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The Cold Room
Fate brought Karen and Joel together, and they seemed like a perfect fit. But when an unexpected event forces Karen to move in with Joel, things start to go wrong. Karen soon realizes that she and Joel are not the only ones inhabiting his house. There is something very dark living there, and it wants her gone. As Karen is stalked through the night by an ancient assailant, her focus starts to shift from unraveling the house's mysteries to just making it out alive. Inspired by chilling real events, The Cold Room is a frightening thriller.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2013
39 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 23, 2014
I was pretty blown away by this story. It was full of twists and turns that I never saw coming. Plus, it had a steamy, romantic side infused into the pages which made me cheer the main couple on. Karen and Joel seemed like the average couple who fell in love because they lived in the same area around a Lake in Michigan. In the dead of winter, these two’s passion becomes entangled with something insidious lurking in Joel’s house. Karen tries to uncover the mystery, and ends up neck deep in a mystery that spans lifetimes where a cold blooded killer with brilliant green eyes become set on her demise. Scary, right?
The first part of the book took me a bit to get into, I admit. It was a nice romantic set up and seemed pretty normal. The horror aspect of it builds up gradually with scenes that flash some foreboding stuff. Once it took off like a freight train with no brakes, I could not put it down. It was fast paced, awesome, very detailed and the story telling was immaculate. When the backstory comes into play, full of lore and legend, it gripped onto me and never let go. Gave me the creeps!
I really loved the main character Karen, even if she was a bit off-putting, but her boyfriend Joel annoyed me to death because he did some pretty bad stuff, even if you factor in the evil bound to him. I felt sorry for Karen, the stuff that she goes through for him made me want to slap the crap out of Joel for many, many reasons. If that’d been me, I’d never go back to him. The many twists and back story it had kept me glued to the pages, wanting more and more.
I highly recommend reading this if you’re into graphic horror, scary stories, romantic suspense and/or murder mystery.
The first part of the book took me a bit to get into, I admit. It was a nice romantic set up and seemed pretty normal. The horror aspect of it builds up gradually with scenes that flash some foreboding stuff. Once it took off like a freight train with no brakes, I could not put it down. It was fast paced, awesome, very detailed and the story telling was immaculate. When the backstory comes into play, full of lore and legend, it gripped onto me and never let go. Gave me the creeps!
I really loved the main character Karen, even if she was a bit off-putting, but her boyfriend Joel annoyed me to death because he did some pretty bad stuff, even if you factor in the evil bound to him. I felt sorry for Karen, the stuff that she goes through for him made me want to slap the crap out of Joel for many, many reasons. If that’d been me, I’d never go back to him. The many twists and back story it had kept me glued to the pages, wanting more and more.
I highly recommend reading this if you’re into graphic horror, scary stories, romantic suspense and/or murder mystery.
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January 11, 2014Instantly hooked!
intriguing story that pulled me in and kept me wanting more. a real page turner. entertaining without scaring the he!! out off me. can't wait to read the next book by this new author!
intriguing story that pulled me in and kept me wanting more. a real page turner. entertaining without scaring the he!! out off me. can't wait to read the next book by this new author!
March 13, 2016
More than just a room.
Was interested to find out why this child was lingering in that home. It ended up being way more than just a haunting. I really liked that it was not a predictable story line. Pretty good open ended ending.
Was interested to find out why this child was lingering in that home. It ended up being way more than just a haunting. I really liked that it was not a predictable story line. Pretty good open ended ending.
December 31, 2014
This was a seriously twist book. It was a great read it kept me glue to the pages. I won this book on Good reads. Thank you
March 24, 2015
I loved it!
June 1, 2017
This was an OK book with a creepy atmosphere and relate-able characters. I really didn't like jumping back and forth between then and now in the story as it was really confusing.
February 16, 2019
A typical meet cute turns into a relationship brimming with happiness and love as Karen and Joel seem to be a match made in heaven. When the harsh cold of the Michigan winter freezes the pipes of Karen’s beachside cottage, Joel is more than happy to take her in until the spring. But a problem soon makes itself known: a problem that may leave Karen not living long enough to see the end of winter. A dark and dangerous presence resides in Joel’s home and it wants Karen gone… alive or dead. In an unexpected fight for her life, Karen must unravel the mystery of this presence if she hopes to not only save her life, but the life of the man she has fallen in love with.
Author Jason LaVelle has done it again. Using his exemplary storytelling talent, he has written yet another gripping and eerily lifelike fiction in The Cold Room. This marks the second installment in his Dark Night Thriller Series; however, readers are in for quite the frightening surprise upon reading this tale. While Whispers in the Shadows contained an excellent balance of multiple genres such as thrills and historical fiction, The Cold Room focuses mainly on suspense and horror. Fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton will be immediately captivated by the strange and macabre feel LaVelle’s novel gives, making the second in his series much darker and more horrific than the first.
Much like the first book of his series, The Cold Room has a limited number of main characters readers will follow. With this limited number comes excellent character development and the perfect amount of background to have readers become invested with the characters, especially one character in particular in The Cold Room: Karen. As seen in the first of his series, LaVelle is known for writing powerhouse leading women and this legacy continues on with Karen. She is an amazing and memorable character due to how realistic she is. For all of the frightening and terrible things that happen to her throughout the story, Karen is more than terrified, which is understandable for any normal person would be if they had to go what she had to. However, there is a trait about Karen that truly stands out: she never gives up. No matter how terrified she is, no matter how dark an occurrence may seem, no matter how defeated she may feel, Karen does not quit. This proves to be an incredibly admirable character and one to follow example to for any hardships life throws one’s way.
By just reading the first two books, LaVelle’s series is proving to be quite appealing, mainly because the first and second books really have nothing to do with one another. Whispers in the Shadows took place in the past and the main protagonist could hear dark voice in her mind while The Cold Room takes place in the present with the main protagonist fighting for her life against a single evil entity. There also doesn’t seem to be a connection or relation between the characters. This in no way takes away from the series for each book stands alone on its own beautifully and both will capture readers’ attentions in different ways. However, the one terrifying similarity both stories share is the fact that both are inspired by real events…
With the knowledge that this story was inspired by actual events, readers will most likely be far more frightened as they traverse their way through The Cold Room. As aforementioned, LaVelle has the gift of writing stories in an eerily realistic way. Whispers in the Shadows was a story about two women who actually existed in real life and The Cold Room was based on true events. Readers may not know how much of these stories are true, but, without giving any spoilers away, just knowing that parts of these stories are retellings of events that actually happened truly creates a sense of horror and dread. To be able to tell a story such as The Cold Room and have the readers playing the story within their minds almost as if they were watching a horror movie is pure talent, by far.
With his admirable and captivating storytelling, LaVelle has impressed readers once again with his talents in the second installment of his Dark Night Thriller Series. The Cold Room proves to have many more thrills and scares than its predecessor, yet continues the eerily realistic feel LaVelle has made himself known for in his narratives. The strange and macabre await anyone who reads this novel and knowing the story is based on true events will instantly capture the attention of any thrill-seeking reader. The story will play like a movie within the mind and while some may believe they have the story figured out as they read, the ending will surely throw them for off course. The Cold Room proves to be a terrifying story of darkness and surviving that darkness through a memorable character who, despite her terror, does whatever it takes to fight and survive. With one more installment in the series, readers will be intrigued to discover how LaVelle’s series will end.
**Originally published on my blog Roll Out Reviews on February 15, 2019**
Author Jason LaVelle has done it again. Using his exemplary storytelling talent, he has written yet another gripping and eerily lifelike fiction in The Cold Room. This marks the second installment in his Dark Night Thriller Series; however, readers are in for quite the frightening surprise upon reading this tale. While Whispers in the Shadows contained an excellent balance of multiple genres such as thrills and historical fiction, The Cold Room focuses mainly on suspense and horror. Fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton will be immediately captivated by the strange and macabre feel LaVelle’s novel gives, making the second in his series much darker and more horrific than the first.
Much like the first book of his series, The Cold Room has a limited number of main characters readers will follow. With this limited number comes excellent character development and the perfect amount of background to have readers become invested with the characters, especially one character in particular in The Cold Room: Karen. As seen in the first of his series, LaVelle is known for writing powerhouse leading women and this legacy continues on with Karen. She is an amazing and memorable character due to how realistic she is. For all of the frightening and terrible things that happen to her throughout the story, Karen is more than terrified, which is understandable for any normal person would be if they had to go what she had to. However, there is a trait about Karen that truly stands out: she never gives up. No matter how terrified she is, no matter how dark an occurrence may seem, no matter how defeated she may feel, Karen does not quit. This proves to be an incredibly admirable character and one to follow example to for any hardships life throws one’s way.
By just reading the first two books, LaVelle’s series is proving to be quite appealing, mainly because the first and second books really have nothing to do with one another. Whispers in the Shadows took place in the past and the main protagonist could hear dark voice in her mind while The Cold Room takes place in the present with the main protagonist fighting for her life against a single evil entity. There also doesn’t seem to be a connection or relation between the characters. This in no way takes away from the series for each book stands alone on its own beautifully and both will capture readers’ attentions in different ways. However, the one terrifying similarity both stories share is the fact that both are inspired by real events…
With the knowledge that this story was inspired by actual events, readers will most likely be far more frightened as they traverse their way through The Cold Room. As aforementioned, LaVelle has the gift of writing stories in an eerily realistic way. Whispers in the Shadows was a story about two women who actually existed in real life and The Cold Room was based on true events. Readers may not know how much of these stories are true, but, without giving any spoilers away, just knowing that parts of these stories are retellings of events that actually happened truly creates a sense of horror and dread. To be able to tell a story such as The Cold Room and have the readers playing the story within their minds almost as if they were watching a horror movie is pure talent, by far.
With his admirable and captivating storytelling, LaVelle has impressed readers once again with his talents in the second installment of his Dark Night Thriller Series. The Cold Room proves to have many more thrills and scares than its predecessor, yet continues the eerily realistic feel LaVelle has made himself known for in his narratives. The strange and macabre await anyone who reads this novel and knowing the story is based on true events will instantly capture the attention of any thrill-seeking reader. The story will play like a movie within the mind and while some may believe they have the story figured out as they read, the ending will surely throw them for off course. The Cold Room proves to be a terrifying story of darkness and surviving that darkness through a memorable character who, despite her terror, does whatever it takes to fight and survive. With one more installment in the series, readers will be intrigued to discover how LaVelle’s series will end.
**Originally published on my blog Roll Out Reviews on February 15, 2019**
March 4, 2021
I love this novel. quick paste from the beginning to the end.
It has the right amount of paranormal and horror scenes which gave me the perfect ingredients to help to give the chills and thrills my nerves needed.
I'm not disappointed with this story at all. In my opinion this one is better than the first book. It has more of the paranormal activities in it. Just because I love reading these kind of novels, it doesn't mean I want to live in a house like the one Karen and Joe lived in. With
Joe's mom urging, Karen reluctantly dig into Joe's family history. She uncovered that his family was cursed by a young woman who was wrongly accused of being awitch and was executed in the middle of 1800. As long as the bloodline lasted, the evil being stay attach to them. I listened to this book in audio, Rebecca Ehrenpreis does an excellent job narrating the series so far. Great narrator!!!
It has the right amount of paranormal and horror scenes which gave me the perfect ingredients to help to give the chills and thrills my nerves needed.
I'm not disappointed with this story at all. In my opinion this one is better than the first book. It has more of the paranormal activities in it. Just because I love reading these kind of novels, it doesn't mean I want to live in a house like the one Karen and Joe lived in. With
Joe's mom urging, Karen reluctantly dig into Joe's family history. She uncovered that his family was cursed by a young woman who was wrongly accused of being awitch and was executed in the middle of 1800. As long as the bloodline lasted, the evil being stay attach to them. I listened to this book in audio, Rebecca Ehrenpreis does an excellent job narrating the series so far. Great narrator!!!
July 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I normally only read hardcore horror, and I was surprised how into this book I got. I finished it in a few hours, couldn't put it down. Good plot, pretty good story line. The now and then parts did tend to get a bit confusing at first, but as you continue to read it, it is something that you get used to. All in all a good book, that will keep you at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
March 18, 2020
Good Plot
I would recommend this book to others. This was a really good story. I couldn't put it down. Read it in two nights. I did notice some grammar errors. I notice that in a lot of books. I often think I should offer my services to be a book reviewer. I don't think that is the right term for it but I repeatedly note these issues. Some books 1 missed spelled word others more issues. However, these issues did not affect how much I enjoyed the book.
I would recommend this book to others. This was a really good story. I couldn't put it down. Read it in two nights. I did notice some grammar errors. I notice that in a lot of books. I often think I should offer my services to be a book reviewer. I don't think that is the right term for it but I repeatedly note these issues. Some books 1 missed spelled word others more issues. However, these issues did not affect how much I enjoyed the book.
August 31, 2020
This is a fast-reading book that has a lot of suspense. There is a lot of slow build up, but it does build up a good atmosphere that gets increasingly menacing. I enjoyed the writing here but the chapters from Whisker's point of view were the biggest negative for me, kind of pulled me out of the story although I can see why it was done, to give another perspective perhaps, but it felt a little clunky. I would read more but this author though, as I did enjoy this.
August 28, 2017
I only read horror/ghost stories a couple times a year and I was not impressed with this at all. It wasn't original, I feel as if I've read so many similar plots. It didn't provide me with much suspense or fright at all.
November 5, 2016
I read through this book crazy fast. I enjoyed it. The story was a little sloppy at times but was pretty solid. I saw where the story was going before it happened. Pretty predictable.
June 20, 2017
Good Read
I was looking for different and this delivered in a good way. Great story. Felt like I was watching a movie! Suspenseful and entertaining
I was looking for different and this delivered in a good way. Great story. Felt like I was watching a movie! Suspenseful and entertaining
March 17, 2021
(audiobook version) I liked this storyline in my opinion it would make a good film
June 3, 2021
Oh brother 🙄
March 6, 2017
Wow!
Totally different spin on possession. I was really kept guessing till the end. The characters were ok. I liked Karen. I didn't much care for Joel.
Totally different spin on possession. I was really kept guessing till the end. The characters were ok. I liked Karen. I didn't much care for Joel.
October 1, 2018
A very creepy tale that's part ghost story and part horror. The prologue is a bit of a strange scene but it certainly hooks you in and how it relates to the rest of the book becomes clear towards the end of the story. At first the story progresses innocently enough, and you quickly become very attached to the two protagonists as you watch their relationship develop. Then the scary stuff starts to happen! It has you on the edge of your seat just waiting waiting for the bomb to drop. You are drawn along as the story unfolds and the action slowly ramps up to a crescendo. It is exciting, scary and yet heartbreaking at the same time. The interweaving of the ghost's story and modern times was well done and the end of the book wrapped up the various threads nicely, while still maintaining the threat of more horror to come. It is a well written, entertaining book, that will totally creep you out!
April 16, 2019
A very creepy tale that's part ghost story and part horror. The prologue is a bit of a strange scene but it certainly hooks you in and how it relates to the rest of the book becomes clear towards the end of the story. At first the story progresses innocently enough, and you quickly become very attached to the two protagonists as you watch their relationship develop. Then the scary stuff starts to happen! It has you on the edge of your seat just waiting waiting for the bomb to drop. You are drawn along as the story unfolds and the action slowly ramps up to a crescendo. It is exciting, scary and yet heartbreaking at the same time. The interweaving of the ghost's story and modern times was well done and the end of the book wrapped up the various threads nicely, while still maintaining the threat of more horror to come. It is a well written, entertaining book, that will totally creep you out!
September 7, 2015
Karen meets Joel as she is recovering from a personal tragedy and trying to get her life back on track. A burst water pipe in mid-winter sees Karen moving in with Joel, into his ranch house. Karen starts hearing things go bump in the night and has spectral visions of a little blonde girl with killer green eyes. This is not your average ghost story. It is more poltergeist-with-malice than your typical haunting.
The book has potential but there are some areas that let it down, such as the perspective of the cat (why?), and the tension slowly builds throughout the story that finally reaches a gruesome, violent climax. Personally, I think the level of violence is excessive and unnecessary. A good read, but not brilliant.
To see my full review: https://sonjaporter07.wordpress.com/2...
The book has potential but there are some areas that let it down, such as the perspective of the cat (why?), and the tension slowly builds throughout the story that finally reaches a gruesome, violent climax. Personally, I think the level of violence is excessive and unnecessary. A good read, but not brilliant.
To see my full review: https://sonjaporter07.wordpress.com/2...
October 28, 2025
Karen had recently moved into a small cabin when she noticed a handsome man running along the beachfront every morning. Eventually the two began visiting at Karen's garden table with mugs of fresh coffee. She and Joel quickly fell into a relationship and when her cabin became uninhabitable for several months, she moved into Joel's house. Almost immediately Karen felt that the two of them were not alone and at times she believed she saw the figure of a young girl outside of a closed off bedroom that was constantly cold. Even more striking to Karen were the drawings that artist Joel had made of the same child, although he insisted they must have been done while he was sleep walking. Karen, determined to find out the truth, would soon be fighting for her own survival as an ancient curse invaded her life.
October 10, 2018
This is how it should be done.
Oh my goodness. It has been a long time since I've read a book that truly had me guessing what direction it was taking and actually scaring me. This book had me on the edge of my seat, my heart racing, and looking over my shoulder often. I wanted so badly to put it down a few times to give myself a break but there was barely a hint of what was to come and I had to find out. If I could I would give this all the stars. Even after being finished with it for over an hour now, I still find myself thinking back on it and getting the chills. If you are looking for paranormal horror done right then look no further because this book is without a doubt the book you need.
Oh my goodness. It has been a long time since I've read a book that truly had me guessing what direction it was taking and actually scaring me. This book had me on the edge of my seat, my heart racing, and looking over my shoulder often. I wanted so badly to put it down a few times to give myself a break but there was barely a hint of what was to come and I had to find out. If I could I would give this all the stars. Even after being finished with it for over an hour now, I still find myself thinking back on it and getting the chills. If you are looking for paranormal horror done right then look no further because this book is without a doubt the book you need.
November 13, 2018
I am still with the shivers here! I am not a huge paranormal fan. In fact I stay away from them because some are just so ridiculous that I can never stay with the story. What Jason LaVelle does is amazing! After the first chapter I was hooked! Yes as a Romance reader, I will venture out to other genres as long as it holds my interest. The Cold Room did that and then some!
The characters will hold your attention. The story line has all the chills and thrills. The Cold Room gave me my fix I needed to get out of my reading rut. I have a new favorite book to add to my list this year!
The characters will hold your attention. The story line has all the chills and thrills. The Cold Room gave me my fix I needed to get out of my reading rut. I have a new favorite book to add to my list this year!
January 2, 2015
3.5 stars. I think. Disturbing.
I’ve told you that I love a ghost story and this one had it all, some good suspense, decent scares, and a few surprises. I even liked the narration of the cat. A few words of warning though, there is a rape scene that is pretty awful. The back story of the haunting was a little tenuous. Also, I’m not sure Joel’s character was entirely consistent all the way through.
In writing the full review I gave it 3 stars, not 3.5 because of the above. But it's a good read. Full review here: http://leatherboundpounds.wordpress.c...
I’ve told you that I love a ghost story and this one had it all, some good suspense, decent scares, and a few surprises. I even liked the narration of the cat. A few words of warning though, there is a rape scene that is pretty awful. The back story of the haunting was a little tenuous. Also, I’m not sure Joel’s character was entirely consistent all the way through.
In writing the full review I gave it 3 stars, not 3.5 because of the above. But it's a good read. Full review here: http://leatherboundpounds.wordpress.c...
June 25, 2015
Good paranormal romance story IMO. By that I mean there's not too much "romance" and there's definitely a spirit but the spirit would never have been encountered by the main character if not for the budding romance. It is an intriguing read for the most part thought there is a moment or too that you may feel some things are a bit far-fetched. however, it is not too much or too many of these instances (or even dwelled on at any length) to take you away from enjoying an interesting and perhaps unique story.
December 13, 2014
Left me hungry for more!
I would have liked to know more about the girl in white and Emma . Were they one half of each other? Or two separate spirits ? I also would have liked to know more about
Joel. I did not feel it was complete .. How did Whisker fit in? I feel he may have a tale of his own. Over all I loved what I read, which is why I hunger for more. I do recommend reading this book for yourself. The author is great.
I would have liked to know more about the girl in white and Emma . Were they one half of each other? Or two separate spirits ? I also would have liked to know more about
Joel. I did not feel it was complete .. How did Whisker fit in? I feel he may have a tale of his own. Over all I loved what I read, which is why I hunger for more. I do recommend reading this book for yourself. The author is great.
January 6, 2015
I like this book in the overall. Very nice fast read. The action does take a long time to build and I think the author could have taken at least a third of the book out and replace some of it with more action, but I was entertained until the end. But I am saying this only because I am writing a review.
I would recommend this read to a friend!
I would recommend this read to a friend!
February 18, 2015
(The Cold Room) Scary Thriller
The Cold Room is a good keep you on the edge of suspense and will keep you guessing to the very end. Love the cat Whiskers who talks to himself I really can't say this was one of the best books I've read I really like more scary, terrifying can't put it down, didn't get it from this one. Glad I only paid 99 cents for this one.
kozetteksmith
The Cold Room is a good keep you on the edge of suspense and will keep you guessing to the very end. Love the cat Whiskers who talks to himself I really can't say this was one of the best books I've read I really like more scary, terrifying can't put it down, didn't get it from this one. Glad I only paid 99 cents for this one.
kozetteksmith
October 29, 2019
4.6 stars for The Cold Room and it will chill you!
It is almost Halloween, so I am in a hurry to start the third in the series. This series is just too good to miss any one story. I enjoyed the perfect mix of romance and thriller balanced out with horror and plenty of supernatural scares. Don't pass this series by!
It is almost Halloween, so I am in a hurry to start the third in the series. This series is just too good to miss any one story. I enjoyed the perfect mix of romance and thriller balanced out with horror and plenty of supernatural scares. Don't pass this series by!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews