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The Marnie Baranuik Files #2.5
Cold Company
Before she vanished, few people knew what paralyzing fear Rachel Houseton battled every single day. Can Marnie Baranuik — professional psychic and amateur dunce — muster her resources to confront the face of Rachel’s terror and find her before it’s too late? Joined by her newly undead brother Wes and her revenant partner Lord Guy Harrick Dreppenstedt, Marnie dives into a new case that serves as a grim reminder that DaySitters aren’t the only ones living shoulder-to-shoulder with Cold Company."
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2013
60 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 31, 2019
The summary is pretty confusing, especially that last sentence.
Cold Company is just a case that takes Marnie, Wes and Harry to Canada. There's a nasty surprise for Marnie there.
A plus: there was no Mark Batten (it wouldn't work in a story like this).
I still don't like Marnie. I find her comments and behaviour off-putting more often than not, but the world and the way vampires are presented is pretty neat. Speaking of vampires, 'a V-word'? Seriously?
It's short and entertaining.
Cold Company is just a case that takes Marnie, Wes and Harry to Canada. There's a nasty surprise for Marnie there.
A plus: there was no Mark Batten (it wouldn't work in a story like this).
I still don't like Marnie. I find her comments and behaviour off-putting more often than not, but the world and the way vampires are presented is pretty neat. Speaking of vampires, 'a V-word'? Seriously?
It's short and entertaining.
January 8, 2021
Oh how I’ve missed Marnie!
October 2, 2015
I generally have a hard time rating short stories highly. There's just not a lot of time to get you wrapped up in a story that resolves quickly.
Not so in this case. I read it on a flight yesterday with hammering heart and more than one out loud knee slapping cackle such that my neighbors really wanted to read what I was reading.
And now I'm looking forward to the next Marnie book.
Not so in this case. I read it on a flight yesterday with hammering heart and more than one out loud knee slapping cackle such that my neighbors really wanted to read what I was reading.
And now I'm looking forward to the next Marnie book.
July 6, 2017
Great addition to the series. It's great to see more interaction between Marnie, Harry and Wes. I do like Harry - for Cold Company, he's rather sexy *wink*. And can I just add, he's not perfect with thick, cascading hair, but instead has a receding hairline. Which just goes to show that sexy isn't what you always imagine it to be! I love that the characters aren't perfect and have their own fears and faults, while being so funny with it.
July 28, 2013
Stop by Badass Book Reviews for a special treat - we have a little story from Harry's point of view and a giveaway for Cold Company.
Cold Company is a short story from the Marnie Baranuik series "Between the Files." The story takes place after Death Rejoices and before the next book Last Impressions (not yet published). In this story, Marnie, Harry, and Wes go to St. Catharine's, Ontario to solve a murder. The story is not very long - less than 30 pages - so it's a quick read guaranteed to have you laughing and at the edge of your seat at the same time. Lots of Canadian references for Canucks, a quirky sense of humor for the rest, then there's Harry - who adds his own touch of vampire flair into the mix. Of course, Marnie excels at her job using her special skills.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with a touch of humor, you will definitely enjoy this series.
I received a review copy of this book.
Cold Company is a short story from the Marnie Baranuik series "Between the Files." The story takes place after Death Rejoices and before the next book Last Impressions (not yet published). In this story, Marnie, Harry, and Wes go to St. Catharine's, Ontario to solve a murder. The story is not very long - less than 30 pages - so it's a quick read guaranteed to have you laughing and at the edge of your seat at the same time. Lots of Canadian references for Canucks, a quirky sense of humor for the rest, then there's Harry - who adds his own touch of vampire flair into the mix. Of course, Marnie excels at her job using her special skills.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with a touch of humor, you will definitely enjoy this series.
I received a review copy of this book.
July 27, 2013
Fantastic series, with some great characters in it.. I just love Marnie, she has you in fits of laughter with her clumsy antics and great one liners... and you can't forget Harry, her cold companion, who just oozes charm.
What a great team and a awesome introduction to book 3.. I can't wait till it comes out.
I can't recommend this book enough... I just love them.
What a great team and a awesome introduction to book 3.. I can't wait till it comes out.
I can't recommend this book enough... I just love them.
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March 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2020)! 🎁
July 24, 2013
Oh yes! I had the amazing pleasure of receiving a fabulous ARC of AJ Aalto's Marnie Baranuik novella "Cold Company"! For those of you who aren't familiar with my AJ obsession, I absolutely love the woman and her kick-ass heroine Marnie. This sweet ass novella takes place between Death Rejoices (book 2) and not-yet-released Last Impressions (book 3) of the Marnie Baranuik Files.
COLD COMPANY has plenty of Marnie's sass and wit, but it comes with a much darker case. I'll warn you, the content of this novella is a little heavy, but the snark, crass language, and character dynamic keep the story grounded and from getting overwhelmingly dark. I love that we finally get to see Marnie, Harry and Wes as a unit without any of the other central characters, ie. Kill Notch. (Don't worry, he'll be back in Last Impressions.)
The great part about this novella, other than is fan-freakin-tastic, is that its great to introduce new readers to Marnie and the gang. You do not have to have read Touched or Death Rejoices to get into and understand COLD COMPANY, although I strongly recommend you do. Both are amazing and below you'll find links to my reviews of each one. And it's a quick read. I finished it in about an hour. Yea, I'm a little crazy when it comes to Marnie.
If, like me, you are an avid Marnie Baranuik reader and lover of everything Lord Guy Harrick Dreppenstedt, then why the heck are you still reading this? Go get it on Amazon, like... 5 minutes ago! No really... stop freakin' reading this! I'm done and you are totally missing out! You can tell Harry I sent you. He'll probably use some fancy smancy language that no one will really understand to tell you it's about time.
*a digital copy of this novella was provided by the author in exchange for honest review.
COLD COMPANY has plenty of Marnie's sass and wit, but it comes with a much darker case. I'll warn you, the content of this novella is a little heavy, but the snark, crass language, and character dynamic keep the story grounded and from getting overwhelmingly dark. I love that we finally get to see Marnie, Harry and Wes as a unit without any of the other central characters, ie. Kill Notch. (Don't worry, he'll be back in Last Impressions.)
The great part about this novella, other than is fan-freakin-tastic, is that its great to introduce new readers to Marnie and the gang. You do not have to have read Touched or Death Rejoices to get into and understand COLD COMPANY, although I strongly recommend you do. Both are amazing and below you'll find links to my reviews of each one. And it's a quick read. I finished it in about an hour. Yea, I'm a little crazy when it comes to Marnie.
If, like me, you are an avid Marnie Baranuik reader and lover of everything Lord Guy Harrick Dreppenstedt, then why the heck are you still reading this? Go get it on Amazon, like... 5 minutes ago! No really... stop freakin' reading this! I'm done and you are totally missing out! You can tell Harry I sent you. He'll probably use some fancy smancy language that no one will really understand to tell you it's about time.
*a digital copy of this novella was provided by the author in exchange for honest review.
January 3, 2014
"Did you get my fax?" Percy asked me.
"No," I told her, "but let me go back to 1993 and fetch that."
This is a shining example of why I adore Marnie. Is she ever serious? Not if she can help it. She knows it irritates people, which just fuels her need to be so damn sarcastic.
Short story in the world of Marnie and friends. This time, there was a change of location. Marnie, Harry, and Wes travel to Ontario to help out on a missing persons case. This makes Marnie quite uncomfortable because she is too close to home - literally. Her family lives near and she doesn't get along with them all that well. Marnie uses her Talents to help out with the case and figures out some unusual details.
Even with such a short story, Marnie still manages to make a few horndog remarks. Yep, still a perv. :)
"No," I told her, "but let me go back to 1993 and fetch that."
This is a shining example of why I adore Marnie. Is she ever serious? Not if she can help it. She knows it irritates people, which just fuels her need to be so damn sarcastic.
Short story in the world of Marnie and friends. This time, there was a change of location. Marnie, Harry, and Wes travel to Ontario to help out on a missing persons case. This makes Marnie quite uncomfortable because she is too close to home - literally. Her family lives near and she doesn't get along with them all that well. Marnie uses her Talents to help out with the case and figures out some unusual details.
Even with such a short story, Marnie still manages to make a few horndog remarks. Yep, still a perv. :)
April 4, 2014
For a short story/novella this was a wonderful reading experience. This story has old school vampires, psychics, cops, criminals, mystery, suspense, sexual tension, and humor all in the perfect amounts. Then, after the featured story, the reader is graced with not one, but three chapters of another book in this same series to further whet the appetite. A. J. Aalto can not bring a scene to life with words, but can also write believable dialogue.
August 21, 2013
I love me some Marnie. She is crass and impulsive and endearing. Harry oozes sensual sophistication, and Marnie's brother Wes is brooding, but sweet. I love the series, and couldn't wait to read this short story. I am impatient to read the next book in the series. Anyone who loves the paranormal will love this series.
July 24, 2013
Really entertaining short story. We get to see Marnie , Harry an Wes called in to assist on a case.
Once again experiencing sarcasm, wit, banter all wrapped up in a mystery.
I am a devoted Marnie fan!
Once again experiencing sarcasm, wit, banter all wrapped up in a mystery.
I am a devoted Marnie fan!
September 1, 2013
I love Aalto's books. I went in heeding her warning that this was darker than the other Marnie books, but I can't say that it was entirely off base. The case was dark, but Marnie, Harry, and Wes were their usual (and refreshingly so) selves. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 6, 2016
Cold Company serves as a good introduction to Marnie and her 'family', although readers do not get a good feel for this woman's knack for truly inventive foul language. This story serves as a reminder that, even in Marnie's world, some of the worst monsters are human.
October 15, 2013
My only complaint is that it was too short hehe. Fantastic book. I am anxiously awaiting Last Impressions!
July 24, 2013
Love The Marnie Baranuik files. Fast short story, but well written.
August 29, 2014
Can't get enough Marnie!
January 14, 2018
Quickie
It's just enough Marnie and gives us more of her bond with Wes and Harry. I like that this is just a quick like an expresso shot of Marnie.
It's just enough Marnie and gives us more of her bond with Wes and Harry. I like that this is just a quick like an expresso shot of Marnie.
December 31, 2015
This is a short story which fits between book 2, of the Marnie Baranuik series, Death Rejoices and the as yet unpublished Last Impressions.
Marnie Baranuik is a dual-talented forensic psychic. She has the ability to feel the emotions of people and see things from objects which they have touched or been near. Her talents mean that Marnie is in high demand. In this novella she is called to help with a disappearance in Ontario, Canada.
She has help in the form of her bonded revenant, Harry, and her recently undead brother, Wes. Together they try to find out what happened to a missing person, Rachel Houseton.
But all is not as it seems, lies have been told, information withheld. Can Marnie decipher truth from lies and figure out what happened? Or will the truth prove to be her downfall?
Marnie is a sassy, foul mouthed person who has become my hero! I wish I was half as quick witted as she is when dealing with the police in this story. For such a short story the humour within it was just right, the content great and the story held my attention and had me wanting more!
The author has written a story which can be read as a standalone, but it would definitely benefit the reader if they had already read the authors previous full length stories in the series.
This is a great addition to the Marnie Baranuik series and a credit to the author for producing something which will keep the reader riveted.
Marnie Baranuik is a dual-talented forensic psychic. She has the ability to feel the emotions of people and see things from objects which they have touched or been near. Her talents mean that Marnie is in high demand. In this novella she is called to help with a disappearance in Ontario, Canada.
She has help in the form of her bonded revenant, Harry, and her recently undead brother, Wes. Together they try to find out what happened to a missing person, Rachel Houseton.
But all is not as it seems, lies have been told, information withheld. Can Marnie decipher truth from lies and figure out what happened? Or will the truth prove to be her downfall?
Marnie is a sassy, foul mouthed person who has become my hero! I wish I was half as quick witted as she is when dealing with the police in this story. For such a short story the humour within it was just right, the content great and the story held my attention and had me wanting more!
The author has written a story which can be read as a standalone, but it would definitely benefit the reader if they had already read the authors previous full length stories in the series.
This is a great addition to the Marnie Baranuik series and a credit to the author for producing something which will keep the reader riveted.
April 17, 2014
This freebie novella is not the first in the series, nevertheless, it was recommended to me, and I decided to give it a try. The plot pulled me in right away. Psychic consultant Marnie and her revenant/vampire partner were great together, loved the wit, banter and Harry's old world charm.The story itself had a good balance of humor and the paranormal, and right after I finished this novella, I added the first book in the series to my TBR list. I may have found a new favorite author and series.
August 14, 2015
This series must be read in order. This is the first short story between books two and three.
In this short story Marnie is called home to Niagra in Canada to use her talents to assist with what is assumed is a preternatural kidnapping case. With her Cold Company and little brother turned revenant in tow to assist and amplify her powers, she searches the missing woman's apartment and soon discovers things may not be as they seem.
This book is suitable for adult readers only.
In this short story Marnie is called home to Niagra in Canada to use her talents to assist with what is assumed is a preternatural kidnapping case. With her Cold Company and little brother turned revenant in tow to assist and amplify her powers, she searches the missing woman's apartment and soon discovers things may not be as they seem.
This book is suitable for adult readers only.
August 20, 2014
Excellent opportunity to see Marnie put her psychic skills to use in a different, but equally important way. Great plotting for such a short story.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
November 17, 2013
Good short story, but I kind of miss having Batten around.
October 29, 2015
Wow, this short story is better than both the earlier books. Just keeps getting better and better!
August 23, 2019
It was so nice to read this short story (about an hour long) because there was no gore and very little cussing. Plus, it was fascinating to see the way Marnie worked with Wes and Harry, each of their talents working together almost seamlessly to solve a case. I usually don't care for short stories. However, I liked this one a lot! It is a prequel to Lasting Impressions, the third book about Marnie Baranuik.
July 31, 2018
The story was interesting and probably could have been a full novel. We don't get a lot of details or background due to the length constraints. We are plunged right into the case and it is a doozy. This book sets up a little of the interaction in the third book.
February 12, 2019
LOVE MARNIE!!! Can't get enough of Marnie and her shenanigans. I especially loved this story because she got to work with Harry. LOVE HARRY - TEAM HARRY!!!!! They're such a great couple. More Marnie and Harry!!!
September 18, 2023
Cute little add on story
I enjoyed reading this little sojourn between the action packed meaty novels. Marnie did appear more loose with the f bomb in this than one than in the prior 2 novels. I enjoyed the interactions with her blue sense and not the usual FBI agents.
I enjoyed reading this little sojourn between the action packed meaty novels. Marnie did appear more loose with the f bomb in this than one than in the prior 2 novels. I enjoyed the interactions with her blue sense and not the usual FBI agents.
July 29, 2017
Cold Company (The Marnie Baranuik Files #2.5)
by A.J. Aalto
This is a nice short story in the Marnie Baranuik series. Read it in a couple of hours.
by A.J. Aalto
This is a nice short story in the Marnie Baranuik series. Read it in a couple of hours.
July 24, 2018
Fun mystery mostly focused on Marnie, Harry and Wes. What's not to like?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews