Overview

The Hunting Moon returns us to Hemlock Falls, where Winnie Wednesday has finally earned her place among the Luminaries, the group sworn to protect the town from the creatures that haunt the woods. Instead of relief, her new status brings more doubt. People are still disappearing, the Whisperer remains at large, and the truth about her father continues to unsettle everything Winnie thought she knew. As the danger grows closer to home, she begins to question whether the rules meant to keep Hemlock safe are actually part of the problem.

Writing & Voice

We found Susan Dennard’s writing atmospheric and moody, with a strong sense of place. The forest feels thick with threat, and the quiet moments of reflection suit the story’s darker tone. That said, the opening section takes its time, revisiting familiar ground before the plot fully moves forward. Once the tension returns, the pacing improves and the mystery regains its pull.

Characters

Winnie remains a compelling lead, caught between her need to belong and her instinct to question what she is told. Her uncertainty feels honest, especially as she digs deeper into her family’s past. Jay Friday continues to be an intriguing presence, offering support while keeping his own secrets close. The wider cast adds background texture, though they sometimes slip into the margins as the central mystery takes focus.

Themes

At its core, the book looks at trust, identity, and what it means to be brave. It asks who gets to define heroism and how fear can shape an entire community. The monsters here are not only the creatures in the woods, but also the assumptions and silences that protect them.

What Worked

• Atmosphere: Hemlock Falls remains eerie and vividly imagined.
• Emotional focus: Winnie’s inner conflict gives the story weight.
• Worldbuilding: the lore around the Luminaries continues to deepen.

Minor Quibbles

• The early chapters repeat familiar ideas before the plot gains momentum.
• Several plot threads are left open, making this feel like a stepping stone between books.

Final Thoughts

The Hunting Moon is dark, thoughtful, and quietly unsettling. While it does not hit with the same immediacy as the first book, its emotional honesty and slow building tension keep us invested in Winnie’s journey.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 / 5)