What do you think?
Rate this book
High Peaks Mystery Thriller #1
In Cold Blood
His identical twin was murdered, now they want him dead.
From International Bestselling Author Jack Hunt comes a page-turning, suspense-filled mystery thriller set in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York.
After a highly decorated police officer is found brutally murdered in the ski resort town of High Peaks, the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation steps in. Upon hearing the news, homicide investigator Noah Sutherland returns to his hometown in the Adirondacks, believing his brother's death to be more than just a cold, methodical ambush.
Every town has secrets.
Amidst millions of acres of wilderness where one mistake can be deadly, Sutherland and his slain brothers K-9, Axel - both distressed by loss – soon bond. As they pursue the violent and ruthless through the high peaks, he uncovers the truth behind the shocking crime and the secrets of a tight-lipped community.
Every family has a past.
With the clock ticking, Sutherland must choose between his family’s safety or risking it all to seek justice for his brother. But will the uncanny resemblance to the slain, accompanied by the assistance of an intelligent dog be helpful, or will it prove fatal?
This new mystery crime thriller series is perfect for fans of James Patterson, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Lisa Jackson, Sandra Brown, Dennis Lehane, C.J. Box, LJ Ross, Harlan Coben, and Craig Johnson.
From International Bestselling Author Jack Hunt comes a page-turning, suspense-filled mystery thriller set in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York.
After a highly decorated police officer is found brutally murdered in the ski resort town of High Peaks, the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation steps in. Upon hearing the news, homicide investigator Noah Sutherland returns to his hometown in the Adirondacks, believing his brother's death to be more than just a cold, methodical ambush.
Every town has secrets.
Amidst millions of acres of wilderness where one mistake can be deadly, Sutherland and his slain brothers K-9, Axel - both distressed by loss – soon bond. As they pursue the violent and ruthless through the high peaks, he uncovers the truth behind the shocking crime and the secrets of a tight-lipped community.
Every family has a past.
With the clock ticking, Sutherland must choose between his family’s safety or risking it all to seek justice for his brother. But will the uncanny resemblance to the slain, accompanied by the assistance of an intelligent dog be helpful, or will it prove fatal?
This new mystery crime thriller series is perfect for fans of James Patterson, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Lisa Jackson, Sandra Brown, Dennis Lehane, C.J. Box, LJ Ross, Harlan Coben, and Craig Johnson.
402 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2023
1054 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Jack Hunt
116 books402 followersJack Hunt is the international bestselling author of over seventy thriller novels. He's been ranked #1 in the Amazon charts in multiple thriller, mystery, crime, and science fiction genres. He's also been named a Kindle Unlimited All-Star. He's married with two children. Jack lives on the East coast of North America.
Join Jack's spam-free readers list to stay alert to future releases, special offers, and reader only bonus content. The readers group are usually the first to hear about giveaways. http://jackhuntbooks.com/
Jack is best reached at the following places:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16207...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jackhuntauthor/
Website: http://jackhuntbooks.com
Join Jack's spam-free readers list to stay alert to future releases, special offers, and reader only bonus content. The readers group are usually the first to hear about giveaways. http://jackhuntbooks.com/
Jack is best reached at the following places:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16207...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jackhuntauthor/
Website: http://jackhuntbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 29, 2024
This was the first non- apocalypse Jack Hunt book I’ve read, and it was good enough to keep me reading more of Noah Sutherland. It was a decent mystery, with plenty of twists. The only complaint I’d register was that of all the potential bad guys I considered, ALL of them ended up being in on it. Still, I give it five stars because it was entertaining and held my interest throughout.
January 23, 2025
good flow, kept me interested throughout
March 13, 2024
**Decent, but sluggish**
I love me some Jack Hunt. He's one of several go-to authors of mine who I know will tell me an interesting story and have the perfect sort of writing style to do it (for me, anyway). He's great with character developments, interactions, and believability. While this story fulfilled those expectations for the most part, I can't deny the one culprit (slow pacing) that tainting my enjoyment level, especially for a Jack Hunt book. I may have been interested enough to find out how the plot would work itself out, but the presentation of it was still fairly weak.
To be fair, though, this book mostly seems to serve as a giant character introduction for Noah Sutherland, who likely will lead the rest of the series. You're not thrown into Noah's world and Jack does take his time to build it. I did enjoy getting to know Noah as well as the many supporting characters in his life. I just wished for a bit more eventfulness, thrills, and drama, and for the third act to be a bit less convoluted and unbelievable in its rushed presentation. I found the resolution to things a bit sloppy, which was not quite the satisfying end to such a sluggish story.
Still, though my attention swayed from time to time, I wasn't all out bored and am most definitely intrigued enough to keep going into the series. Hopefully, things can pick up more to my liking via a premise that is more intriguing.
I love me some Jack Hunt. He's one of several go-to authors of mine who I know will tell me an interesting story and have the perfect sort of writing style to do it (for me, anyway). He's great with character developments, interactions, and believability. While this story fulfilled those expectations for the most part, I can't deny the one culprit (slow pacing) that tainting my enjoyment level, especially for a Jack Hunt book. I may have been interested enough to find out how the plot would work itself out, but the presentation of it was still fairly weak.
To be fair, though, this book mostly seems to serve as a giant character introduction for Noah Sutherland, who likely will lead the rest of the series. You're not thrown into Noah's world and Jack does take his time to build it. I did enjoy getting to know Noah as well as the many supporting characters in his life. I just wished for a bit more eventfulness, thrills, and drama, and for the third act to be a bit less convoluted and unbelievable in its rushed presentation. I found the resolution to things a bit sloppy, which was not quite the satisfying end to such a sluggish story.
Still, though my attention swayed from time to time, I wasn't all out bored and am most definitely intrigued enough to keep going into the series. Hopefully, things can pick up more to my liking via a premise that is more intriguing.
October 12, 2025
In Cold Blood by Jack Hunt is the first book in the High Peaks Mystery Thriller series. When his twin brother, a police officer, is found shot in the ski resort town of High Peaks, homicide investigator Noah Sutherland returns to his hometown to investigate. He discovers that his brother had been secretly staying at a secluded cabin and uncovers a secret investigation that he had been carrying out with ties to Noah's ex-wife and her family. He soon bonds with his brother's K-9, Axel, in their shared grief and together start to piece together the clues left behind. I loved this book and could not put it down. I loved Axel and loved that the two of them have joined up. It was interesting meeting all the various town characters and learn of their relationships to Noah's brother, who was well regarded in the town. The mystery was interesting with a few twists along the way. A nice introduction to the town and its secrets and it looks as if Noah will be staying on and continuing his brother's work. A superb, gripping and captivating mystery thriller.
March 1, 2025
Mystery thrillers is not my typical genre for books, but I figure I would read this and see how it was.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, the characters were well defined, the world building was extremely detailed so it really felt you were within the story as it was being told. It was definitely good enough for me to keep wanting to come back and read it more once I had set it down.
I did feel it was dragged out longer than it needed to be and felt slow in some parts, however I do think this is more of an introduction to the main character for the rest of the books in the series, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
It didn't take me long to figure out who the suspects were, though there were a few I didn't suspect which was a nice twist for me.
Definitely a good introductory book to the series and peaked my interest to further read the rest.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, the characters were well defined, the world building was extremely detailed so it really felt you were within the story as it was being told. It was definitely good enough for me to keep wanting to come back and read it more once I had set it down.
I did feel it was dragged out longer than it needed to be and felt slow in some parts, however I do think this is more of an introduction to the main character for the rest of the books in the series, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
It didn't take me long to figure out who the suspects were, though there were a few I didn't suspect which was a nice twist for me.
Definitely a good introductory book to the series and peaked my interest to further read the rest.
March 18, 2023
2.5* Stereotypical roles & corruption/ greedy driven men
I didn't like the behaviors of the characters in this story. There is no reason to connect with any character because women function is controlled by men. All the men seem to groping for position of power and none act as sensible, caring role models. The family dynamics is not only burdensome but intentionally fostering conflict. Trauma is not addressed. Interfering outside law enforcement is acceptable. I should have skipped this book since I would not learn anything about humanity.
I didn't like the behaviors of the characters in this story. There is no reason to connect with any character because women function is controlled by men. All the men seem to groping for position of power and none act as sensible, caring role models. The family dynamics is not only burdensome but intentionally fostering conflict. Trauma is not addressed. Interfering outside law enforcement is acceptable. I should have skipped this book since I would not learn anything about humanity.
March 23, 2023
I loved the narration of Miles Meili, I thought perfect for this thriller . The right amount of edge.
When his brother twin brother Luke a deputy sheriff is killed, homicide investigator Noah finds himself back in his home town, at being away for eight years.
Noah's family comes from a line of police officers. And this makes it very personal. Noah finds out the Luke was looking into a big drug ring. Could this be the cause of his death.
Oh but there is so many twists, you will want to know, who can he trust .
Loved
When his brother twin brother Luke a deputy sheriff is killed, homicide investigator Noah finds himself back in his home town, at being away for eight years.
Noah's family comes from a line of police officers. And this makes it very personal. Noah finds out the Luke was looking into a big drug ring. Could this be the cause of his death.
Oh but there is so many twists, you will want to know, who can he trust .
Loved
April 17, 2023
Top notch ! I loved this one. FIVE Blazing stars !!!!!! Taking place in rural New York State, the twin brother of a New York State investigator is brutally killed. The dead brother a local sheriff deputy himself sets off a string of murders. Coupled with a "new" type of opiate being manufactured illegally the bad guys seem to be untouchable. Protagonist Noah Sutherland breaks his three week vacation to solve the murder of his brother and clean up the rural county he grew up in. Outstanding read. Can't wait to get into second book of this series soon. check it out.
May 4, 2023
This was a quick, fun listen with mystery, police procedural, your usual threads, a bit of danger, a bit of action, lots of personal drama … packs everything I love in a mystery. It was also fast-paced.
Based on this read, I will be exploring more from this author—it’s made me a fan.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
The narrator did a good job, overall, though he does sound a bit robotic. Not one I’d seek out, more one I can tolerate for the right book. (From me, that’s high praise, as I can’t listen to just anyone read.) 3-star performance.
Production quality was smooth.
Based on this read, I will be exploring more from this author—it’s made me a fan.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
The narrator did a good job, overall, though he does sound a bit robotic. Not one I’d seek out, more one I can tolerate for the right book. (From me, that’s high praise, as I can’t listen to just anyone read.) 3-star performance.
Production quality was smooth.
July 30, 2023
A stupendous, enthralling police adventure!!!
A remarkable story of a slain police officer deputy Luke Sutherland whose mysterious death while performing his duties is taken over for resolution and closure by his identical twin brother Noah forms the content of this engrossing read!
The narrative, the characters and the pace of the book has to be read to enjoy it thoroughly! The book holds the readers under its spell until the book is finished!
An extraordinary and enjoyable reading experience, Jack! Thank you!
A remarkable story of a slain police officer deputy Luke Sutherland whose mysterious death while performing his duties is taken over for resolution and closure by his identical twin brother Noah forms the content of this engrossing read!
The narrative, the characters and the pace of the book has to be read to enjoy it thoroughly! The book holds the readers under its spell until the book is finished!
An extraordinary and enjoyable reading experience, Jack! Thank you!
March 22, 2024
5 stars! A great opening story to the series!
This was my 2nd book of Mr. Hunt's work that I've read, and without giving anything away, I'll just say that this author is easily one of my top 3 writers. He knows how to tell a story, painting a picture in the beginning and diving into it layer by layer. In the case of this book, even though I'm aware that Hunt turned this into a series, I was beyond pleased with how the ending sets up a return for Noah.
Great story. Can't wait to read the next part!
This was my 2nd book of Mr. Hunt's work that I've read, and without giving anything away, I'll just say that this author is easily one of my top 3 writers. He knows how to tell a story, painting a picture in the beginning and diving into it layer by layer. In the case of this book, even though I'm aware that Hunt turned this into a series, I was beyond pleased with how the ending sets up a return for Noah.
Great story. Can't wait to read the next part!
