Chuck Wendig does it again, sucks you into a fantastically chilling story right from the first page. I loved every moment of this book, the characters were brought so much life and pain to the story. I wasn't sure who I should have been rooting for in the end. I am ever so thankful for being allowed to read this novel early, I enjoyed every last page and it has become one of my top reads of 2024.

I rated this 3.5 stars! The premise of this book was so intriguing to me at first so thank you so much for this arc! The Staircase in the Woods started out pretty slow to me but definitely got exciting after 100 pages. This book was way darker than I expected when it comes to its themes. My favorite part was the friendship aspect, it was pretty rocky through out but I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the ending. I may just have to start using “the covenant” in my daily vocabulary.

I got everything i expected from this book - it was interesting, fast paced, with a great amount of horror and thrill in it.
Short chapters (mostly) that makes you read "just another one, and another, and maybe just one more..."
The characters are all very relatable, well written. The main plot about not haunted but haunting house is just so entertaining and quite unique for me. Haven't read anything like this before.
And if i learned something from this book - stay away from abandoned staircases you just happen to find in the middle of nowhere.
Perfect for horror and thriller fans.

rating 4⭐️

this book delivered on horror. it was grotesque, gory, unique, and fucked up. and i loved every second of it. in the midst of all the environment the character stories were each unique and interesting. i felt so much for them!!! the ending also was satisfying.

some parts of this book did cringe me out though in terms of the characters. i felt this moved pretty fast though! i wasn’t sitting there fighting to get through it.

gave me house of leaves mixed with paranormal horror game mixed with the backrooms. i loved this incredibly unique story!

In 1998, a group of high school friends enter the woods of Bucks County, PA to go camping... or, as teenagers are more apt to do, go "camping," which is to say they went into off into the woods to fuck and get fucked up. But in the midst of all their drugs and booze revelry, they stumble across the peculiar sight of a staircase in the woods. Just a staircase. There's no accompanying house, or the remains of a house that was, to indicate some perfectly normal reason for this staircase to be there. It's weird. So, of course, one of the teens climbs up the steps and... disappears. He didn't fall off the other side or pull some fancy sleight of hand to prank his friends and jump scare them in the woods. No, what he does is just completely vanish right off the face of the earth. Gone gone.

In the present day, the remaining friends, now long-since disconnected and grown apart, are reunited by a new tragedy coupled with the discovery of another strange staircase in the woods. This staircase is an opportunity for them to find out what happened to Matty, to find out if he's even still alive off in somewhere else, and maybe to save him, to put right what all fell apart so many years ago. And up they all go, up, up, and away, right on into hell.

The Staircase in the Woods is an unremittingly dark exploration of liminal spaces, fractured friendships, and the inner lives of this group of people that used to be friends but who have grown into almost-but-not quite strangers. In some ways, it's a haunted house story, but author Chuck Wendig does a marvelous job of inverting those particular tropes along the way to give us something different, interesting, and next-level with its exploration of game mechanics and simulated reality philosophizing.

Mostly, though, it's a haunted people story. Theirs are stories about being lost, of being abandoned, of what it's like to be hollowed out and filled with darkness. The characters -- Nick, Owen, Lore (short for Lauren), and Hamish -- are all bleak figures with scarred childhoods, the better in which to mine for misery. There's deceit, depravity, suicidal ideation, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, child sex abuse, animal abuse, parental neglect, murder -- you name it, it's probably in here to some degree.

And that's not even getting into the pure, distilled scenes of nightmare fuel surrounding such heady topics. Did I mention this book is dark? The Staircase in the Woods may be the bleakest and darkest work Wendig has created thus far, skating up to the edges of, yet skirting around (but not necessarily away from), abject nihilism. That last bit could certainly go either way, sure, because throughout it all there's a certain measure of hope, but one can't help but wonder what happens when hope hits a wall, and how much a friendship, even one that's been reforged from its fractured remains, can truly withstand.

For me, it's those questions of endurance that made The Staircase in the Woods so damnably compelling. I found myself trapped by this book's gory hooks, but it was the human elements that truly captivated me, the relationship dynamics, their responses to each new piece of unraveling information, and their puzzling over what exactly was happening to them, whether or not they'd figure it out and how, and what then? I couldn't help but recall the tagline to the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, "Who will survive and what will be left of them?"

I couldn't help speculating, too, on other pieces of media that The Staircase in the Woods exists in conversation with. Wendig taps into a serious House of Leaves vibe, sans all the heavy extracurricular homework, not to mention Reddit creepypastas and The Backrooms, with overarching shades of Richard Matheson and Stephen King, the latter if only because every current-generation horror writer exists in the shadow of King, whose continuing work and legacy reaches oh so very far and wide that it becomes impossible not to touch in some way, shape, or form, even if only incidentally. The Staircase in the Woods is a shifty, shifting hodgepodge of inspirations that ultimately come together in unique, and uniquely infectious, ways, inside and out. It cuts and crawls its way into you, burrowing into your heart and mind, twisting and changing as it grows deeper inside you, and isn't that just the best kind of horror?

