Bone Cold

The Malones #1

by Erica Spindler

Twenty-three years ago Anna North survived a living nightmare.

A madman kidnapped her, cut off her pinkie, then vanished. Today Anna lives in New Orleans, writing dark thrillers under another name. She finally feels safe. Suddenly Anna's quiet life takes a frightening turn. Letters start to arrive from a disturbed fan. Anna is followed, her apartment broken into. Then a close friend disappears.

Anna turns to homicide detective Quentin Malone, but Malone's more concerned with the recent murders of two women in the French Quarter. But after a third victim is found—a redhead like Anna, her pinkie severed—Malone is forced to acknowledge that Anna is his link to the killer. . . and could be the next target. Now Anna must face the horrifying truth—her past has caught up with her. The nightmare has begun again.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

478 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2001

About the author

A New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”

Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.

In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.

Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery writer Anna North was kidnapped when she was 13-years old, along with her 6-year old friend. It was a horrific experience that continues to define her life 23 years later. When her actress mother gives an interview that exposes her new identity, Anna's life is again public and she's experiencing disturbing events. When a close friend disappears, Anna has to work with New Orleans police detective Quentin Malone who isn't completely convinced any crimes have really been committed.

This was an intriguing story with lots of suspects lending credence to many conspiracy theories (which I'm prone to concoct). Astonishingly, my original supposition ended up being the correct one but it still required me to prove it throughout the book. There were lots of red herrings to make you second guess yourself and still a few surprises. The climax was pretty exciting, too.

I enjoyed the story and look forward to continuing the series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW Erica Spindler is one of my favourite authors & has done it again with Bone Cold this was one of the best thrillers i have read in 2016.

Harlow Grail was abducted as a 6 year old 23 years ago by a madman now an adult Anna North has moved on living in New Orleans as a successful thriller writer thinking her life is better but how wrong could she be.

She gets letters from Kurt her abductor & killings start to happen so Detective Quentin Malone comes in to investigate the murders a pattern starts to emerge where the perp is targeting women with Red hair with some he removes their pinkie finger as he did with Anna.

Ben her Psychiatrist approaches Anna for writing a article on her abduction but things seems fine until His personality changes she tells him to see a doctor but refuses.

Quentin then makes a mistake by sleeping with Anna but knows he has to get on with the job.

What happens from here on in is a lot of twists & turns that were mind boggling i never saw coming the ending blew my mind.

This was to me a Psychological thriller that had a lot more intriguing plot than anything i have read before by Erica Spindler she is at the top of her game & never disappoints

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna North is a famous Thriller novelist with a dark past. When her past as Hollywood novelist Harlow Anastasia Grail and the killer who had sliced off her pinkie as a little girl returns to finish the job by threatening her with her family and friends along with murdering others the same way, can she stay safe and find her friend Jaye or will she become a bone cold corpse? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was my first ever book I had read by Erica Spindler and it was a pretty good read. If you like thrillers like this, definitely check this out for yourself. This book can be found at your local library and wherever books are sold.

[Diane Morasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Spindler writes hair raising chillers like nobody's business! Bone Cold was my first Spindler novel & the rest is history.


I am the first in line to get the latest Spindler novel ~ I am so hooked on Spindler's creepy thrillers, I pre~order her books.

Psst! I even secretly hope it ships early (as long as it doesn't mess up her sales).

Bone Cold is an outstanding page turner that will leave you breathless!

Spindler interlaces so many gripping twists & turns you will find yourself reading deep into the night ~ just triple check the locks.

What Spindler does flawlessly is plait the pieces together to create a high octane suspense novel that makes sense. No filler to distract you, Spindler delivers incomparable attention grabbing chills that will leave you craving more.

Bone Cold introduces the intriguing Malone family & kicks off w/ the delicious Quentin. *Sigh*.


Bone Cold is a compelling novel that chilled me to the bone. Spindler distributes a fast paced, explosive, action infused, creepy read that is an outstanding standout!

Spindler's characters are an eclectic blend of charm, humor, intrigue, warmth & straight up deranged you just can't stop yourself from wanting to know what exactly makes them tick.