November 5, 2023
Good read.
As with any free download for a book I am often sceptical that it will be good. I am pleased to say that this one was actually a good read. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The storyline was excellent and I only guessed one of the villains before the end and even then the author had me second guessing myself if the character was a bad guy or not. Definitely recommend and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
As with any free download for a book I am often sceptical that it will be good. I am pleased to say that this one was actually a good read. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The storyline was excellent and I only guessed one of the villains before the end and even then the author had me second guessing myself if the character was a bad guy or not. Definitely recommend and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 20, 2025
WONDERFUL READ!
I highly recommend this book. If you love, wonderful characters that have kindness and have real heart, but yet are tough and will melt out justice to whoever needs it.. and will get rid of the bad guys and help the good guys.. lots of action lots of love and kindness and families. Just a great story. Can’t wait to read the next one. Buy this book you will not regret it. It was so worth it.
I highly recommend this book. If you love, wonderful characters that have kindness and have real heart, but yet are tough and will melt out justice to whoever needs it.. and will get rid of the bad guys and help the good guys.. lots of action lots of love and kindness and families. Just a great story. Can’t wait to read the next one. Buy this book you will not regret it. It was so worth it.
July 4, 2023
An engrossing plot that keeps your attention to the end!
The plot caught my attention from the start, and kept it through to where I couldn't put the book down. Well versed, entertaining and a flow that isn't complete until the end. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series. Good thing I don't have to work tomorrow!
The plot caught my attention from the start, and kept it through to where I couldn't put the book down. Well versed, entertaining and a flow that isn't complete until the end. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series. Good thing I don't have to work tomorrow!
August 12, 2023
A pacy read with a believable and likeable lead character
The pace and depth of the book kept interest throughout. Nothing to dislike about thebook. The author hits the right note with his pace, descriptions and dialogue. I would hope there will be more books in the near future for this main character. I shall certainly be watching out for more.
The pace and depth of the book kept interest throughout. Nothing to dislike about thebook. The author hits the right note with his pace, descriptions and dialogue. I would hope there will be more books in the near future for this main character. I shall certainly be watching out for more.
August 21, 2023
In Cold Blood
In Cold Blood was a good book to read. It contained all the elements of a mystery, the hunt and the need to pay attention to details. Jack Hunt wrote just enough description of things for the reader to become acquainted with the area and the characters but not bored. It's the type of book that is hard to put down. Plus, the author keeps you guessing.
In Cold Blood was a good book to read. It contained all the elements of a mystery, the hunt and the need to pay attention to details. Jack Hunt wrote just enough description of things for the reader to become acquainted with the area and the characters but not bored. It's the type of book that is hard to put down. Plus, the author keeps you guessing.
September 10, 2023
Thrilling
I enjoyed this book tremendously. It kept me captivated. The characters were excellently portrayed. I loved the main character and his love for his brother. I would have liked Adel to have had a bigger part. I am looking forward to the next chapter in the life of Noah! Thank you.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. It kept me captivated. The characters were excellently portrayed. I loved the main character and his love for his brother. I would have liked Adel to have had a bigger part. I am looking forward to the next chapter in the life of Noah! Thank you.
September 18, 2023
Ended Up Being A Great Read!
I almost deleted this book after the third chapter because of the running commentary regarding the conflict between Noah and his father. However, with that replaced with solid writing and character build up, the book became "unputdownable!" Solid police procedural with unexpected twists. Looking forward to the next book.
I almost deleted this book after the third chapter because of the running commentary regarding the conflict between Noah and his father. However, with that replaced with solid writing and character build up, the book became "unputdownable!" Solid police procedural with unexpected twists. Looking forward to the next book.
January 14, 2024
Very good book!
This book kept me up night because I couldn’t go to sleep until I read just a few more pages. Uh huh! Like that was going to happen. I honestly didn’t know until very nearly the end who committed the crimes, and it was worth the wait. Do yourself a favor if you like exciting police procedurals and read this book!
This book kept me up night because I couldn’t go to sleep until I read just a few more pages. Uh huh! Like that was going to happen. I honestly didn’t know until very nearly the end who committed the crimes, and it was worth the wait. Do yourself a favor if you like exciting police procedurals and read this book!
