What's better than a cozy mystery? A cozy mystery that dives into the world of cryptozoology! Beast of the North Woods, the third book in Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Mystery series, is an absolute treat for anyone who loves an unusual hobby as a backdrop for a whodunit. I mean, cryptozoology?! Hodags?! I didn't know I needed to know about these things, but now I'm obsessed.

This installment follows Morgan Carter, a bookstore owner and a monster hunter (talk about a double life!), as she investigates a murder that may or may not involve Wisconsin's own cryptid, the Hodag. The mix of folklore, science, and mystery gave the story a unique texture—it is not every day you read a cozy that seamlessly blends small-town charm with supernatural speculation.

I'll admit I jumped into this series out of order. While I wish I'd had all the backstory on Morgan and her crew, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to pick up and follow. Ryan does an excellent job weaving in just enough context to immerse newcomers like me while still driving the plot forward for returning fans.

What I loved most was the way the book balanced intrigue and lightheartedness. Morgan is such an engaging protagonist—smart, relatable, and just skeptical enough about her monster-hunting work to make it believable. The side characters added depth and humor, making the small-town setting wonderfully vivid. Plus, the Hodag lore was fascinating. It had me Googling halfway through because I needed to know if this mythical creature had real-life roots. (Spoiler: It does! Kind of.)

If you're seeking a mystery that breaks away from the usual cozy tropes, this series—especially this book—is a gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're drawn to the murder mystery, the quirky characters, or the deep dive into folklore, Beast of the North Woods delivers. It's a book worth every page, and I'm off to track down books one and two because I need the complete Monster Hunter experience.

Perfect for fans of: quirky hobbies, cryptids, folklore-infused mysteries, and small-town drama with a twist.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5