The Staircase in the Woods

By Chuck Wendig
** Publication Date 29 April 2025 **
5 stars



Gotta say, I am never disappointed by a Chuck Wendig horror/suspense novel. I’ve been looking forward to reading this one since I was approved for it, but there were a few books ahead of it! I loved it.


While the novel focuses on a group of five characters, the story is told from the points of view of only two of the five. 


Lore is a game designer/writer and the only female in the group. She’s successful and likes to spend the rewards of her success. Lore struggles with her mental health. She won’t rely on anyone to help her out. She is what she is.


Owen is probably the least likely to belong to this group. He’s more of an introvert and reckless really isn’t in his vocabulary. At one time, Lore was his best friend. They planned to become game designers together. But something happened along the way, and now he floats from job to job just to stay alive.


Rounding out the group are Hamish, the hippie of the group; Matty, the overachiever; and Nick, the reckless one. 


Back in high school the five took a camping trip. A staircase appeared out of nowhere in the woods. Stoned, drunk, and foolhardy, one of them ascends the staircase and disappears. For the next twenty years the remaining four go their separate ways. Until one of them brings the group back together, at a new staircase. It’s time to try to find their friend.


Truly a horrifying yet epic story about the bonds of friendship and what you are willing to sacrifice. The way this one ended makes me wonder if there is a follow up to this story. I hope there is, because I am dying to know what comes next.