What The Woods Keep

On her eighteenth birthday, Hayden inherits her childhood home—on the condition that she uncover its dark secrets.

 Hayden tried to put the past behind her, and it worked. She’s getting ready for college, living in a Brooklyn apartment, and hanging out with her best friend and roommate Del. But now it’s all catching up with her: her mother’s mysterious disappearance a decade before, her father’s outlandish theories about a lost supernatural race, and Hayden’s own dark dreams of strange symbols and rituals in the Colorado woods where she grew up.

As soon as Hayden arrives at her hometown, her friend Del in tow, it begins: Neighbors whisper secrets about Hayden’s mother; the boy next door is now all grown-up in a very distracting way; and Hayden feels the trees calling to her. And among them, deep in the woods, Hayden will discover something incredible—something that threatens reality itself.

What the Woods Keep is the stunning debut of Katya de Becerra, who combines mystery, science fiction, and dark fantasy in a twisty story that will keep you mesmerized right up to the final page.

Available in all good bookstores or you can order it via links on this page


  • Readings Bestseller
  • BorrowBox Book of the Month
  • Publishers Marketplace “Buzz Book Fall/Winter (Young Adult)”
  • Barnes & Noble “50 of Our Most Anticipated YA Fantasy Novels of 2018”
  • The Sydney Morning Herald “Choice Reads for Younger Eyes”.


Praise for What The Woods Keep:


"Spooky atmospherics and moral ambiguity complement the blend of science and myth to create a thoughtful and compelling horror fantasy." 
― The Bulletin 

“Blending mythology and a contemporary story of family drama, de Becerra's debut novel is a narrative that will keep readers enthralled.”
― Booklist 

“The characters in this debut novel are interesting and modern, particularly Hayden’s humorous, vibrant roommate... Adds a new angle to the “small town with a secret” genre.” 
―VOYA 

 "This is not a book you want to read right before bed! A great supernatural story with enough genuinely creepy moments to keep you up at night."
―Dani Solomon, Readings Kids

"Full of relatable characters, epic scenery, and a plot that was frankly unexpected and kept me guessing... Mystery, magic, history, great characters and amazing settings."
―The Nerd Daily

"I loved this book! It had my heart racing, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough."
―Beautiful Bookland

"[A] wonderfully dark atmospheric novel."
―A Court of Coffee and Books

"The perfect blend of sci-fi, mystery and fantasy... Page turner and intensely unique."
―Dana L. Davis, author of TIFFANY SLY LIVES HERE NOW

"Haunting and disturbing, yet intriguing and captivating."
―The Book Muse

"...Glues you to the edge of your seat... One of the best sci-fi/horror/mysteries I've ever read."
―Derek Milman, author of SCREAM ALL NIGHT

"A heady blend of science, myth, and horror.”
―Novel Knight Book Reviews

"A dark, creepy tale... a plot-driven story about learning one’s true identity while discovering the unknown, punched with a deeply chilling vibe and consistent spine-tingling narrative."
―Tale Out Loud

"A fast, frantic, fascinating read. Very highly recommended for anyone interested in mythology, psychology, or just some good scares."
―Maxine Kaplan, author of THE ACCIDENTAL BAD GIRL

"Part fairy tale, part science fiction, part horror, this novel takes the best parts of these genres and blends them into something completely unique, satisfying, and new... Super smart and spooky, this story kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. A must read."
―Tara Gilboy, author of UNWRITTEN

"...A unique blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror story all rolled into one."
―Caryn Lix, author of SANCTUARY

​"​The book pretty much had everything—friendship, mystery, creepiness, and a dash of romance. Trust me, you’ll want to get lost in these woods!​"
―Candace Robinson, author of QUINSEY WOLFE'S GLASS VAULT and T​HE B​RIDE OF GLASS

"What The Woods Keep is about more than revealing a family's secrets, but about accepting yourself, accepting change, [and] about reconciling the known and the unknowable..."
―Aussie Speculative Fiction



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