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Sheriff Bet Rivers #2
A Cold, Cold World
An amateur female sheriff tries to fill her late father's boots and be the sheriff her small Washington State mountain town needs as a deadly snow storm engulfs the town, in this dark, twisty mystery.
The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all.
In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation and secured the sheriff's seat in Collier, she's remained determined to keep her town safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, it's more important than ever that she stays vigilant.
When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. However, once she arrives at the scene of the accident it's clear to Bet that the teen is not injured; he's dead. And has been for some time . . .
Investigating a possible homicide is hard enough, but with the worst snowstorm the valley has seen in years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention the integrity of her crime scenes - as they seem to be mounting up as well - Bet has to move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove that she's worthy of keeping her father's badge.
The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all.
In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation and secured the sheriff's seat in Collier, she's remained determined to keep her town safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, it's more important than ever that she stays vigilant.
When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. However, once she arrives at the scene of the accident it's clear to Bet that the teen is not injured; he's dead. And has been for some time . . .
Investigating a possible homicide is hard enough, but with the worst snowstorm the valley has seen in years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention the integrity of her crime scenes - as they seem to be mounting up as well - Bet has to move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove that she's worthy of keeping her father's badge.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
9 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Elena Taylor
5 books400 followersMystery writer, avid reader, animal mom.
Elena Taylor started out her storytelling career in the theater. She worked for several years as a playwright, director, designer, technician, and educator before becoming a novelist.
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, two cats, and the greatest dog in the world. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found at a nearby stables, playing with her horses.
For more information about Elena, please visit www.elenataylorauthor.com.
Elena Taylor started out her storytelling career in the theater. She worked for several years as a playwright, director, designer, technician, and educator before becoming a novelist.
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, two cats, and the greatest dog in the world. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found at a nearby stables, playing with her horses.
For more information about Elena, please visit www.elenataylorauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 11, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A COLD, COLD WORLD (Sheriff Bet Rivers Book #2) by Elena Taylor is an intricately plotted small town sheriff procedural crime thriller and the second book in the intriguing Sheriff Bet Rivers series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I felt both books are great reads, and I feel you would enjoy the first in the series, All We Buried, too.
Sheriff Bet Rivers is now the duly elected sheriff in place of her deceased father in her small hometown in Collier, a Cascade Mountain valley in Washington state. With a massive snowstorm looming, Bet receives a call that a family of tourists discovered a snowmobile accident with a teen victim. Bet finds the teen is not only dead but shows signs of having been dead for some time. As she investigates, she is called about a break-in at a summer cabin that appears to be a crime scene. Is it related to her dead teen even though the cabin is in a different area of the valley?
With a major storm over the valley and multiple crime scenes, Bet is stretched thin. She is doubting her ability to fill her father’s shoes as this complicated case has surprises with every piece of evidence uncovered.
Bet is a wonderful protagonist who is dogged in her pursuit of justice, but still worries that she is not up to the responsibility of being the sheriff her father was in her hometown. With this complicated case, she proves that she is. I was happy to reconnect with Alma, who runs the sheriff’s office and Bet’s deputy, Clayton. The team is great together and now with the addition of Deputy Kane, I will be looking forward to reading how they all work together in future stories. The crime plot is intricately twisted and kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. The blizzard adds to the threat level throughout, and Ms. Taylor’s descriptions of the wind and snow had me shivering even though it is the middle of summer as I read this.
I highly recommend this crime thriller and look forward to many more books in this series featuring Bet and her team in the future.
A COLD, COLD WORLD (Sheriff Bet Rivers Book #2) by Elena Taylor is an intricately plotted small town sheriff procedural crime thriller and the second book in the intriguing Sheriff Bet Rivers series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I felt both books are great reads, and I feel you would enjoy the first in the series, All We Buried, too.
Sheriff Bet Rivers is now the duly elected sheriff in place of her deceased father in her small hometown in Collier, a Cascade Mountain valley in Washington state. With a massive snowstorm looming, Bet receives a call that a family of tourists discovered a snowmobile accident with a teen victim. Bet finds the teen is not only dead but shows signs of having been dead for some time. As she investigates, she is called about a break-in at a summer cabin that appears to be a crime scene. Is it related to her dead teen even though the cabin is in a different area of the valley?
