This Book Might be Therapy Inducing!

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Dark

PUBLISHING DATE: July 21, 2026

PAGES: 144   

SOURCE: Amazon Comixology Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice…but this brown bear was smart…she covered her tracks…and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers. 

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.

MY THOUGHTS: So, after some digging, I was finally able to get my hands on this graphic novel sequel by implementing a free 30-day trial of Amazon's Comixology Unlimited.  It translated pretty well on my Kindle Fire tablet and was a perfect way to spend a dark Saturday evening.

The town of Woodbrook has entered the 90s and along with it, are learning how hard it is to hide things as technology expands.  The sister of one of Samantha's victims in book one has spent years trying to find out what happened to her brother.  Someone finally reaches out to her on the internet saying they may have info for her if she travels to Woodbrook.  Meanwhile, Woodbrook is still recovering from what happened years prior.  Will they ever find out what evil lurks beneath their small town?

I liked this installment a lot, but it was much darker than the first one, which is saying a lot. This one shows the reader Samantha's teen years and some of the things back then.  If anything, the author hammered home the fact that Samantha really is a murderous psychopath.  In addition, the town is still reeling from what happened in the past and we get to see elderly animals in nursing homes abandoned and forgotten as well as those who have lost their loved ones at a killer's hand resorting to substance abuse to get through the days.  

I am glad I read this and I did like it overall.  It went way darker than I anticipated but again, kind of perfect for this time of the year.  I also have to note the artwork which manages to portray bloody and gruesome situations using muted colors which lure the reading into a sense of false security. 

If you enjoy graphic novels and dark themes, definitely try to get your hands on this series.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS