Wilde is the titular “boy from the woods.” Discovered to be living alone in the woods as a child, with no name, past, or missing person records to match with, Wilde’s origins are a mystery. Though he maintains an amicable relationship with his foster sister and close ties with the Crimsteins, Wilde considers himself unable to make long-term connections with other adults. He takes the most comfort from the woods where he was discovered, and he lives there with an elaborate security system to protect his solitude.

However, his military and private security background make him the ideal candidate for private investigation and undercover security operations, and soon he is embroiled in Naomi’s disappearance and the murder tape scandal/kidnapping case. Wilde’s extrajudicial position also allows him to cooperate with Gavin, even though he disagrees with Gavin’s methods. Despite his discomfort with relationships, Wilde seeks them out constantly, whether through casual flings or by becoming a father figure for both his godson, Matthew, and Naomi. At the same time, Wilde struggles to face the truth of his abandonment and his biological family. By the end of the novel, Wilde has finally learned to face his past and, in turn, face his future by exchanging one immediate family for another and leaving the door open for more.