Fans have already praised its ‘perfect’ casting and the ‘haunting’ source material

Enthusiasts of true crime reveal they are already ‘hooked’ on the concept of Netflix’s forthcoming series as it announces plans for an adaptation based on a ‘haunting’ bestseller.

The series, The God of the Woods will be based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, written by Liz Moore.

She is the same author behind the book Long Bright River, which was also transformed into a series that arrived on screens last year and starred Amanda Seyfried in the leading role.

Author Moore will also serve as a co-showrunner according to Deadline, alongside Liz Hannah who has previously worked on The Girl From Plainville and Mindhunter.

This time round, it has been confirmed that Stranger Things star Maya Hawke has been cast in the starring role.

Maya starred as fan favourite Robin Buckley in Stranger Things (Image: NETFLIX)

She will portray Judy Luptack, an intelligent and quietly determined investigator assigned to unravel the disappearance of a young girl from a summer camp in upstate New York.

Whilst the programme will be a work of fiction, those who are obsessed with true crime have already admitted they can’t wait for the show to release. Unfortunately, there’s currently no confirmed release date, reports the Mirror.

The official synopsis describes the programme as “a multi-generational drama series set in the Adirondacks, exploring the Van Laar family’s dark secrets, class tensions, and the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her family’s summer camp – in the wake of an earlier family tragedy that may be related.”

The statement continues: “As the past and present collide, the Van Laars’ wealth and influence unravel, revealing the damaging consequences of privilege and the abuse of power.”

Maya Hawke has her next major TV project lined up (Image: Netflix)

Whilst this appears to be the next significant role for the actress who played Robin Buckley, fans can also look forward to seeing her in romantic comedies Wishful Thinking and One Night Only, as well as the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping. All are currently slated for 2026 releases.

Fans are already eagerly awaiting the series and have hailed this casting news as ‘perfect’. One fan reacted to the news on social media, stating: “That sounds like a perfect role for Maya Hawke. She really shines in those layered, introspective characters.

“A quiet but determined investigator in a mystery like this? Yeah, this could be something special. Definitely adding The God of the Woods to my watchlist already!”

Another chimed in: “Read The God of the Woods last year and loved how layered and haunting it is. Maya Hawke feels like perfect casting for Judy Luptackquiet. Intensity is her specialty. Netflix, you’re cooking!”

Another person responded: “The book-to-Netflix pipeline is undefeated right now. Liz Moore wrote one of the best thrillers in years, perfect choice for adaptation.”

Whilst another commented: “Maya Hawke in a thriller about a missing girl from summer camp?? This is literally made for my true crime obsessed brain, I’m already hooked.”

Stranger Things is streaming on Netflix now. The God of the Woods will be streaming on Netflix soon.