In this captivating horror novel by a New York Times bestselling author, a group of high school friends finds a mysterious staircase in the woods. After one friend walks up and never returns, the staircase disappears. Twenty years later, the staircase reappears and the friends reunite to find the lost boy and uncover the secrets beyond the staircase.

Let me tell you, I loved this read. I think opening up with “On Friday, June 5th, 1998, five teenagers went into the woods surrounding Highchair Rocks in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Only four of them came out.” was such a smart way to catch the reader's attention, because it caught mine. The more I learned about the characters, the more I wanted to read. I think the dual timeline and multiple POVs were done so beautifully (I do not enjoy books with these characteristics (typically)).

The book's eerie and unsettling atmosphere captivated me, immersing me in a world of tension, danger, and suspense. The vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture in my mind, while the characters' emotions weighed heavily on my heart. The ending was breathtaking, leaving a lasting impression I won't forget.

I really enjoyed this and flew through it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read, "The Stairecase in the Woods" by Chuck Wendig. Unfortunately, this did not work for me. I am not a huge fan on constant cussing and reliving glory days of sex and drugs.

If Stephen King and Stranger Things had a baby, it would be this book! Just a fun and spooky read! The writing itself made it so easy to really get into the story.

Chuck Wendig’s "The Staircase in the Woods" is an electrifying blend of mystery, horror, and heart that pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last word. As someone fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy, I can confidently say this novel cements Wendig’s reputation as a masterful storyteller.

The book's premise—a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods—captures the eerie allure of urban legends while offering something far deeper and more profound. Wendig’s prose is vivid and immersive, painting the wilderness as both a beautiful escape and a menacing labyrinth. Each character is richly drawn, brimming with life, flaws, and secrets, making their personal journeys as gripping as the central mystery.

What truly sets this book apart is Wendig’s ability to balance the suspenseful with the emotional. The narrative weaves between chilling, edge-of-your-seat moments and deeply introspective passages that explore themes of grief, belonging, and the primal fear of the unknown. Fans of his earlier works like "The Book of Accidents" will recognize his knack for blending grounded humanity with supernatural terror.

Without spoiling anything, the resolution is as satisfying as it is thought-provoking. The story stays with you long after you turn the final page, a testament to Wendig’s ability to craft a tale that resonates on multiple levels.

If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with a touch of the uncanny and a strong emotional core, "The Staircase in the Woods" is a must-read. Wendig has outdone himself yet again, delivering a novel that feels both timeless and timely.

Highly recommended for fans of Stephen King, Paul Tremblay, or anyone who loves getting lost in the dark corners of fiction.

“The heart is where the home is.”

No, that quote isn’t backwards.

This book had so many twists and turns that my head feels like it’s spinning (in a good way).

The story follows a group of friends who are called back to their hometown to look for their long lost friend who has “disappeared”. There, Nick invokes “The Covenant”, setting off this wild story about pain, promises, loss, and chosen family.


Initial Reactions:

I felt that the characters were complex, just like real people. You never know what people are dealing with and that shows in this book. Every character seemed likable one moment, then unlikable the next. One thing I didn’t care for however, was the use of real-world politics to make a character seem more negative and unlikable than the others.

The plot was very surprising, I had no idea where the story was going, but at the end it made sense. However, some parts did seem repetitive.

At first, I struggled to get into this book. But by the time I got about half-way through, I was hooked. Once you get into the real “meat” of the plot, it feels like you’re in video game or escape room and you’re excited to see what comes next.

This book is definitely a horror/paranormal trip that I enjoyed. I’d give it 3.5-4 stars out of 5 and would recommend it to young adult and adult readers.

Big thank you to Chuck Wendig, Del Rey, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was just meh to me. It reminded me of The Cabin at the End of World but it was definitely better. I liked the relationships between all of the characters. Lore drove me nuts in a few ways, but it wasn’t unbearable to read her POV. One thing I hate about this author is his inclusion of blatant political opinions. It doesn’t add to the story and I read fiction to escape not have current events shoved in my face.

Genuinely creepy and a page turner, but the Gen X humor wasn’t for me. Felt a bit repetitive at times, and the ending was unsatisfying.

DNF -- I got about 25 pages in and couldn't go any further. What ridiculous nonsense! And the way he writes the queer woman character disgusts me, as a queer person. The first few chapters failed to capture my interest, and none of the characters was compelling in the slightest.

Years ago I had come across a Reddit thread that talked about random staircase leading nowhere found in dense forests. I have thought about those staircases on a weekly basis since, so when I saw this book I had to read it.
However, the Reddit thread may have hyped up these staircases in my mind because this book didn’t quite live up to my hopes and dreams. It was incredibly unique, but the characters were so individually unlikable (friendship was adorable though) and the pacing was hard to keep up with. Definitely worth the read, but I just had some issues with it.

Binged this over a 24 hours period and I think I've found a new auto-buy author. This is my first Chuck Wendig book, but man did I devour it. I needed a break from all the romantasy and subpar thrillers that I read, and this was the perfect, icky, horrifying palate cleanser.

Like most people, I've dived down the 'staircase in the woods' reddit rabbithole, and the second I saw the title of this book I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. There wasn't a single part of this story that I wasn't interested in finding out what happens, and even at times where it might have felt repetitive, the overall question of 'what the hell happened to Matty?' always stuck with me and kept me turning those pages.

Things I liked best about 'The Staircase in the Woods'
- clear characterization, each of the five mains in this book felt inanely diferent from the other, and one of the things that impressed me the most in this book is how well the characters behaved according to their personalities, which unfortunately doesn't always happen in books. I just KNEW Owen was gonna close that door.
- imagery. Gross, man
- vdeo game integration- loved the aspects of nerd-dom spread throughout the book, and how it related into the overall plot and resolution of the book.
- the plot itself. Very interesting, and something I haven't come across before and it was amazing.

Things I liked least about 'The Staircase in the Woods'
- some of the slang felt misplaced, and maybe a bit over the top. I get the point of clearly trying to convey the time period but it threw me off sometimes
- A little repetitive. I understand the nature of it, but I think it could have been reworked just a tad to not give us so much of that.
- I hated Lore the entire time. I don't know if that was the point, but there were times I found her near insufferable, especially in the initial car ride with Hamish. (I voted blue)
- I wanted more at the end. That entire book dangled me on a string and I wanted a Matty scene and it never came

Overall thoughts:
This is an easy 5/5 for me. Am off to go check out Chuck's backlist pronto.

New York Times bestselling author Chuck Wendig's The Staircase in the Woods grips you from the start with a chilling atmosphere and intense emotional core. Wendig invites us into a world where mystery and friendship intertwine against a backdrop of eerie suspense.

Five high school friends are bonded by an oath to protect one another no matter what. Then, on a camping trip in the middle of the forest, they find something extraordinary: a mysterious staircase to nowhere. One friend walks up—and never comes back down. Then the staircase disappears. Twenty years later, the staircase has reappeared. Now the group returns to find the lost boy—and what lies beyond the staircase in the woods...

Chuck Wendig has crafted a thrilling tale with an engaging premise that quickly captured my attention. With an opening that sets a tone that's both mysterious and foreboding, hinting at supernatural elements while weaving in very human emotions to a conclusion that was worth the wait, The Staircase in the Woods was one wild ride.

Wendig truly excels at crafting multi-dimensional characters that drive the novel forward. Initially, I found myself struggling to connect with certain members of this group–finding some annoying–but as their individual backstories unfolded throughout the novel, my perspective shifted. Each character carries their own baggage from the original fateful night and how they dealt with said night was different for each person. The evolution of each relationship over twenty years is portrayed with nuance and empathy, making their reunion around solving this long-unanswered mystery all more palpable.

The Staircase in the Woods is steeped in suspense. Wendig employs twists and turns wonderfully, ensuring we remain perpetually on edge. The pacing feels relentless yet controlled; just as you're about to catch your breath from one heart-pounding moment or emotional revelation another awaits almost immediately around each corner within these woods.

Chuck Wendig has crafted more than just another horror story with The Staircase in the Woods; he's created a thought-provoking exploration into friendship's complexities layered atop tantalizing suspense and mystery. Through relatable characters and breakneck pacing, The Staircase in the Woods is a gripping experience in true Wendig fashion. The novel is captivating thriller that challenges not only our perception of reality but also the bonds we hold most dear.

The Staircase in the Woods was not one of my favorite reads. I could not fall in love with any of the characters and the political rants were a bit much for me. I didn't hate it but also did not love it. Thank you NetGalley and Del Ray for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!

Special thanks to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I love Chuck Wendigs and he did not disappoint me, as one of his recent books was a little far fetched for me, this was an easy and compelling read. While the story took me out to a political rant in the beginning that was a little jarring, it quickly got back on track and was a really good story. I read it quickly and enjoyed it very much.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 4
Plot development: 5
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 5
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 4 out of 5