Spindler doesn't just toss a few procedural terms @ you for the sake of "sounding" good, she really does an extensive amount of research & it is skillfully showcased in her writing.

Spindler is also proficient when it comes to executing credible details.

Kudos to Spindler for always making me become part of the story everytime I read one of her captivating novels.


I just couldn't put Bone Cold down, infact, I inhaled it in one sitting. Spindler's novels are addictive, compelling & highly recommended when you want a spellbinding tale that will curl your toes.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly does Spindler deliver. I've only ever read one other book by this author but it's become one of a fairly short list of books i just can't get out of my head and have to reread fairly frequently. When i found this one in one of the boxes of books i pulled out of storage i was excited to read it yet frightened it wouldn't live up. It was definitely a great read but I have to say Dead Run still takes the cake. I found all the characters, for the most part, to be incredibly developed and extremely fascinating to read. The heroine was tough but vulnerable. Every one of her actions felt true to her character leading me to believe that the author took the time to actually research what she was writing about (a nice change from what i have been reading). I did find the hero to be a little shallow, though this may have been intended I would've liked to see him as a stronger presence so I could love him as much as I did the heroine. Though there was a bit of romance in here it definitely was not the focus nor was it really even an integral part of the book and the sex scenes were mostly fadeouts so this is definitely for those who love thrillers over romances. Speaking of holy bookception batman. This was a thriller...about an author who writes thrillers. For some reason that just tickles me pink. The plot itself was extremely well thought out. It had several twists and turns some easy to figure out some less easy. The big reveal caught me somewhat by surprise but afterwards I was mad at myself because the answer had been jiggling around my brain i just hadn't taken the time to shake it loose. While I found this story enthralling and could hardly put it down it did drag a bit at certain points. Not so much that i noticed it during the read but afterwards it felt like it had taken forever to get through it. Not necessarily in a bad way but i think some of the fat could've been trimmed for an easier/quicker read. I also thought that the ending was a little abrupt and would've liked a little more depth in the killer's history rather than just a glossover of what happened to them. The writing though was stellar. Flawless from what I could see and Spindler just really excels at putting you at the edge of your seat and keeping you there. She definitely has that it quality that keeps an author flying off the shelves.
Bottom line: though dead run easily topped this one for me I really enjoyed it. I'll keep this one for now though i'm not sure it'll be one i reread. I'd recommend for people who like mystery/thrillers but not so much for people who like straight romances

[Anne (Booklady) Molinarolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award, BONE COLD is a delicious thriller set in pre-Katrina New Orleans. The opening scene is bone chilling. Thirteen year old Harlow Anastasia Grail and her six year-old friend Timmy have been kidnapped. Their maniacal kidnapper smothers Timmy and snaps off Harlow’s pinkie. The teen manages to escape and has transformed into Anna North. She lives in the French Quarter and is a thriller novelist. But after 23 years the safe cocoon that she has spun begins to unravel around her. She receives a package, as do her family, friends, agent, editor, and a Psychologist whose specialty is childhood trauma to watch E! at 3 o’clock the next day. Anna is shocked. Her secret and whereabouts are made public. Her tormentor is still out there and now he knows where she is. Here I come! Anna awakens screaming Timmy’s name. Her friends, Dalton and Bill, rush to her side. It is only the beginning. The next five days will be the most terrifying days Anna will experience. Could Kurt be toying with her as a cat does a mouse? She turns to Detective Quentin Malone when she receives a letter from a disturbed fan, but Malone is focused on the murder of a red-headed party girl that was found close to Shannon’s – a cop bar.

Over 500 pages, time flies reading this thriller. I felt I was back in the New Orleans I loved drinking café au lait and munching on beignets at Café De Monde looking over the square at the Cathedral rather than over my shoulder as Anna North must do if she is to survive. Erica Spindler spins a tale of absolute terror that is truly worthy of the du Maurier Award.

[Patrice Hoffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was all right. There was nothing entirely spectacular about it. It was entirely too predictable. I enjoyed passing the time with this read but it did nothing for me. There weren't too many thrills at all. This is my first read by this author. Although it wasn't incredible, I will possibly read another of her works.

[Bianca Coppens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spannend, van begin tot eind.

[Sarah Butland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazingly written tale which got me and kept me hooked the entire 480 pages it took to tell me Harlow’s story. This novel almost had me biting my nails I was so intrigued.

Surprised that I never heard of this author before receiving Bone Cold as a gift, Erica Spindler drew my attention to the first scene involving a young kidnapped girl and boy fighting for their lives. Harlow lived at the devastation of seeing her friend suffocate and losing her own pinkie finger but she didn’t realize that, although still breathing, her life was stuck in her teenage years, in that tiny little room.

Although I had my suspicions about a quarter of the way through, Detective Quentin Malone cast a doubt in my mind just as he did adult Harlow’s. I craved having the chance to read this book again to know how it all played out and to find out not only who-dun-it but how.

I look forward to reading Spindler’s books again and recommend you put this one on your To-Read list.

[Laura Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bone Cold is a decent thriller. The plot and characters are interesting enough. I would have rated it higher had it not been for a couple of things that bugged the hell out of me. First, the author overuses the phrase "muttered an oath". Please mix it up a bit, Spindler! It's not like she never uses swear words in her books. It makes me wonder who edited this one.

The other thing that really bothered me was ***minor spoiler coming up*** that the two main characters have sex for the first time right after the heroine survives a physical attack with a sexual component. I know this is fiction, but this was just too far out for me and really took me out of the story. A woman is attacked, has her panties and nightgown ripped off and decides to get busy immediately after giving the police report. Really? Ugh.

[Jennefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very first book I read by this author. I couldn't put this book down and it left me searching for more of her books! It was an great read, told in the present, about a young woman writer living in New Orleans who has changed her name and is hiding from a man who kidnapped her and cut off her finger 23 years ago. She escaped and now lives in fear of this man. This is a chilling psycho-thriller and I highly recommend this book.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must say I was excited to read this book based on all the 4 star ratings it received. When I read the book though I found the storyline to be predictable and boring. The author did little to put twists into the plot and I figured out the book approximately 1/3 of the way into the book. I am set to read another book by this author. If the next book is just as predictable and boring, it will more than likely be the last book I read by her.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing to remember when reading this book is - Its never over until its totally over. Right up until the last chapter Erica Spindler keeps the reader engaged. Her writing is so intriguing that one feels like the killer/kidnapper is about ready to come around the corner at any moment - her writing is so realistic! It definitely is a page-turner because one HAS to know what is waiting on the next page.......

[Bobandace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was actually a great read!! I just found it, and had no idea about the story and or author and i couldn't put it down! Worth the read for those who seek a good suspense :)

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychological-romantic-suspense ? First in series.

A few TSTL moments; a few red herrings; I like the hero and heroine enough to maybe read next book in series.

[jenjn79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by Spindler that I've read. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it or not. The reviews I read at B&N.com were up and down. It ended up being a decent enough book. Nothing fabulous, but definitely readable.

The story is mostly a suspense with a bit of romance on the side. That was a bit of a negative for me. I like the romance aspect to be more prominent. Anna and Quentin barely interact for the first 225 pages of the book. I would have liked them to connect more quickly. Aside from that, there was a good chemistry between them, but the overall relationship was left a little undeveloped. They ended up together, but I wanted more scenes between them, scenes that weren't all about the situation, so that they could get to know each other a little.

Since this was mostly a suspense, the plot was a huge part of the story. It was a pretty good plot, twisted and complicated. Spindler does a good job casting suspicion around. In a way it was a little obvious who had to be involved because otherwise, there was no reason for the character to be in the story. At the same time, she makes someone else look guilty enough that you wonder. She also works in subtle details/clues really well. You read things that seem so innocuous but then later they make so much sense. It was interesting to piece it all together. The end reason for the murders and how it all took place was a little typical...a situation that was often used by writers as it grew in notoriety. Still, it was interesting. Overall, I liked the plot.

Soo....good enough book. I've read better, but it was a good read.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the colorful background of New Orleans, Bone Cold is a gripping, suspense laden novel with characters that one will remember. When Anna North's past seems to catch up with her, she has her psychologist, a detective, two good friends and a teenager to support her. Could any of them be responsible for the murders of red headed women or the terror sown in Anna's life, and, would any of them get hurt before the perpetrator is caught?

Starting with a captivating prologue, this book is one ongoing feast of suspense, action and a liberal amount of romance. The suspense and continuous mystery of who the killer is, held my attention throughout this story. Just enough is given away to make the reader want to solve the mystery before the author reveals the truth.

Anna, the main character, is realistic and fleshed out and her character undergoes a process of growth and change throughout the book. All the other characters are lifelike and believable; some more than others.

Throughout the book one speculates who the villain might be and whether it isn't more than one person committing these horrific deeds. Yet, when the murderer is revealed, it comes as quite a surprise with an astonishing twist to the tale thrown in.

For a read with a solid story line, a mystery that will keep you guessing right up to the end and enough suspense to ensure that you will keep turning the pages, I recommend Bone Cold as an absolute must-read. (Ellen Fritz)

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Erica Spindler book that I've read and I must say I was totally mesmerized. I couldn't put this book down at all!! I'll be searching for this author's other novels.

From back cover:
"I'm in trouble, Liz. I've uncovered something..They're watching..."
That panicked message on her answering machine is the last time Liz Ames hears from her sister Rachel, pastor of Paradise Christian Church in Key West, Florida.

Compelled to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance, she heads to Key West. Within hours of her arrival a successful banker jumps to his death. Then a teenage girl whom Rachel was counseling is found brutually murdered. The ritualistic style of the killing is hauntingly similar to that used by the notorious "New Testament" serial killer-now on death row.

Could the teen's murder be related to Rachel's disappearance? Is a copycat killer at work? And why do the police refuse to help?

For answers, Liz turns to Rick Wells, a former Miami cop who worked the fringes of the "New Testament" investigation. Together they peel away layers of deception to reveal a terrifying adversary-and the unspeakable evil at the heart of this island paradise."

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery. The main character is a woman who was kidnapped as a child along with a boy from her household. She manages to escape (minus a pinkie that the kidnapper chopped off) but the boy is not so lucky. Many years later she has established a new identity for herself as an author living in New Orleans. Her world is turned upside after her true identity is revealed and as a number of red-haired women turn up murdered. Are the two events related? Has her kidnapper returned to finish what he had intended many years ago? Just when I thought I had figured it out, there was a twist at the end that surprised me.

[Gerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose Bone Cold because it was a cheap offering for Nook and because the ratings here were favorable, what I often forget is that Goodreads is a website that is predominantly female and while the story was believable and the characters quite clearly drawn, this book had far too much romance for my taste.

[Kelly-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was amazing worth 5 stars absolutely loved it. Didn't expect the killer to be who they were. Fantastic novel. It was really well thought out by the author and it had a crazy twist it's one of my favourite books. I'm going to miss the characters I loved them! I would recommend this book to everyone who loves crime thrillers!

[Linnja (Lynn) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't continue to read this book. The writing style was adolescent: "Anna stiffened, cheeks burning, "Jaye's neither self-absorbed nor selfish, thank you very much". The plot so far is not very interesting nor believable. It seems it's also going to be silly romance as well.

[Stacy Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spindler does a great job keeping the reader guessing until the end, and she juggles an interesting cast of characters without giving away anything vital. Anna North is a heroine I would love to read more about, and Quentin Malone is a top-notch hero.

[Deborah Pepsak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...

This was a definite page turner (or page scroller for Kindle users ;)

A great author that not only develops her characters well, she shows their emotional growth as story develops.

Loved it!

[Kelly]

I liked this book. I would like a little more of the area of french quarter but it was a great read.

[Rebecca Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, cheesy in parts but a good storyline. Got about 70% through the book and sort of guessed what was going on. Nothing too dark and sinister.

[Melanie Ransome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great thriller. Erica Spindler delivered on this one. Of course I am a sucker for the Louisiana setting, but her writing truly drove this story. I look forward to reading more.

[Magdalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this is one of the most epic books I've ever read. The plot is flawless. The characters are great. and the ending will blow your mind.

[Renée Verdoodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bone cold read!! :)

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with a surprise ending. Wow a great read