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In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming.

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends.

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism.

Then the bodies start dropping.

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. They'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. The first in a thrilling new suspense series from best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse, 26 Below will delight fans of Lynnette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Lynn Blackburn.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2023

96 people are currently reading
1124 people want to read

About the author

Kimberley Woodhouse

46 books1,668 followers
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than forty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 2,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "Nana the Great." Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
www.instagram.com/kimberleywoodhouse
www.twitter.com/kimwoodhouse


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,476 reviews215 followers
July 27, 2025
Temperatures are dropping and time is running out for Darcie Phillips, the new Emergency Operations Center director in Fairbanks, Alaska.

An old woman, who many disregard for her seemingly ‘crazy’ behaviour, has just predicted widespread destruction when the temperature falls to 26 below. Nobody took her seriously until bodies started showing up in the days leading up to the cold snap.

I loved the tension created by the chapter subheadings. Each one stated the temperature and date. As I saw the temperatures dropping, I knew the terror was imminent. Knowing more than the majority of characters, thanks to a few from a different point of view, ramped up the tension even more!

The setting added to the success of this book. A cyber attack anywhere is destructive, but in a remote location that relies on the heat for survival, knocking out the power grid could have devastating results.

I loved the focus on preparedness, a reliance on God’s guidance, and a realization that working together benefits everyone. This was a great book to start a new romantic suspense series - Alaskan Cyber Hunters - and I can’t wait for book two.

I was gifted this copy by Independent Publishers Group, Kregel Publications and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
675 reviews254 followers
January 19, 2024
26 Below (Alaskan Cyber Hunters, #1) by Kimberley Woodhouse

Synopsis /

In her new role as Emergency Operations Centre director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming.

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends.

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism.

Then the bodies start dropping.

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. They'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. The first in a thrilling new suspense series from best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse, 26 Below will delight fans of Lynnette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Lynn Blackburn.


My Thoughts /

The time was coming. They'd do whatever he said for the simple chance to stay alive.

I'm not going to lie, I read this one purely because it was set in Alaska, or more correctly - Fairbanks, Alaska. The rugged, remote terrain of glaciers, the frozen tundra which shelters polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes; the Northern Lights which are visible during winter, and the “midnight sun” during summer. Anything about this area fascinates me.

[I DIGRESS]
I follow a young lady on "Insta" (sejsejlija) who documents her life living in Svalbard. Svalbard is part of the Kingdom of Norway and is located in the Arctic Ocean well north of the Arctic Circle. Her account showcases Svalbard and the surrounding area - from living and working, to its economic and socio-economic development, and I now have a much better understanding of what life is like because of her videos.

[BACK ON TRACK!]
blackout a period during a massive power failure when the lack of electricity for illumination results in utter darkness except from emergency sources, as candles.

In the air, hypothermia can develop in as little as five minutes in temperatures of minus -50°F/-45.5°C in people who are not dressed properly and have exposed skin. At -30°F/-34.4°C, hypothermia can occur in about 10 minutes. Death can occur in under an hour in extremely cold conditions. For the residents of Fairbanks, Alaska, where the temperature is regularly below zero, it's a nightmare scenario.

26 Below is a gripping story that doesn't look at the "what if" scenario, 26 Below goes head-on right into the "when it happens" scenario. Author, Kimberley Woodhouse has written a story of what if/when it happens, set in the deep dark of an Alaskan winter, when there is a massive power failure, and all power goes out.

Natalie hears voices. She's not sure at times whether those voices are real or imagined. The voices she's hearing are saying that once the temperature falls to 26 below zero bad things will happen, and people will die. Natalie wishes Tito was still alive, her husband would know what to do. Because she's unsure, Natalie keeps the voices to herself…..until she realises that she can't keep this information to herself any longer.

Our protagonist, Darcie Phillips, is the newly appointed director of the Emergency Operations Centre in Fairbanks, Alaska. Appointed by the Governor, Darcie has been tasked to get her Department fully operational within a year. But before she's even had a chance to 'warm' her seat, Darcie is faced with a crisis. She has received threats from an unknown group, that once the temperature gets to 26 below, the power grid to the town will be shut down. What if it was a cyber-attack? How quickly will things go from bad to worse? Everybody in town is looking to Darcie Phillips for answers, action, and more importantly, results. With help from her team, including cybersecurity specialist Jason Myers and her 'right hand' personal assistant, Misty; it's a race to find the cyber attacker before 26 below zero, when the bodies will pile up.

