with danger! Also one of family, friendship and loyalty.

It has been very well written and I loved the authors use of descriptive terms. This is an author I will be looking out for more of in the future.

A thrilling and exciting read, Seth C. Adams is a fantastic storyteller.

Based on the length, I expected to blow through this book in one or two sittings, but it actually took me a few days to get through it. Comparisons to It by Stephen King and The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor are accurate when it comes to the story, but I found this one lacking. I might have felt more suspense if the main character, Joey, didn't drive me absolutely batty. I know, he's thirteen. And I know thirteen year old boys aren't known for being the least annoying creatures on the planet. But I have read plenty of stories with characters of a similar age where they came across as likable and still realistic enough. This was not one of them. Most of the other characters are fine. I also have no problem with foul language, as I have a mouth like a sailor myself. This does not include racial slurs (mostly used by "bad guys" but so often it was jarring) or using the word "retarded" a dozen or so times as an insult, both of which feature a lot in this story. I know that people use those words, and I know kids especially tend to. I just don't think it added anything and in fact detracted from the story for me. I didn't need more reasons to dislike the main character, but his use of "retarded" gave them to me. I hate to rate books low, and the language is not even the main reason but I just didn't enjoy this one.

Just thirteen years old, Joey and his older sister have been forced to move with their family because of their father's job. It's not long before Joey connects with new friends, and not long before he makes some new enemies. Pulled to a mysterious glinting light in the woods, he and his new group of outsiders discover an old abandoned car that looks like it's been sitting in one place for years and years. It's locked. Of course, they are convinced they have to open it. Inside, they find more money than they've ever seen in their lives, more money than most people will... and in the trunk, something most people would hope never to see: a decaying body that's been laying alone and forgotten for a long time. But someone knows they've found his secret: a mysterious man called The Collector, who will make sure this is a summer they'll never forget.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, Harper Impulse, and Killer Reads, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

The characters are run of the mill stereotypical teens that anyone can understand. The plot is well-written and action packed with plenty of descriptions that keep the pictures running through your mind as you read. I received a copy of this book via netgalley

As a man's recollections of a life-changing summer when he was thirteen, this story works. The authentic young teen fears, language and obsessions draw you into the mind of a thirteen-year-old. The naivety of the gang of 'Outsiders' is evidenced throughout the story as they encounter bullying, extreme racial and sexual prejudice and violence. Joey's belief that his father can overcome anything is touching and in character but his actions in the face of the strange and dangerous people and events he encounters seem far more mature than his years.
The setting and characters are almost stereotypical, but again they fit with this genre of novel. So from a technical point of view, this story works, but I didn't get invested with the characters, except in Joey's connection with his dog Bandit which is vivid and genuine. The story's pacing is good but everything is seen from a pre-teen point of view, and so the story didn't enthral me. The target audience for this book is a more young adult than thriller reader, but as a debut, it is worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from Killer Reads Harper Collins via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Seth C. Adams is a great author I like his writing style I struggle at the start of the book because it picked up slow however the ending was amazing and everything finally came together.

"What did you do on your summer vacation?" What a tale Joe Hayworth and three of his friends had to tell if assigned that essay!

Joe moves to the small town of Payne, Arizona with his parents and older (16) sister Sarah, during the summer of his 13th year. The story is told by Joe as an adult looking back on the summer, musing about whether there was a point at which the events which occurred could have been changed, or prevented. This gives the book a decidedly nostalgic feel.

Exploring the woods around his home with his dog, Bandit, Joe comes across three older teens bullying a fat boy. Joe intervenes, and thanks to Bandit, is able to run the older boys off, but not before they promise that they won't forget about him, and he'd better watch his back. So begins an unlikely friendship with Fat Bobby, a boy scared of his own shadow thanks to an abusive father. Bobby introduces Joe to Jimmy, and soon a girl named Tara also joins their group. They name themselves the Outsiders, as that's what they are, and pledge loyalty to each other no matter what. Little did they realize how often, and at what cost, they would be held to that childhood pledge.

The Outsiders find an old car in the woods and this becomes "their place". But what they find inside the car will change their summer and lives forever. There is no shortage of danger or suspense for these young teens. Not only do they have to deal with the bullies on a regular and ever escalating basis, but there's a corrupt sheriff, a shadowy man named "The Collector" who wants what was in the car, and "The Collectors" bosses.

It's hard to believe that If You Go Down to the Woods is Seth Adams' debut thriller. There is so much maturity in this book and much to like. Adams makes the reader feel like a 13 year old boy while reading the book. His characters are vividly real and deep; and his descriptive powers of emotion and scene sweep the reader along on his ever building suspense. This is a fast-moving book that is hard to put down.

Kudos to Seth Adams on a very good read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse & Killer Reads for allowing me to read the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

After Joey moves to a new town he decides to explore the area, when he comes across a boy being bullied he steps in with the help of his dog Bandit. Thus begins the friendship between him and Fat Bobby and gaining 3 enemies as well. That trip into the woods will change not only his life but the lives of the townspeople.
It starts off taking you back to the lazy summer days of your youth and then slowing draws you into the drama of a frightening experience. Entertaining from beginning to end.

f you go down to the woods is the first thriller by Seth C. Adams and unfortunately it just didn't quite do it for me.
The plot surrounds the outsiders club which consists of, Joey, Fat Bobby, Jim and Tara, who are a group of kids that just don't fit in. I am not going to go into the storyline as I don't want to spoil it for anyone but the storyline was good. The problem I had was the kids should have been older for the things that happened and as a group they didn't gel enough to make me believe they were the best of friends. Leaving me to then not really care about any of them which is a shame as the storyline was there.
I found the storyline interesting but I wouldn't recommend any of my friends or family to read it, sorry.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

Not a bad tale, but it was sorely lacking heart. The kids never jelled for me as best friends, or really even good friends. The whole story strained the bounds of belief, but that's also one of the best things about coming of age tales...the weirdness. The holy crap, this shit is not happening moments! What brings it all together is the reader believing that these kids would die for their friends. Come hell or high water, they'd do whatever it takes. I loved the dog though. This isn't a book that I'd recommend. Not if you love the friendships in other coming of age tales by the likes of Stephen King, Dan Simmons, McCammon, etc..This book doesn't come close to those relationships.

“This is the night. These are the times.” So begins this book #IfYouGoDownToTheWoods by Seth C Adams. It has been a very long time since I have read a book of this caliber. You know right from the beginning if you’re going to love or hate this book. Obviously I found the book absolutely enthralling.
This book so reminds me of a great Stephen King book. There’s the boy and his dog, a great family and a move to new surroundings which need to be explored. Of course it doesn’t hurt that you have a ghost dog named Bandit. Of course you also have the Collector who wears a flowing black coat and a fedora that kept his face hidden. The first two sentences are uttered by the Collector.
I am not going to go into detail about what the book is about. There are so many things going on and you really have to experience them on your own.