LINKS

KEYWORDS

Eco-Horror
Missing Persons
Fungal Infection
Pacific Northwest
Body Horror

Girl in the Creek

by WENDY N. WAGNER

Freelance writer Erin Harper returns to the small Oregon town of Faraday to investigate her brother’s disappearance, only to uncover a series of missing persons cases linked to a sentient, invasive fungus spreading through the Clackamas National Forest. Blending eco-horror, body horror, and mystery, the story explores themes of environmental devastation, collective trauma, and the seductive dangers lurking within both nature and human secrets.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the misty, atmospheric forests of the Pacific Northwest, the novel follows freelance writer Erin Harper as she returns to Faraday, Oregon, to investigate the disappearance of her brother and a string of other missing persons cases linked to the Clackamas National Forest. The story blends elements of horror, mystery, thriller, and science fiction, centering on a sentient, invasive fungus—referred to as 'the Strangeness'—that has been colonizing the forest and influencing both wildlife and humans. The narrative alternates between Erin’s perspective and that of the fungus itself, as Erin teams up with friends, locals, and her podcasting partner to unravel the truth behind the disappearances, the ruined, fungus-choked hotel, and the increasingly bizarre events, including a corpse that vanishes from the morgue and reappears at a crime scene. The book is characterized by its eco-horror and body horror elements, with vivid descriptions of fungal infestations, decaying bodies, and the forest’s ominous presence, all set against a backdrop of small-town secrets and environmental decay.

Readers frequently praised the book’s immersive setting and atmospheric descriptions of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the author’s ability to evoke the damp, mossy, and menacing qualities of the forest. The body horror and 'sporror' (spore horror) aspects were noted as particularly effective, with several reviewers mentioning the vivid, grotesque depictions of fungal infection and transformation. The pacing, especially in the second half, was often described as fast and engaging, with the horror elements ramping up to a satisfying level of intensity. Many appreciated the inclusion of queer representation and the subtle thread of sapphic romance, as well as the integration of true crime and podcasting themes. The book’s environmental themes and the use of the forest as an active, almost sentient character were also cited as strengths, and some readers enjoyed the group dynamic reminiscent of 'Scooby-Doo' or 'Stranger Things.'

A common criticism among readers was the lack of character development, with many finding the large cast difficult to distinguish and the side characters underdeveloped or serving mainly as plot devices. The main character, Erin, was sometimes described as flat or uninteresting, and some readers struggled to connect with her or care about her journey. Dialogue was frequently cited as unrealistic or cringeworthy, and the motivations of characters were occasionally seen as inconsistent or confusing. Several reviewers found the plot predictable, rushed, or lacking in complexity, with some twists and resolutions feeling simplistic or unsatisfying compared to the buildup. The book’s pacing was also divisive, with some finding the first half slow or boring, while others felt the story moved too quickly to allow for proper immersion. A few readers noted confusion with the multiple points of view, especially those from animals or the fungus, and some struggled to follow the narrative or keep track of events and characters.

The book has an average reader rating of 3.4 out of 5, based on over 500 ratings and nearly 300 full reviews, indicating a mixed reception. It is marketed as a blend of horror, mystery, thriller, and science fiction, with strong eco-horror and cli-fi elements, and is compared to works by T. Kingfisher and Jeff VanderMeer. The story includes significant content warnings for body horror, violence, suicide, sexual assault, and other graphic material. The book is available in both print and audio formats, with some readers specifically commenting on the quality of the audiobook narration. The author, Wendy N. Wagner, is a Hugo Award winner and editor of Nightmare Magazine, and the book is published by Tor Nightfire with a release date of July 15, 2025.

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