This is a bit of a slow burn beginning. Chapter One starts off at 50 Above Zero and from that point on we work our way down the temperature scale.

The descriptions of the setting and its residents rang true, it's obvious that Woodhouse has done her research well. While I'm not a 'techie' (I only know enough to turn my PC on in the morning and log off in the evening), the technical details added into the story surrounding the cyber-attacks were believable scenarios, and again, the author has researched her subject matter well. The first half of the book shuffled along at a slow pace, and it wasn't until you reached zero degrees that the pace heated up.😂

If you would have asked me at any time during the first half of the book, I would have said I wouldn't have bothered with book #2. But then I read the second half. So, ask me now and my answer is a definite 'yes'!
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
721 reviews1,052 followers
January 9, 2026
26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse
Book 1 in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters Series
Blog Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...


I love a good book set in Alaska and this was AWESOME. I was fully engaged! Darcie prevent disasters in her new role as Emergency Operations Center director in Fairbanks, Alaska. Cybersecurity specialist, Jason, is determined to take care of the threats to the town.... An old woman's wild prediction leads to widespread destruction....as soon as the temperature falls to 26 below. People start dying and they need to work together to stop the killer.

As someone who works in a technology advancing industry, I loved the details around the cybersecurity things. The setting in Alaska and being so cold make this a great winter book rec too!

Darcie struggled with faith because of her past and Jason wants to help her. They have a bit of a romance that grows throughout the book as they work through the case too.

Each chapter was building on the next course of events because the temperature kept dropping, and that made the book more of a high stakes read. There was a woman also that kept your interest as someone who was screaming about what would happen after things got to 26 below, it was definitely eerie!

If you like Alaska settings, Christian Romantic Suspense, High Stakes Suspense - check this out!
Profile Image for Mark Baker.
2,397 reviews203 followers
September 13, 2024
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?

I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,145 reviews146 followers
May 3, 2023
I enjoyed this suspenseful and edgy depiction of what is probably a realistic threat to our world these days. Darcie is the new director of the Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jason is a cybersecurity expert brought in to help Darcie and her workers get things up and running. Before that happens, someone is threatening their system and all things controlled by computers. We all depend on computers for so much and this is a scary thought, one of a cyberterrorist attack. 26 Below has some great characters, some with family baggage, who deal well with the situation, but it is not without danger, fear, and confusion. Faith plays a part in the story as a grounder. Romance is light and a little rushed but with a happy ending.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,536 reviews144 followers
April 6, 2023
A crazy lady is sure there will be a disaster when temperatures hit 26 below zero in Fairbanks, Alaska. But nobody takes her seriously and she cannot be found for questioning.
Darcie Phillips has just assumed her job as director of the Emergency Operations center. The governor has given her leeway of a year to get fully operational. So much to coordinate! Her small team of cyber security specialists needs to head off the threat before winter blasts to 26 below!
Ms. Woodhouse has proven her versatility with this super suspenseful story that had me flipping pages quickly. The team is smart and capable and works well together. Jason is a wonderful hero. He is intelligent, caring and romantic. Several characters have a solid faith in God and Darcie struggles with her dormant spiritual condition. Although she is methodical and cool in the face of the threat, her past comes back to throw a monkey wrench in at the worst time. When the villains act, Darcie sees that “bad people still did bad things.” She is reminded that if God seems far away, God has not moved- she has.
A scary thought that the very security we take for granted could be compromised. Ms. Woodhouse has penned an up-to-the- minute fascinating scenario that has me wishing the next book was ready to read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Staci.
2,308 reviews671 followers
August 25, 2024
What a ride!

A woman believed to be crazy is sharing "prophesies" about what will happen in Fairbanks, Alaska when the temperature reaches 26 below zero.

Darcie is responsible for making sure the city is safe as part of her role as Director of Emergency Operations Center. She smartly uses experts in cybersecurity to evaluate the city's risks.

Lots of action and I particularly loved the way each chapter started with the date, time and temperature.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
Author 42 books869 followers
May 24, 2023
This was a slower-moving suspense novel, possibly due to the cyber aspects of it, yet it was a solid suspense read. Thanks to Kregel for my NetGalley copy of the book--all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,888 reviews207 followers
February 27, 2024
26 Below was an intriguing and suspenseful story! There are scenes of danger and action in this book, however much of the plot is one of figuring out solutions to things that are going wrong, as well as trying to anticipate what disastrous events might befall the area when the temperature finally drops below 26 degrees.

Darcie was a bit of a prickly heroine. It was hard to like her at times, even though I felt empathy toward her for the emotional trauma that she had endured over the years. Her way of dealing with some situations had her shutting down and keeping people away. She was a woman who was hurting deep inside.

I really liked Jason and felt for him as he dealt with feelings of anger and frustration toward his brother, who seemed to possibly be involved with some of the threats and problems that were facing the area. Jason struggled with fully turning control over to God and realized that he needed to be more open about his faith with his co-workers.

This was a slow build suspense story with a light thread of romance that eventually developed. Once I reached the halfway point in the book, I had trouble setting it down. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, 8 Down.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,299 followers
April 28, 2023
Kimberly Woodhouse is a new-to-me author and I will be looking for other books by her! This book is filled with fascinating characters from the heroine and hero to the crazy old lady who keeps trying to warn everyone that bad things are going to happen when the temps drop below 26 degrees and people will die.

Both the hero and heroine are working through some serious issues. I love the descriptions and feel of Alaska in the book. And I enjoyed trying to figure out who the bad guy was. It's a tightly woven story with plenty of twists and turns. A book romantic suspense readers will love.
Profile Image for Mimi.
790 reviews118 followers
April 11, 2023
My interest was so piqued knowing that the author is usually writing historical fiction, but was stepping into a suspense series. If an author can write well in more than one genre, more power to them (and more reading for me)!

The premise of the book is one that freaks me out because of the possible reality of it, while also making me want to learn what I need to do in case I want to be prepared for widespread power outage. When we look at the threats in the cyber world, this story hits close to home. It's a powerful reminder of how reliant we are on power, internet, and instant communication.

First there's Darcie who is the new director for the Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Governor has given her a year to get things operational in her department, but she doesn't have that long. The story begins with her first press conference which is a disaster! Things continue to go downhill from there. She has the most amazing assistant, Misty. I loved her character! Darcie, though, I kind of struggled with her. She has a hard history with her parents and best friend from when she was younger. She just seemed, a bit emotionally unstable for the job she needs to do. She was often closing herself away and treating her team rather unkindly.

Almost right away we also meet Jason, who is all about cybersecurity! He's the perfect guy, in the right place, at the right time! Thank goodness for that! I really liked his character. He was kind and knowledgeable, as well as protective. His brother, who we also meet, not so much like Jason. He ends up really liking Darcie and I actually thought he and Misty would make a better couple. lol Darcie seemed to abrasive in any personal interactions so I struggled to understand why he would have warm, fuzzy feelings towards her. There was also one quick section where he's talking with his parents, about something REALLY important, but then we never have any clue how Jason responded or what his parents learned. It was never brought up again.

There's complete chaos going on in Fairbanks! Someone is staying one step ahead of the EOC as well as every other government office and safety department. People are dying left and right. An old woman shows up out of the blue with what seems like crazy ramblings. It's just pandemonium. But seriously, you can totally picture it as the author is describing the story. I couldn't figure out who might be involved. And of course, the story ends on a cliffhanger so now I have to wait for the next one. This is definitely one series you do NOT want to read out of order.

I really loved how faith was fleshed out in this story in lots of different ways. There were quite a few moments I could really relate to the characters with how they were dealing with faith overall, but also with their own relationship with God and others. It was very heartwarming for it to be so central to the story.

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Profile Image for Christy.
299 reviews90 followers
January 15, 2025
I cannot believe it has taken me almost 2 years since this book's release before I finally got around to reading it. Kim Woodhouse has been a favorite author of mine for her historical books, but now that she's ventured into the world of suspense, I am a lifelong fan now!