June 8, 2024
It’s not bad, but it didn’t grab me
I little conflicted on this book. I tried to keep reading, but just found it hard going. The writing was fine, but it just got the feeling of predictability. I’m sure many other people really enjoyed this book, but it’s not for me. Even though I’ve given it 3 stars, It’s really 2 1/2 stars for me.
I little conflicted on this book. I tried to keep reading, but just found it hard going. The writing was fine, but it just got the feeling of predictability. I’m sure many other people really enjoyed this book, but it’s not for me. Even though I’ve given it 3 stars, It’s really 2 1/2 stars for me.
January 26, 2025
By no means perfect - leads that were conveniently forgotten until the ‘ah ha!’ moments, a little too much spoon-feeding for my liking (as a professional whodunnit investigator 😋) - but, a great story, written well, that had me crying in the last few chapters. Really enjoyed that. Will be continuing with the series.
August 23, 2025
Surprisingly good
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book full of macho characters but I
was drawn into the story and the characters.
Loved the dog 🐕!
A good mystery with a great twist at the end.
Wasn't familiar with this author but found he was easy to read and made me feel part of the story.
Will definitely read the next book in the series.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book full of macho characters but I
was drawn into the story and the characters.
Loved the dog 🐕!
A good mystery with a great twist at the end.
Wasn't familiar with this author but found he was easy to read and made me feel part of the story.
Will definitely read the next book in the series.
March 21, 2023
After the murder of his twin brother, Noah Sutherland returns home for the first time in twenty years. Taking on his brother's police dog, Noah starts to investigate and is soon a target for the killers. Good book, moves at a nice pace, as Noah pieces it altogether.
April 26, 2023
So Good !!
It’s in the details,as the saying goes. I couldn’t put the book down,it’s so good ! I did guess Hendrix was bad,but what amazed me was how everything just fit together and Luke wasn’t crazy !! You need to read this book…!!
It’s in the details,as the saying goes. I couldn’t put the book down,it’s so good ! I did guess Hendrix was bad,but what amazed me was how everything just fit together and Luke wasn’t crazy !! You need to read this book…!!
April 28, 2023
The truth will prevail
Excellent story Jack Hunt. I read this book in one sitting because it was hard to put down. So many corrupt people to question to finally find out who killed Noah Southerland’s twin brother, Luke. Well worth the time reading.
Excellent story Jack Hunt. I read this book in one sitting because it was hard to put down. So many corrupt people to question to finally find out who killed Noah Southerland’s twin brother, Luke. Well worth the time reading.
August 1, 2023
A Good One
This was a very good story, with lots of interesting twists. Axel was especially appreciated, as I am a dog lover. The ending was sad, in regards to him. I am looking forward to reading Book 2!! Well done, Jack!
This was a very good story, with lots of interesting twists. Axel was especially appreciated, as I am a dog lover. The ending was sad, in regards to him. I am looking forward to reading Book 2!! Well done, Jack!
August 1, 2023
Wow, just wow.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, the entire time. Not only because I'm also an upstate native, but because the plot, characters and "realness" had me so invested. 10\10 for sure.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, the entire time. Not only because I'm also an upstate native, but because the plot, characters and "realness" had me so invested. 10\10 for sure.
August 2, 2023
I really enjoyed every minute of this book. One twin cop investigating the death of his twin cop was emotional and riveting. So many questions and very few answers. Corruption rampant in a small town, so he couldn't trust anyone.
Excellent read!
Excellent read!
August 3, 2023
An interesting story well told with a lot of intro characters.
The story was very complex with a large number of characters both good and bad that kept the story into until the end.
The story was very complex with a large number of characters both good and bad that kept the story into until the end.
August 6, 2023
PTSD in a good way!
Like a dog with a bone, Noah is focused and obsessive. The twists and turns only make him more determined to dig deeper into the vipers nest present in his home town.
Like a dog with a bone, Noah is focused and obsessive. The twists and turns only make him more determined to dig deeper into the vipers nest present in his home town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews