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Thomas Shepherd Mystery #4
Cold Blood
An escaped murderer hunts the wilderness.
And a killer storm is thundering toward Wolf Lake.
When a dangerous criminal escapes police custody, the sheriff's department rushes to catch him. The unhinged convict is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.
At the same time, Thomas Shepherd and Chelsey plan a long overdue vacation on Laurel Mountain. But the worst storm in decades is dead set on striking the mountain, and the snow threatens to strand them.
With no cell phone coverage and the storm playing havoc with the power grid and communications, Thomas and Chelsey must survive the elements, unaware the killer is near.
Can the sheriff's department reach Thomas before it's too late?
And a killer storm is thundering toward Wolf Lake.
When a dangerous criminal escapes police custody, the sheriff's department rushes to catch him. The unhinged convict is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.
At the same time, Thomas Shepherd and Chelsey plan a long overdue vacation on Laurel Mountain. But the worst storm in decades is dead set on striking the mountain, and the snow threatens to strand them.
With no cell phone coverage and the storm playing havoc with the power grid and communications, Thomas and Chelsey must survive the elements, unaware the killer is near.
Can the sheriff's department reach Thomas before it's too late?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2023
300 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
100 books608 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 19, 2025
Well Well Well my amazing Goodreads family, another book read📕 towards my reading challenge. I gave the book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the book was exciting. I don’t do spoilers but I’ll tell you this; there was a huge snowstorm and the author which by the way he is one of my favorite authors had like 4 different situations going on. Which is why it intrigued me because one moment you are feeling what the character is going through and then right when stuff is about to happen to that character and you turn the page it’s the next chapter which is about the other people in the story (I would say character instead of people but I figured I was repeating the word “Character” too much) With that being said. I really enjoyed the book.. 📖 I think this series is 12 books 📚 and I will most probably read all them. I expect (not expect) I will read all of them. It’s crazy how the reader (which is myself) can create what the characters look like just by reading. Hopefully, all readers do that 🤓🧐 Anyway, I’m almost finish reading another book that I had started sort of like an in between books. Anyway, hope you have a great day!! See you at my next review which it will probably be in a few days…
June 21, 2023
grueling man v. nature v. man
Dan Padavona certainly know how to mix Mother Nature, psychology and the triumph of the human spirit into an engrossing tale.
The body count seemed high in this installment!
On to Book 5.
Dan Padavona certainly know how to mix Mother Nature, psychology and the triumph of the human spirit into an engrossing tale.
The body count seemed high in this installment!
On to Book 5.
July 26, 2023
the biggest storm practically in history is raging right as thomas and chelsey leave for a cabin vacation in a remote mountain town. their location was not originally in the storm warning area, but obviously the storm shifts to hit wolf lake and thomas’s location hard. meanwhile a criminal who is in prison for life is being transferred upstate.
this book was really good! i love that we learn more about aguilar as she is left in charge of the sheriff’s department while thomas is gone. it was so awesome to see her work through her insecurity of not being a good enough deputy and save the town from any casualties during power outages and destroyed homes in this huge winter storm. she proves to be a VERY competent deputy and a huge asset to thomas and nightshade county.
there was a lot more bloodshed and gore in this book than in any other in this universe, at least from what i remember. it was interesting to see the killer’s devolution throughout the story, with it getting particularly bad when he was exposed to the elements for longer. he was basically just a crazy axe murderer with severe compulsions to kill.
i can’t imagine the trauma chelsey and thomas endured after being trapped and lost in the heavy snowstorm, especially thomas since chelsey almost died like, 12 times. i’m glad everyone made it out alive, even though i was convinced 90% of the book that dan padavona was going to throw me a fastball and kill one of the main characters. looking forward to the next one!
this book was really good! i love that we learn more about aguilar as she is left in charge of the sheriff’s department while thomas is gone. it was so awesome to see her work through her insecurity of not being a good enough deputy and save the town from any casualties during power outages and destroyed homes in this huge winter storm. she proves to be a VERY competent deputy and a huge asset to thomas and nightshade county.
there was a lot more bloodshed and gore in this book than in any other in this universe, at least from what i remember. it was interesting to see the killer’s devolution throughout the story, with it getting particularly bad when he was exposed to the elements for longer. he was basically just a crazy axe murderer with severe compulsions to kill.
i can’t imagine the trauma chelsey and thomas endured after being trapped and lost in the heavy snowstorm, especially thomas since chelsey almost died like, 12 times. i’m glad everyone made it out alive, even though i was convinced 90% of the book that dan padavona was going to throw me a fastball and kill one of the main characters. looking forward to the next one!
May 13, 2023
I love the Thomas Shepherd Mysteries but Cold Blood I did not. It was okay for me, for me it was very slow moving and very chop. In my opinion it didn't flow. As usual there were three or for stories going on which I come to expect from Dan Padavona and usually they the stories work together. I didn't find this in Cold Blood. I understood the idea behind it, but it fell short for me. I found some suspense but in my opinion it was very lacking in Cold Blood. FYI I hate having to give this review, but I'm always honest with my review. FYI this is the worst review I've ever given Dan Padavona. Will I continue to read books by Dan Padavona ABSOLUTELY!!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
May 3, 2023
Cold Blood - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Wolf Lake's Sheriff Thomas Shepherd and his fiancée Chelsey Byrd are 'ordered' to take a long-overdue vacation, despite the department being understaffed due to sick leave.
After they leave, the snowstorm of the century strikes - as does a psychopathic escaped convict. Soon the storm and loss of power are not the worst dangers those on the mountain will face. How many will die and who survives?
Another riveting Wolf Lake crime-thriller from Dan Padavona, Cold Blood will literally give you chills aplenty, so stoke up the fire, stock up the larder and hide the ax, before you grab a copy today - though be aware, you'll read all night!
Wolf Lake's Sheriff Thomas Shepherd and his fiancée Chelsey Byrd are 'ordered' to take a long-overdue vacation, despite the department being understaffed due to sick leave.
After they leave, the snowstorm of the century strikes - as does a psychopathic escaped convict. Soon the storm and loss of power are not the worst dangers those on the mountain will face. How many will die and who survives?
Another riveting Wolf Lake crime-thriller from Dan Padavona, Cold Blood will literally give you chills aplenty, so stoke up the fire, stock up the larder and hide the ax, before you grab a copy today - though be aware, you'll read all night!
July 2, 2023
frustrating to read
I was disappointed in Thomas’s decision making throughout this story line. So many reference’s regarding his “F150 was redundant and borderline monotonous. I felt that Chelsey was the hero. If it wasn’t for her alertness they both would have died. Too many cliches makes me wonder if the true author has changed his style of wiring or it’s something else…way too many deaths in a 24 hour period…no mention of thawing snow for water/drinking from the stream or chains for the vehicles…not even a shovel in the F 150. I may sound picky but that’s my review. I unfortunately read book 5 before book 4 and now feel that there was little reason for Thomas to be having issues he was experiencing in book 5…just saying
I was disappointed in Thomas’s decision making throughout this story line. So many reference’s regarding his “F150 was redundant and borderline monotonous. I felt that Chelsey was the hero. If it wasn’t for her alertness they both would have died. Too many cliches makes me wonder if the true author has changed his style of wiring or it’s something else…way too many deaths in a 24 hour period…no mention of thawing snow for water/drinking from the stream or chains for the vehicles…not even a shovel in the F 150. I may sound picky but that’s my review. I unfortunately read book 5 before book 4 and now feel that there was little reason for Thomas to be having issues he was experiencing in book 5…just saying
October 5, 2023
What Happened?!? My Least Favorite of this series…
Where was the Thomas we all know and love? Certainly not represented in this one. I really had to force myself to keep reading. So much for well developed characters. Thomas was not himself! The story was engaging, eventually. So much snow and So much killing! Just bought The Buried Girls, I hope Thomas and those closest to him recover soon. This book was a disappointment.
Where was the Thomas we all know and love? Certainly not represented in this one. I really had to force myself to keep reading. So much for well developed characters. Thomas was not himself! The story was engaging, eventually. So much snow and So much killing! Just bought The Buried Girls, I hope Thomas and those closest to him recover soon. This book was a disappointment.
May 13, 2023
Well deserving
The way this story reads one could actually believe they, themselves, were in the middle of a raging snowstorm. Wind howling, snow raging, fear for survival ever present. Each book in this series seems to present a town that consists of kindness, understanding and a sense of community. To bad the rest of the world can't mimic this sentiment. Good reading!
The way this story reads one could actually believe they, themselves, were in the middle of a raging snowstorm. Wind howling, snow raging, fear for survival ever present. Each book in this series seems to present a town that consists of kindness, understanding and a sense of community. To bad the rest of the world can't mimic this sentiment. Good reading!
May 16, 2023
Talk about killer on the edge, this guy was beyond hope. Dan damn this was bloodiest ever, I loved it. Aguilar sure proved her worth along with the entire town. Please let Thomas and Chelsey go somewhere warm the next vacation.
I like how you had everyone working as one. I think Thomas and Chelsey cannot handle the snow 🙄
Great job on this one 👏 👍
I like how you had everyone working as one. I think Thomas and Chelsey cannot handle the snow 🙄
Great job on this one 👏 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
it was okay…
I enjoy the series, and i have enjoyed all the books about this motley crew. Dan, gas heat is great! We have it. However, we need electricity to run the blower on the gas furnace, just fyi. As for this book, yes, there was a bad man, but mostly it was about a snow storm wreaking havoc on several counties. Just not quite as good as the others, in my opinion.
I enjoy the series, and i have enjoyed all the books about this motley crew. Dan, gas heat is great! We have it. However, we need electricity to run the blower on the gas furnace, just fyi. As for this book, yes, there was a bad man, but mostly it was about a snow storm wreaking havoc on several counties. Just not quite as good as the others, in my opinion.
June 10, 2023
Excellent!!!
I have read every book this author has written, and he can not write a bad book. Really, he can't. His books are filled with twists, turns, and such unbelievable descriptions of weather. Read this author if you are into suspense, thrillers, mystery, and just plain good writing.
I have read every book this author has written, and he can not write a bad book. Really, he can't. His books are filled with twists, turns, and such unbelievable descriptions of weather. Read this author if you are into suspense, thrillers, mystery, and just plain good writing.
October 25, 2025
A fantastic story and and series
An intense, suspenseful, and intriguing story that will hook you from beginning to end. It's certainly not what this newly engaged couple had in mind for their first vacation, or anytime really! Lol! Not a story or series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
An intense, suspenseful, and intriguing story that will hook you from beginning to end. It's certainly not what this newly engaged couple had in mind for their first vacation, or anytime really! Lol! Not a story or series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
May 14, 2023
Weather report
I stopped reading after page 82 which is 32% of this book. Couldn't read anymore about snow and winter weather waiting for something (very predictable) to happen. Liked this author previous books but this one was disappointing.
I stopped reading after page 82 which is 32% of this book. Couldn't read anymore about snow and winter weather waiting for something (very predictable) to happen. Liked this author previous books but this one was disappointing.
May 15, 2023
Cold Blood
Well Dan Padavona did it again. I sat down this afternoon to start this book and I ended up reading the whole book. Even though I'm sitting in AC I keep thinking it's cold and snowy out. I loved this book and you will too.
Well Dan Padavona did it again. I sat down this afternoon to start this book and I ended up reading the whole book. Even though I'm sitting in AC I keep thinking it's cold and snowy out. I loved this book and you will too.
May 18, 2023
Another Page Turner from Dan Padavona!
I love this series! The characters are wonderful. This book (book 4) was exciting. There were times I was afraid of what might come next! I really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you.
I love this series! The characters are wonderful. This book (book 4) was exciting. There were times I was afraid of what might come next! I really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you.
May 20, 2023
I have read all of Dan Padavona’s books,this was by far the best,in my opinion. Thomas and Chelsea was stuck in freak snow storm,Wolf Lake is getting buried in a terrible blizzard,all the while an escaped convict is in a murdering spree.Nail bitter from beginning to the end!!!
May 20, 2023
Another great Padavona book!
I just love this series, it's like meeting up with old friends! Add in a nice little mystery, though this one was more adventure, and it's a great way to spend your weekend.
I just love this series, it's like meeting up with old friends! Add in a nice little mystery, though this one was more adventure, and it's a great way to spend your weekend.
May 24, 2023
Great Edge of Your Seat Story!!
I have always enjoyed all the books about Wolf Lake. This story kept my attention and kept me wondering about the safety of all the characters! I could hardly put it down. I hope you give this book a try and enjoy it as well!!! 💜📚
I have always enjoyed all the books about Wolf Lake. This story kept my attention and kept me wondering about the safety of all the characters! I could hardly put it down. I hope you give this book a try and enjoy it as well!!! 💜📚
May 28, 2023
Cold Blood
OMG. I could not put this book down. The excitement and the thrills kept you excited by this book. This is a great mystery. Loved it. I highly recommend this book. This is more than a 5 star book. Can't wait for the next book in this series
OMG. I could not put this book down. The excitement and the thrills kept you excited by this book. This is a great mystery. Loved it. I highly recommend this book. This is more than a 5 star book. Can't wait for the next book in this series
June 7, 2023
Not very believable
I enjoyed the first three books in this series but this one just didn't cut it. Too much going on and just not realistic.
I'm planning on reading the next in the series. Hopefully it will be back on track.
I enjoyed the first three books in this series but this one just didn't cut it. Too much going on and just not realistic.
I'm planning on reading the next in the series. Hopefully it will be back on track.
June 11, 2023
Another easy great read!
I enjoyed this quick read…not only is it 100 degrees today…this book was just chilling and exciting! I am looking forward to the weddings! Come on…write more! And quicker too!
I enjoyed this quick read…not only is it 100 degrees today…this book was just chilling and exciting! I am looking forward to the weddings! Come on…write more! And quicker too!
April 30, 2024
Didn't like this one
I like your books and enjoy reading them. This one however did not make the cut. Extremely gruesome and far fetched scenarios. Killing the deputy whose wife just gave birth to triplets was truly disheartning.
I like your books and enjoy reading them. This one however did not make the cut. Extremely gruesome and far fetched scenarios. Killing the deputy whose wife just gave birth to triplets was truly disheartning.
February 11, 2025
Amazing story
This book was hard to put down , fascinating to the end. The characters were very interesting. The story kept me hating to put it down. Can't wait to read the next one in the series
This book was hard to put down , fascinating to the end. The characters were very interesting. The story kept me hating to put it down. Can't wait to read the next one in the series
December 29, 2025
So good!
This book was action packed from the start and never slowed down. Padavona
made me feel as though I was right there with characters. A quick read and I highly recommend it
This book was action packed from the start and never slowed down. Padavona
made me feel as though I was right there with characters. A quick read and I highly recommend it
May 14, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal!
What a fantastic book! I actually felt like I was there in the awful snowstorm! A totally riveting read! I highly recommend!
What a fantastic book! I actually felt like I was there in the awful snowstorm! A totally riveting read! I highly recommend!
May 15, 2023
Stormy!
This thriller is fast-paced as it skips from situation to situation. As the problems continue to mount, the tension and fear increases. Enjoyed the book!
This thriller is fast-paced as it skips from situation to situation. As the problems continue to mount, the tension and fear increases. Enjoyed the book!
May 17, 2023
Too Awful
What was worse - the storm or all the killing. Too much of both. The strength to survive was in evidence.
What was worse - the storm or all the killing. Too much of both. The strength to survive was in evidence.
May 19, 2023
A little different than expected
I read the entire book because I really like this series. I was just a little put off because it was a unexpectedly gory.
I read the entire book because I really like this series. I was just a little put off because it was a unexpectedly gory.
May 24, 2023
Outstanding!!!
Looking for a GREAT read. Dan Padavona delivers the goods. His books have more twists and turns than your favorite rollercoaster.
Looking for a GREAT read. Dan Padavona delivers the goods. His books have more twists and turns than your favorite rollercoaster.
June 4, 2023
awesome
Oh my gosh!!! A storm of the century, a evil on the loose, a town pulls together, a burger on the loose. A definite page turner of suspense thriller!!! More please!!!
Oh my gosh!!! A storm of the century, a evil on the loose, a town pulls together, a burger on the loose. A definite page turner of suspense thriller!!! More please!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews