If Coraline grew up in the South, this would be her story. What starts as a harmless prank in the woods turns deadly when five teens stumble into something ancient... and hungry. New girl Clover Portis agrees to a late-night snipe hunt hoping to fit in. Instead, she finds herself trapped deep in Karma Creek Woods as a long-buried legend wakes beneath the trees. Cut off from help and hunted through the dark, the teens must rely on their wits—and each other—to survive the night. As fear fractures friendships and secrets come to light, Clover discovers a strength she never knew she had. But in the woods, not every monster has claws, and not everyone makes it out unchanged. The Snipe Hunt is a chilling Southern Gothic survival story that weaves folklore, friendship, and fear into a gripping coming-of-age nightmare. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things , Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children , and survival classics like Hatchet . As a teacher and longtime fan of middle grade survival stories, I was blown away by how this book blends action, emotional depth, and creeping dread. It reminded me of Hatchet--if Hatchet had ancient monsters in the woods. My students will eat this up. Erica R I fell in love with Clover's funny but vulnerable character within the first few pages. She's not your typical hero, and that's what makes her unforgettable. The mix of tension and action and horror but also friendship and hope was spot-on. That ending? Perfect. This one stuck with me. M Bloom The imagery is visceral and creative, and the pacing is relentless. Southern as all get out and the kind of book that sticks with you long after you read it. C Reed