I will not even attempt to summarize the plot of this story for fear that I will give away a spoiler. All I will say is that this story had me on the edge of my seat from page 1 until I finally reached the end - and that ending left me hanging! As each one of these characters raced toward stopping a crazed madman from unleashing utter chaos, I held my breath more than once in hopes that their efforts would not be thwarted. It was simply page after page of heart-pounding action!

I thought I would experience the dreaded book hangover when I finished this book, but thankfully since there are two more books in this series, the journey will continue, and I am ready for the ride. 26 Below earns 5 well-deserved stars!
Profile Image for (Katie) Paperbacks.
927 reviews397 followers
October 21, 2023
Kimberley Woodhouse brings together a great start to a new series featuring cyber terrorism set in the great Alaska territory.

As always Kimberley weaves faith into stories beautifully. I loved the characters and can't wait for the next installment.

Natalie, a homeless woman tells the town that when temperatures reach 26 below 0 people will die and bad things will happen.

I loved following the emergency center, and the behind the scenes that these workers go through during a crisis.

*thank you to JustReadTours for a copy of this book to read, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Sherri.
1,631 reviews
January 21, 2025
It took me a bit to get into this suspense driven read by Kimberly Woodhouse. This is my first read of Woodhouse's as a stand alone author.

Darcie is the Emergency Operations Center director and incoming Jason Myers is a cyber-security specialist. Along with their team they need to discover just who is behind and how/why an attack on the systems in Fairbanks, Alaska happen. There is a "prophetess" that sporadically appears to call a collapse when the temperature hits 26 Below. We find our her story and why she is claiming that. We also get a POV from the antagonist but the mystery waits until the end.

It took me a bit to care about our protagonist Darcie. She has a lot of personal baggage that weighed down with the roller coaster of physically closing herself off and then remembering she's a leader and taking charge. Jason was likeable but seemed suspenseful to sit around and watch them punch buttons on their computers.

The second half of the book I felt more engaged in as the action ensued and we finally get to hear more about our characters backstories.

Curious as to continue the series of this somewhat new to me author Woodhouse.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
538 reviews339 followers
April 30, 2023
Kimberely Woodhouse returns to the genre of romantic suspense with her latest book, 26 Below, set in modern-day Fairbanks, Alaska. The author's attention to detail is one of the most impressive aspects of this book. Her collaboration with her son-in-law, a cybersecurity expert, ensures an accurate portrayal of the cybersecurity topic.

As someone who has lived in Alaska for five years, I found Woodhouse's depictions of the setting and the resilient spirit of its people to be authentic. The book also contains a strong Christian message, with the characters' faith playing an important role in the story. Readers who enjoy Christian fiction novels with overt gospel presentations will find what they're looking for in this book.

While the book has many strengths, there are some detractors. The romance progressed too quickly for my taste, and I didn't feel a strong connection to Darcie, the protagonist. Additionally, the incoherent ramblings of the character Natalie, known as "the Prophetess," were initially off-putting until I knew more of her backstory.

Overall, the technical details and authentic setting make the story feel grounded in reality, and the characters' faith adds depth to the story. While there are some detractors, the book is well worth reading for fans of the genre or those interested in the topic of cyber defense.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book through Netgalley in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,520 reviews655 followers
August 25, 2025
I have enjoyed Kimberley Woodhouse’s historical fiction. This was the first suspense I read by her, and it amazes me how the author can seamlessly produce engaging stories in different genres.

There was action, murder, danger, and chaos in this cyber-attack thriller.

What I loved in the author’s historical novels was how faith was a big part of the characters – it was part of who they were and they easily brought up their faith and trust in God. It was no different in this story. I enjoyed seeing how Jason realized he was not leaving his faith openly among the people he knew and how he stepped up to just do that and how it impacted those around him.

There was and cliffhanger moment in the epilogue, so it seems best to read this book before the second book is released soon.

If you enjoy action packed thrillers, you should add this one to your TBR.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Susan.
787 reviews82 followers
February 4, 2024
I love the fact that Kimberley Woodhouse chose Alaska as the setting for this series. I was initially drawn by the quote: “When it hits 26 below, all will be lost. People will die. The end is near!”.

The intrepid heroine, Darcie Phillips, fights to overcome the emotional scars from her past as she leads a skilled team at the Emergency Operations Center. The plot pacing was excellent, as the main characters raced against the clock, attempting to outwit cyber-terrorists, preventing the worse from happening.
Although this is mostly a suspense, readers will find it is also a story of learning to trust and possibly love again. The plot itself was quite realistic, causing me just a little bit of anxiety as I read. With some foreshadowing in the epilogue for the next book, I am eagerly waiting to start 8 DOWN.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,644 reviews
April 11, 2023
I have been a fan of Kimberley's books for a few years now. This is hands down one of her very best! The way she weaves this suspenseful story was fantastic. Alaska is one of my favorite settings for books and it was a perfect setting for this story with the evil plans the bad guys are up to. The risks with the dangerously cold temperatures take this story to a whole 'nother level of danger. It is such a great read and I am in desperate need of book two so I can see what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish.
937 reviews249 followers
October 21, 2024
Mystery/Suspense is not my thing, especially with antagonist POV, BUT this story was intriguing, and the characters engaging. I'll be reading the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review. As owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Alison (readinginazaleawoods).
223 reviews65 followers
July 16, 2025
Kimberley Woodhouse is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and when I learned that she had written a Christian suspense series, I knew I wanted to read it. I was excited to dive into 26 Below, the first book in her Alaskan Cyber Hunters series, which follows Darcie Phillips, Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, and cybersecurity specialist Jason Myers as they race to uncover the truth behind a mysterious woman’s dire predictions that begin to unfold once temperatures fall to 26 below.

🩷 What I Loved: As with all of Woodhouse’s novels that I have read, I loved the way threads of faith were naturally woven throughout the story. In 26 Below, we meet characters who have seemingly walked away from God but begin to feel the pull again as they witness His light in others. There are those who are grateful for small acts of faith in a largely secular workplace, and others who realize they have been walking just a little too far in Jesus’s shadow. It is a gentle yet powerful reminder that none of us knows when our last breath will be, and that we are called to be a very real light in a very dark world, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

This was also a thrilling ride from page one. Cybersecurity is way over my head, but Woodhouse does a great job making sure readers like me can follow along. I especially loved that the setting was Alaska. Having never been there myself, it already holds a sense of mystery, and that made it the perfect backdrop for this suspenseful thriller.

And with the perfect cliffhanger, Woodhouse already has me eager to pick up book two in this trilogy.

Overall, this is a clean Christian suspense thriller with light threads of romance that fans of this genre and Lynette Eason are sure to enjoy.

✨ Content to consider: political activists, ecoterrorists, mention of a dead body, on-page murder, mention of suicide and discovery of the body, drugging, parental abandonment, and Alzheimer’s.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
June 10, 2023
What a great start to a new series! Terrorists sabotaging our electrical grid is a very real fear that Kimberley Woodhouse skillfully tackles in 26 Below. As the temperatures plunge, a seemingly crazy old lady starts making national news by warning about catastrophic events taking place in Alaska when the temperature reaches 26 degrees below zero. Emergency Operations Center director Darcie Phillips and cybersecurity specialist Jason Myers at first dismiss the woman as unwanted publicity. But, when Jason’s troubled brother and his ecoterrorist friends pose a viable threat and bodies start to appear, they begin taking the woman’s predictions seriously.

What made this book so chilling, literally, was the setting. Having the story take place in the winter in Alaska really made the risks associated with the energy grid going down frightening. Along with the event occurring at 26 degrees below, there are other terrifying events that cause mass chaos and fear. That the author consulted with cybersecurity experts to deliver a plausible, scary story is definitely evident.

I enjoyed the characters and hint of romance bubbling under the surface. Because of a troubled past, Darcie struggles with faith and trusting others. Jason wants to help her, but she keeps her problems and emotions well hidden. Jason is frustrated by his arrogant, crazy younger brother who follows him to Alaska causing all sorts of problems. He and Darcie experience and have to work through some highly suspenseful, challenging situations which draw them closer together.

The fast-paced setting and reminder at the head of each chapter of the temperature slowly climbing downward add to the the suspense. It’s a faith-filled, intense, romantic read fans of Lynette Easton or Patricia Bradley would enjoy. Looking forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

CW: brief mentions of suicide, mental illness, school shootings.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
May 17, 2023
If you have ever been to Alaska, visited the state, or added it to your bucket list, you know it is a state filled with both beauty and danger. In 26 Below, Kimberley Woodhouse ramps up both elements with a romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages until the very end (and then have you wanting the next book right away).
Jason is a flawed hero. He’s intelligent and protective, but he makes mistakes. Some he’s quick to realize and apologize for. Others he takes a little longer to wrestle with. When he meets Darcie, he immediately sees her capability and determination as well as the walls she’s built around herself. Darcie is a little tougher to connect with. She closed off. Even though she acknowledges this, her reasons for it carry some bitterness.

And then there is the suspense. As the days pass by and the temperature drops, the threat of danger for the people of Fairbanks becomes more a reality. At first, I was wishing for more urgency, but it came about halfway through the book.

The cyber threat is very real today, and Woodhouse did her research to bring authenticity to this story. The addition of the uncontrollable weather is a nice twist, and Alaska herself becomes another character. The faith element is also prevalent in this one.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Meagan.
293 reviews135 followers
May 2, 2025
In this fast-paced Christian suspense, Darcie and Jason work together to race against time when the power goes out at 26 Below freezing.

I really enjoyed the premise of the plot! What happens when the power goes out and it’s dangerously cold? And how reliant are we on the technology we take for granted every day? These are some questions you’ll consider as you read. I wish I would have seen a little more character development. I just didn’t feel like I knew Darcie very well. And the romance felt a little rushed. But I’m hopeful that Jason and Darcie come back later in the series for more! When you get to the end, you’ll definitely want book 2 ready to go. If you’re all about a fascinating plot and fast pacing, this is a good place to start!
Profile Image for Charity.
611 reviews83 followers
May 10, 2023
Oh. Wow. Wow. What a way to end a book! After I got done with the PROLOGUE, I was ready to preorder the second book. After reading the first chapter, I was ready to send an SOS to Kimberley Woodhouse (and *may* have made a facebook post directed at her), looking for a preorder link. But there isn't one yet! And I NEED the next book!

Man. You should read this book.
Profile Image for Andria Potter.
Author 2 books95 followers
March 4, 2024
I managed about half before giving up. While I loved the Alaskan setting, I did not connect with any of the characters. The writing was good but I just don't think I was in a thriller mood. 3 ⭐
Profile Image for Stacy Wilson .
318 reviews174 followers
May 26, 2024
Loved the plot. It's actually related to what my husband does, so I kept stopping to ask him questions. It did get repetitive and was a bit long, but overall, I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,285 reviews69 followers
May 18, 2023
26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse was extremely exciting! It is a Christian suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Darcie Phillips can only really rely on one person. Herself. But for this job, she’s going to have to trust that others will do their jobs right the first time. Darcie is the head of the Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The department isn’t even fully functioning when her job becomes much more than she bargained for. Her job was to prevent disasters. Now, of course, you can’t prevent all disasters, but you can be prepared to coordinate help in the case of a natural disaster or monitor potential threats. She wasn’t supposed to be dealing with a cyber attack affecting an area with almost 100,000 residents. An attack supposedly predicted by a “prophetess” that will happen when the temperature hits 26 below.

Darcie is a strong female protagonist. She’s very intelligent and organized which are only two qualities that make her the perfect head of this emergency center. Her assistant Misty is outgoing and extremely efficient. She’s the perfect assistant for Darcie, and their skills complement each other. Jason Myers has the cybersecurity skills that Darcie needs for this threat, but they can’t do it alone. Jason recommends two young guys in their 20s who have mad skills. I loved those guys! I can totally imagine the crazy but hyper-focused work they’d do. I loved Jason’s strength of character and his reliance upon God. Though things were going horribly wrong, he never stopped trusting that God was with him during this struggle. I’ll let you get to know the “prophetess” as well as the supporting characters yourselves since anything else would spoil them for you.

I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live in Alaska. I’ve read many books set in Alaska, watched Northern Exposure, watched fictional and reality shows set in Alaska…yep, it’s fun to imagine living there, but I wouldn’t last for very long. Cold, dark winters and grizzly bears….no, I couldn’t cut it! But, it’s still fun to imagine what it would be like (from afar). The author does an amazing job describing the bone chilling cold as well as the heatwaves of 50 degrees (nope…too cold!). I really can’t imagine breathing in air that’s going to freeze my nose hairs! If you live in Alaska, you have my utter admiration!

Don’t start 26 Below in the evening unless you’re prepared for a really long night! You won’t want to put it down! I highly recommend 26 Below for its believable, well-written characters; its intense, page-turning action; its bone-chilling setting; and its message of trusting God in all circumstances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heather Pickett.
385 reviews27 followers
May 26, 2023
Author Kimberley Woodhouse introduces us to her gripping new Alaskan Cyberhunters series in 26 Below.
Darcie Phillips recently arrived in Fairlbanks, hired on by the governor as the new Emergency Operations Center Director. Her first official day on the job starts off by attempting to address a rather unruly group of people. Next she is confronted by the person who wanted her job, but clearly didn’t get it. Now there’s a seemingly crazy woman shouting that “when the temperature hits 26 below, the end will be here!”. Add to that her personal struggles and burdens, and Darcie has her work cut out for her creating a new life in Fairbanks.
Jason Myers is the cybersecurity expert brought to Fairbanks to train the ops center in all things cybersecurity. He’s also dealing with a fractured relationship with his drug addict brother, who finally showed up after years of no contact. He seems clean, but he’s also hooked up with some crazy group.
As “The Prophetess” (as the media has named her) continues to pop up in the streets, shouting about being ready for when the weather hits 26 below, Darcie, Jason, and the rest of the ops center team race against time and temperature to have everything up and running to prevent an attack that they cannot be sure is even real. Add to that dead bodies and acts of sabotage, every bit of progress they make is critical.
Can the ops center team make it in time? Can Jason break through the walls of Darcie’s heart? Can Darcie turn back to the Lord and allow Him to begin to heal her soul? You will want to find out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews47 followers
May 13, 2023

26 Below is written by Kimberly Woodhouse. I’ve been a huge fan of this author for a long time. This is book one in the Alaskan Cyber Hunter series. This is her suspense story and boy is it filled full of adrenaline pounding scenes.

Darcie accepts a job as the Emergency Operations Director in Fairbanks Alaska. She’s got a tough task ahead of her when her first day she’s ambushed by angry spectators during her presentation. She suddenly doubts herself. She knows she can try and get everyone on protocol before something happens. Then threats start coming in.

Jason is at the top of his game as a cybersecurity specialist. He’s brought in to help detect and prevent any threats. He sees the hurt in Darcie’s eyes. He tries to be her friend but she pulls back. When a wandering woman named Natalie overhears plans to bring down systems she tries to warn everyone. When it’s 26 below systems will go down. But because of her eccentricness she is not taken seriously.

Then things that Natalie is saying start to become uncovered. Bodies are found and Natalie finds that only Darcie and her team take her seriously. Can they find out who is behind the threats before it’s too late?

I loved this kick off to this series. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. This book had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Robin Mason.
Author 11 books81 followers
May 20, 2023
How spoiled we have become! Relying on technology for, well, almost everything. Especially heat.
I don’t reckon many of us know the bitter, frigid cold of Alaska winters. Or the critical importance of power supply to heat your home.
This story, y’all! Cyber threats are like no other threat. It strikes in ways we’ve never known before. It’s like a home invasion—nay, it IS a home invasion. But the perpetrator is nameless and faceless.
Ms. Woodhouse has created a scenario so devastating and hair-raising—and so potentially real—it’s frightening to contemplate.
Darcie Phillips is good at what she does. Not so much at who she is, hiding any trace of emotion or personality. Wounds that have cut deep and left crippling scars. But she will keep her city safe, and she will find the one behind the cyber-attack.
Jason Myers is ‘on loan’ in Fairbanks. With his specialty in cyber security, he’s in the right place at the right time when the threats start coming.
The author has crafted such a gripping story, with twists and an urgency that compels the reader to the end.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Friday, #TRD, Book Review, 26 Below, Kimberley Woodhouse, Alaskan Cyber Hunters, JustRead Publicity
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