With a major storm over the valley and multiple crime scenes, Bet is stretched thin. She is doubting her ability to fill her father’s shoes as this complicated case has surprises with every piece of evidence uncovered.
Bet is a wonderful protagonist who is dogged in her pursuit of justice, but still worries that she is not up to the responsibility of being the sheriff her father was in her hometown. With this complicated case, she proves that she is. I was happy to reconnect with Alma, who runs the sheriff’s office and Bet’s deputy, Clayton. The team is great together and now with the addition of Deputy Kane, I will be looking forward to reading how they all work together in future stories. The crime plot is intricately twisted and kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. The blizzard adds to the threat level throughout, and Ms. Taylor’s descriptions of the wind and snow had me shivering even though it is the middle of summer as I read this.
I highly recommend this crime thriller and look forward to many more books in this series featuring Bet and her team in the future.
July 30, 2024
This was my first book featuring Sheriff Bet Rivers and the second one in the series by Elena Taylor. I very much enjoyed the characters of Bet and her two deputies. They were a likeable, pleasant team, without the significant personality flaws or addictions that are the trend today in many police procedurals.
Bet is concerned with being as successful in law enforcement as her father and grandfather, who preceded her as sheriff, and being well-liked by the townspeople, whom she aims to keep safe. The story is set in a small town in the Washington State mountain region during the most vicious snowstorm in recent memory. The description of successive blizzards is vivid and realistic, and has cut off the town from any outside services and help. Roads are impassable because of heavy snow and fallen trees. Bet is fortunate to have the assistance of two loyal and competent deputies. Bet's duty is to arrange and oversee the safety measures for the town in its unprecedented isolation where power and phone service are failing, and some homes lack heat.
In this normally quiet town, Bet and her team are faced with a series of crimes that may be related. A young man is reported to be injured in a snowmobile accident. She finds him dead. The condition of the body reveals him to have died well before the accident was reported. It looks like a murder, and the family who discovered him may be connected to his death. Next, a vacant home has been broken into. No one is inside, but a blood-soaked sleeping bag is found. What happened there?
Bet needs to report the death of the young snowmobiler to his father, but the father has gone missing with his ten-year-old daughter. There is another murder. Bet has learned about a new drug problem in town, and the local ambulance is robbed. This is only the beginning of what the sheriff and her team face in the freezing weather. There is a fugitive with two children as hostages in the trunk of his car. With the increasing snowdrifts, it is difficult to walk to interview witnesses, and visibility is poor while driving on snow-packed roads.
The story was well-written and moved at an even pace. The steps in a crime investigation were detailed and informative. However, an overload of criminal acts detracted from the tension and suspense while keeping the sheriff's team very busy. I would read another book featuring Sheriff Bet Rivers, and I hope both deputies will still be involved. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher of the ARC, which included such an enjoyable law enforcement team in atmospheric surroundings. Publication is set for August 06.
Bet is concerned with being as successful in law enforcement as her father and grandfather, who preceded her as sheriff, and being well-liked by the townspeople, whom she aims to keep safe. The story is set in a small town in the Washington State mountain region during the most vicious snowstorm in recent memory. The description of successive blizzards is vivid and realistic, and has cut off the town from any outside services and help. Roads are impassable because of heavy snow and fallen trees. Bet is fortunate to have the assistance of two loyal and competent deputies. Bet's duty is to arrange and oversee the safety measures for the town in its unprecedented isolation where power and phone service are failing, and some homes lack heat.
In this normally quiet town, Bet and her team are faced with a series of crimes that may be related. A young man is reported to be injured in a snowmobile accident. She finds him dead. The condition of the body reveals him to have died well before the accident was reported. It looks like a murder, and the family who discovered him may be connected to his death. Next, a vacant home has been broken into. No one is inside, but a blood-soaked sleeping bag is found. What happened there?
Bet needs to report the death of the young snowmobiler to his father, but the father has gone missing with his ten-year-old daughter. There is another murder. Bet has learned about a new drug problem in town, and the local ambulance is robbed. This is only the beginning of what the sheriff and her team face in the freezing weather. There is a fugitive with two children as hostages in the trunk of his car. With the increasing snowdrifts, it is difficult to walk to interview witnesses, and visibility is poor while driving on snow-packed roads.
The story was well-written and moved at an even pace. The steps in a crime investigation were detailed and informative. However, an overload of criminal acts detracted from the tension and suspense while keeping the sheriff's team very busy. I would read another book featuring Sheriff Bet Rivers, and I hope both deputies will still be involved. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher of the ARC, which included such an enjoyable law enforcement team in atmospheric surroundings. Publication is set for August 06.
December 1, 2024
This is an impressive series with a sharp, smart and very, very tough female Sheriff as the main character. Great plot in a remote and isolated area. This means that you must use your people carefully as you don't have the resources of a big police agency... here there are two deputies.... and a big crime in a snowstorm.
I like smart female characters, and Bet Rivers fits that bill. Her deputies are naturals and do their jobs well. Great writing and good story... my new favorite series!
5 stars
Happy Reading!!
August 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing a free copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Bet Rivers, the daughter of the previous recently departed sheriff of a small town in Washington state, has recently taken over her faher's job. Equipped with only one deputy and a long-term civilian assistant, Bet prepares for what promisses to be the snow storm of the century. Everything is in place to keep her community safe. Until, that is, a local teenager is found dead, following a suspicious snow mobile accident, by a family of tourists staying in the area. Just as the snow begins to blow in, Bet discovers her community is far from safe: two break ins, a missing father and daughter, and one menacing warning from a journalist about increasing drug trafficking in the area hit Bet in quick succession. To make things worse, her duputy's wife enters early labor, leaving Bet even more understaffed. Are the waves of break ins, deaths and disappearences all the result of bad timing, or something more sinister? As the storm rages, Bet rushes to respond to each emergency, find temporary help, and solve the cases that keep pilling up faster than the snow outside.
I recently finished the first novel in the series, and was looking forward to the next installment. Just like "All We Burried," "A Cold Cold World" is extremely atmospheric. The weather both immerses the reader, and raises the stakes, one gust of wind at a time. The mystery is well laid out, and all the clues come together nicely at the end. The pacing is fast without reaching breakneck speed. Kane, the new temporary deputy, is extremely intriguing and I hope we get to see him in a future installment; I can only describe him as a still water that runs deep. Bet continues to take mental advice from prior mentors, and in this novel her father's voice is replaced by that of her former LA Latina mentor; I would prefer if Bet didn't relly on these mental dialogs for much longer and to my joy the book ended with Sheriff Rivers acknowledging that she feels like she can start making her decisions without virtual mental consultations. I'd be interested to see if the next novel includes a dialog between Bet and Kane, I think those two would make excellent partners that can challenge and respect each other. I found myself wishing we had a chapter from the perspective of the criminals, as I had a couple of questions about the logistic of the plan; however, the actual investigation was promptly and clearly solved and this is more of a personal preference. I also hope we have more time to delve into Bet's emotional life--be it with Rob, or ...maybe there's a switch coming with Kane? I'll have to wait and see. Overall I greatly enjoyed this story and I hope we get more novels in the series, as I think Bet's story is just taking off, 4.5 stars rounded up.
Bet Rivers, the daughter of the previous recently departed sheriff of a small town in Washington state, has recently taken over her faher's job. Equipped with only one deputy and a long-term civilian assistant, Bet prepares for what promisses to be the snow storm of the century. Everything is in place to keep her community safe. Until, that is, a local teenager is found dead, following a suspicious snow mobile accident, by a family of tourists staying in the area. Just as the snow begins to blow in, Bet discovers her community is far from safe: two break ins, a missing father and daughter, and one menacing warning from a journalist about increasing drug trafficking in the area hit Bet in quick succession. To make things worse, her duputy's wife enters early labor, leaving Bet even more understaffed. Are the waves of break ins, deaths and disappearences all the result of bad timing, or something more sinister? As the storm rages, Bet rushes to respond to each emergency, find temporary help, and solve the cases that keep pilling up faster than the snow outside.
I recently finished the first novel in the series, and was looking forward to the next installment. Just like "All We Burried," "A Cold Cold World" is extremely atmospheric. The weather both immerses the reader, and raises the stakes, one gust of wind at a time. The mystery is well laid out, and all the clues come together nicely at the end. The pacing is fast without reaching breakneck speed. Kane, the new temporary deputy, is extremely intriguing and I hope we get to see him in a future installment; I can only describe him as a still water that runs deep. Bet continues to take mental advice from prior mentors, and in this novel her father's voice is replaced by that of her former LA Latina mentor; I would prefer if Bet didn't relly on these mental dialogs for much longer and to my joy the book ended with Sheriff Rivers acknowledging that she feels like she can start making her decisions without virtual mental consultations. I'd be interested to see if the next novel includes a dialog between Bet and Kane, I think those two would make excellent partners that can challenge and respect each other. I found myself wishing we had a chapter from the perspective of the criminals, as I had a couple of questions about the logistic of the plan; however, the actual investigation was promptly and clearly solved and this is more of a personal preference. I also hope we have more time to delve into Bet's emotional life--be it with Rob, or ...maybe there's a switch coming with Kane? I'll have to wait and see. Overall I greatly enjoyed this story and I hope we get more novels in the series, as I think Bet's story is just taking off, 4.5 stars rounded up.
August 2, 2024
An intriguing mystery set in the small town of Collier, Washington during a vicious snowstorm. Sheriff Bet Rivers is a memorable character with steadiness under pressure while trying to prove she's up to the task of taking over for her father. The snowstorm acts as a character with the chaos it causes and the limits it places on the residents of Collier. The plot plays out at a steady pace, dropping breadcrumbs along the way as the mystery behind the death of a teenager unravels. I highly recommend this book for fans of police procedurals and whodunnit mysteries.
August 4, 2024
The setting for this novel is a fictional town in the Cascade Mountains of my own Washington State. Bet is a great sheriff. Thrust into the job when she wasn't expecting it, she is now a year in and growing into the position. A death high up on a snowy ridge initiates a dangerous investigation during a once in a century snow storm. A mountain not too far to the north of this town, Mt. Baker, holds the world record for the most snowfall in a winter season so this snow storm is not inconceivable. The novel contains a good balance of police procedure and personal character story, including a new deputy and the existing one becoming a father. Bet is frequently on her own, the small mountain town cut off from help because of the snow storm.
This is a good police procedural for readers who like one set in a unique location with dire extenuating circumstances. It is the second novel in a series but reads well on its own. I recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is a good police procedural for readers who like one set in a unique location with dire extenuating circumstances. It is the second novel in a series but reads well on its own. I recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this quick read set in a small town in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm. I want to go back and read the first book and I hope there will more books to come.
August 2, 2024
I am so happy to be back in Collier with Bet and the rest of the gang. Bet has been Sheriff of Collier for a year now. I think we are in for a chilling time in the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State. It’s winter time and the storm of the century is heading their way.
Seeing Collier is a small town, it has a small police force. Bet’s the Sheriff, Clayton is her right hand man, and Alma is the glue that holds them all together. Bet is the first line of defense against disaster and most likely the last line too. She could use another man and Kane is in need of job. He’s qualified and I liked him right away.
We start out with a snow machine death and the Lakers, hometown folks, spin out of control. It’s hard to figure out who is doing what to who, but that is common for an Elena Taylor book.
The Colliers had founded the coal mining town and could Rob be a love interest for Bet? We shall see in future books in the Sheriff Bet Rivers series.
I love Shweitzer and Grizzly, the critters who add a certain something something to the story.
The avalanche…I had my heart in my throat for a moment or two.
We have so many suspects and so much action going on, at times my head was spinning. Elena Taylor does not make it easy to figure out who is doing what to whom and why they are doing it. She kept my interest from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Cold Cold World by Elena Taylor.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Seeing Collier is a small town, it has a small police force. Bet’s the Sheriff, Clayton is her right hand man, and Alma is the glue that holds them all together. Bet is the first line of defense against disaster and most likely the last line too. She could use another man and Kane is in need of job. He’s qualified and I liked him right away.
We start out with a snow machine death and the Lakers, hometown folks, spin out of control. It’s hard to figure out who is doing what to who, but that is common for an Elena Taylor book.
The Colliers had founded the coal mining town and could Rob be a love interest for Bet? We shall see in future books in the Sheriff Bet Rivers series.
I love Shweitzer and Grizzly, the critters who add a certain something something to the story.
The avalanche…I had my heart in my throat for a moment or two.
We have so many suspects and so much action going on, at times my head was spinning. Elena Taylor does not make it easy to figure out who is doing what to whom and why they are doing it. She kept my interest from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Cold Cold World by Elena Taylor.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
September 4, 2024
Eleanor Taylor upped the ante with A Cold, Cold World, Book 2, starring Bet Rivers. With solving a recent murder mystery in the town of Collier and officially snagging the position of sheriff, Bet has a lot riding on her shoulders. With an incoming snowstorm already bearing down upon them and another murder victim discovered, the odds are not in Bet Rivers’s favor. Navigating this "Cold, Cold World," Bet has the voices of her deceased father and Maggie, her mentor when she worked on the LA police force, to guide her way; their sage advice keeps her focused as she works this case and keeps all the citizens of Collier safe during this bleak winter storm.
Nothing but high praise from me. Elena Taylor can pen a crafty murder mystery. My goal in reading Taylor’s books is to figure it all out before we get to the end (isn’t that the way it is with the whole murder mysteries), but she has been able to stump me twice now. All the clues are there in front of me. It's not an easy mystery to solve. I just didn’t put all the puzzle pieces together. From the narrative and description to each character's intricacies and the dialogue, A Cold, Cold World is just an excellent piece of mystery literature.
Also, a huge shout out to Teri Schnaubelt, who voiced both books All We Buried, Book One, and A Cold, Cold World, Book Two. Teri has a perfect, soothing storytelling voice for these Bet Rivers mysteries.
If you’re ready for a "COLD-blooded” (emphasis on cold), dark, and dangerous murder mystery, snatch up A Cold, Cold World. Both Bet Rivers books can be found on Audible if you prefer to listen to them.
Now, while I wait for Book 3 in the Bet River series (hopefully, there will be another one; it hinted at one), it’s time for me to step into the "shoes" of another character Elena Taylor has created: The Eddie Shoes Mysteries. I look forward to checking those out very soon.
Nothing but high praise from me. Elena Taylor can pen a crafty murder mystery. My goal in reading Taylor’s books is to figure it all out before we get to the end (isn’t that the way it is with the whole murder mysteries), but she has been able to stump me twice now. All the clues are there in front of me. It's not an easy mystery to solve. I just didn’t put all the puzzle pieces together. From the narrative and description to each character's intricacies and the dialogue, A Cold, Cold World is just an excellent piece of mystery literature.
Also, a huge shout out to Teri Schnaubelt, who voiced both books All We Buried, Book One, and A Cold, Cold World, Book Two. Teri has a perfect, soothing storytelling voice for these Bet Rivers mysteries.
If you’re ready for a "COLD-blooded” (emphasis on cold), dark, and dangerous murder mystery, snatch up A Cold, Cold World. Both Bet Rivers books can be found on Audible if you prefer to listen to them.
Now, while I wait for Book 3 in the Bet River series (hopefully, there will be another one; it hinted at one), it’s time for me to step into the "shoes" of another character Elena Taylor has created: The Eddie Shoes Mysteries. I look forward to checking those out very soon.
May 9, 2025
We are back in Collier, WA with Sheriff Bet Rivers. It’s Winter and a bad snowstorm is hitting the small town. A family visiting the area for Winter recreation come across a stranded teen while out snowmobiling. Concerned, they rush back to town and Bet goes off to check on the situation. When she arrives she finds the boy dead, for longer than makes any sense. All things point towards murder. Now the search for a killer is underway. Is it a ‘laker’ or a tourist? The timing with the inclement weather making everything more challenging.
Another great story full of intrigue, mystery and suspense! I really enjoyed this second book in the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series. I love that Schweitzer the dog was back too! I’m ready for more adventures!
Thank you to Partners in Crime and the author for a gifted copy of the book.
Another great story full of intrigue, mystery and suspense! I really enjoyed this second book in the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series. I love that Schweitzer the dog was back too! I’m ready for more adventures!
Thank you to Partners in Crime and the author for a gifted copy of the book.
August 2, 2025
There is something very satisfying about reading a mystery unfolding in the storm of the century on the hottest day of the year. The blizzard in A Cold, Cold World takes on the same agency and force as the good and evil townsfolk, almost like another character. With meticulous attention to police procedures and heartbreaking decisions made in extreme conditions, Elena Taylor has built a terrifying series of events that keep the pages turning. The town is buried, with no electricity, interrupted cell service, the roads blocked by downed trees, and only Bet and her allies can save the vulnerable and bring a murderer to justice.
August 10, 2024
Elena Taylor’s Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series is one that I will follow. Book 2 builds on the first but could be read as a stand alone.
In a small town the sheriff is more than the person who arrests the drunk or gives the speeding ticket. Bet had big shoes to fill and during inclement weather she and her team have to keep the towns people safe.
Likeable characters who are so real you can easily be part of Collier Washington! Descriptions of locations and weather conditions in this novel are nothing short of atmospheric.
If you like a cozy mystery, with perfectly placed breadcrumbs all to solve the crime this series is for you.
My question for other readers and further books - Team Kane or Team Rob? Ahh Bet!!!!???!!!!
In a small town the sheriff is more than the person who arrests the drunk or gives the speeding ticket. Bet had big shoes to fill and during inclement weather she and her team have to keep the towns people safe.
Likeable characters who are so real you can easily be part of Collier Washington! Descriptions of locations and weather conditions in this novel are nothing short of atmospheric.
If you like a cozy mystery, with perfectly placed breadcrumbs all to solve the crime this series is for you.
My question for other readers and further books - Team Kane or Team Rob? Ahh Bet!!!!???!!!!
August 3, 2024
The title, A Cold, Cold World, is perfect for this novel. Throughout the book, readers experience the harsh weather along with Sheriff Bet Rivers. Readers will feel the coldness as the snow falls. She has served as sheriff for a year in a small mountain town in Washington state. When a blizzard strikes, the town is basically shut down, including all access roads. This unfortunate timing adds pressure as Bet must ensure the safety of the townspeople while also looking into two homicides. Despite the lack of food and sleep, Bet shows remarkable resilience as she gathers evidence and deals with the effects of the storm and the town. Following in the footsteps of her late father, she works hard to be as effective a sheriff as he was. Having grown up in the area, she knows everyone in this tight-knit community, but that doesn't make the investigative process any easier.
It is amazing to watch Bet step by step piece together her investigation. Her character is very likable, and her thought process kept me thinking nonstop as she found each clue.
This mystery will grab readers, keeping them engaged and on the edge of their seats with so many twists. A Cold, Cold World is a must-read for mystery lovers craving a chilling tale that keeps the mind racing from start to finish.
It is amazing to watch Bet step by step piece together her investigation. Her character is very likable, and her thought process kept me thinking nonstop as she found each clue.
This mystery will grab readers, keeping them engaged and on the edge of their seats with so many twists. A Cold, Cold World is a must-read for mystery lovers craving a chilling tale that keeps the mind racing from start to finish.
August 6, 2024
This book was so much fun to read!! The plot was twisty and intertwining, the setting was snowy and isolated, and the characters were endearing and relatable (even the bad guys!!) Then again, Elena Taylor (Hartwell) always writes the best characters!
I loved how Sheriff Bet had to solve crime with limited resources due to a massive winter storm that left their small town completely blocked off from any surrounding cities and left most of the residents without power. Most of the traveling through town was done by snowmobile, which was a little nostalgic for me as I used to have a snowmobile when I was younger and would go riding with my dad all the time.
With multiple crimes to solve and several shifty characters to suspect, you could probably figure out underlying plot if you were paying attention to key details along the way but these tricky characters kept you guessing all the way to the end!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
I loved how Sheriff Bet had to solve crime with limited resources due to a massive winter storm that left their small town completely blocked off from any surrounding cities and left most of the residents without power. Most of the traveling through town was done by snowmobile, which was a little nostalgic for me as I used to have a snowmobile when I was younger and would go riding with my dad all the time.
With multiple crimes to solve and several shifty characters to suspect, you could probably figure out underlying plot if you were paying attention to key details along the way but these tricky characters kept you guessing all the way to the end!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
August 14, 2024
A masterful crime story!
Elena Taylor weaves an intricate tapestry of characters in this murder mystery set against and paced by a storm. Sheriff Bet Rivers has a series of crimes to solve and they all may or may not be connected. She races against time and weather to solve them and find a missing child. A fun read!
Elena Taylor weaves an intricate tapestry of characters in this murder mystery set against and paced by a storm. Sheriff Bet Rivers has a series of crimes to solve and they all may or may not be connected. She races against time and weather to solve them and find a missing child. A fun read!
February 20, 2025
I thought it was rather pedestrian but perhaps that was because the author turned me off with her harping on the angst of the protagonist on whether she was good enough. That was mostly in the early stages and it got slightly better as the story moved on but her ruminations about past advice from her father and her former partner were annoying.
August 4, 2024
4.5 stars
“We have a problem.”
Poor Sheriff Bet Rivers. I groaned with her every time those four words (or a close equivalent) occurred in A Cold, Cold World, the latest layered mystery from author Elena Taylor. A raging snowstorm. A dead teenager. A missing father and daughter. A grisly crime scene. Bar fights. Break-ins. Power outages. No cell service. Fallen trees. More than one female in labor. All in a day’s work, right? Taylor does a phenomenal job of immersing readers right in the middle of the tension as one thing after another competes for Bet’s immediate attention – not the least of which is the snowstorm itself, which really becomes a secondary character in the story just as much as the people. I loved that the author did this with the lake in All We Buried, too, because in both cases it raises the stakes that much more and makes the story come alive.
While Bet wrestles (in very relatable ways) with the snowstorm’s multiple impacts, she also has to triage multiple potential crime scenes and victims. All with limited resources. Are these all separate crimes? Are any of them related? I enjoyed following Bet’s thought process as she decides which step in the investigations to prioritize in what order and delegates tasks to her loyal deputy Clayton and to her right hand woman, Alma. (Alma really deserves her own review because she’s such a trip – an almost-octogenarian who certainly doesn’t act her age, knows everything, watches out for Bet, and has way more stamina and energy than I do.) With each additional layer to the mystery and each nature-induced obstacle, I became all the more glued to the page, holding my breath to see what ‘problem’ would pop up next.
The addition of a new character, Kane, to the mix gave me a whole other set of layers to love about this story, and I’m quite intrigued to see where the author takes this ‘connection’ that Bet feels with Kane. They certainly made a great team, and I thought Taylor excelled at showing us what we needed to know about him in his actions and reactions. For example, one of his first scenes, all he does to command the room is take a step in someone’s direction and wow! I could feel the energy of the scene change with just that simple action.
Bottom Line: In A Cold, Cold World, skilled author Elena Taylor delivers a riveting and atmospheric mystery with pitch perfect plotting and character development. I continue to love Sheriff Bet Rivers for her smarts, her determination, and her humanity. She is delightfully relatable as well as inspiring, and she’s definitely the kind of person I would want to befriend in real life. The fact that Bet is pitted against a monstrous snowstorm as well as the bad guys made for a complex conflagration of layers that kept her on her toes and kept readers fully immersed in the story. I could feel the bitter cold, the biting wind, the wearying pull of the heavy snow as Bet trudged through it yet again… and if she manages to survive all of that, she’s still got all of these investigations to tackle. All of it was executed brilliantly and has me eager for a third book!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there are a few strong curse words and one profanity used, as well as a few mild curse words, in this book.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“We have a problem.”
Poor Sheriff Bet Rivers. I groaned with her every time those four words (or a close equivalent) occurred in A Cold, Cold World, the latest layered mystery from author Elena Taylor. A raging snowstorm. A dead teenager. A missing father and daughter. A grisly crime scene. Bar fights. Break-ins. Power outages. No cell service. Fallen trees. More than one female in labor. All in a day’s work, right? Taylor does a phenomenal job of immersing readers right in the middle of the tension as one thing after another competes for Bet’s immediate attention – not the least of which is the snowstorm itself, which really becomes a secondary character in the story just as much as the people. I loved that the author did this with the lake in All We Buried, too, because in both cases it raises the stakes that much more and makes the story come alive.
While Bet wrestles (in very relatable ways) with the snowstorm’s multiple impacts, she also has to triage multiple potential crime scenes and victims. All with limited resources. Are these all separate crimes? Are any of them related? I enjoyed following Bet’s thought process as she decides which step in the investigations to prioritize in what order and delegates tasks to her loyal deputy Clayton and to her right hand woman, Alma. (Alma really deserves her own review because she’s such a trip – an almost-octogenarian who certainly doesn’t act her age, knows everything, watches out for Bet, and has way more stamina and energy than I do.) With each additional layer to the mystery and each nature-induced obstacle, I became all the more glued to the page, holding my breath to see what ‘problem’ would pop up next.
The addition of a new character, Kane, to the mix gave me a whole other set of layers to love about this story, and I’m quite intrigued to see where the author takes this ‘connection’ that Bet feels with Kane. They certainly made a great team, and I thought Taylor excelled at showing us what we needed to know about him in his actions and reactions. For example, one of his first scenes, all he does to command the room is take a step in someone’s direction and wow! I could feel the energy of the scene change with just that simple action.
Bottom Line: In A Cold, Cold World, skilled author Elena Taylor delivers a riveting and atmospheric mystery with pitch perfect plotting and character development. I continue to love Sheriff Bet Rivers for her smarts, her determination, and her humanity. She is delightfully relatable as well as inspiring, and she’s definitely the kind of person I would want to befriend in real life. The fact that Bet is pitted against a monstrous snowstorm as well as the bad guys made for a complex conflagration of layers that kept her on her toes and kept readers fully immersed in the story. I could feel the bitter cold, the biting wind, the wearying pull of the heavy snow as Bet trudged through it yet again… and if she manages to survive all of that, she’s still got all of these investigations to tackle. All of it was executed brilliantly and has me eager for a third book!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there are a few strong curse words and one profanity used, as well as a few mild curse words, in this book.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 27, 2025
A Cold, Cold World is a cop mystery. Sheriff Bet Rivers is facing her first real challenge: the snowstorm of the century is bearing down on the small town of Collier, WA. She has a plan for keeping the main loop clear, the residents warm and healthy. Now she just needs to worry about her only deputy’s 9-months-pregnant wife and the dead body found on Iron Horse Ridge.
Bottom line: A Cold, Cold World is for you if you like classic mysteries against a background of life in action.
Confession…this is my favorite subgenre of mystery. The story combines a mystery whodunnit with dramatic subplots driven by other aspects of our lead detectives life. Let’s dive in.
Our hero is Bet Rivers, newly elected Sheriff of Collier, Washington. While she may be newly elected, she isn’t new. She grew up in Collier, learning and growing under her father, Sheriff Earle Rivers. After earning her chops in LA, she returned home in Book 1 and here, in Book 2, she is in charge. Bet is a well-developed character – young without being naïve, caring without being jaded.
The mystery here involves the body of a teen found by a vacationing family out snowmobiling. While the looming storm cuts Bet initial assessment of the scene short, she sees enough to have questions. And as any good Sheriff does, she asks them. And with every answer, the circle of conspiracy grows.
The major subplot is the snowstorm and the myriad of problems that comes with it. Trees go down, cutting off the town and taking out the power. A bar fight turns bloody. A cottage is broken into with nothing taken but a bloody sleeping bag left behind. A father and daughter are labeled as missing when the family can’t find them. Collier’s only deputy is caught between love and duty when his wife goes into labor on the other side of the downed trees. Oh, yes. Bet has her hands full.
Looking at motivation and consistency, Bet stays true to the principles of her character, one of which is choosing the living over the dead. The storm puts Bet into some morale dilemmas where both answers are just as right as they are wrong. The Bad Guy’s motivation is ultimately simple but the reasoning of their actions are less clear. Of course, we don’t see it from their point of view.
Standing at the end and looking back to the beginning, I have questions. The who and how of the death makes sense. It’s some of the tangential activities that had me paging back.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I nearly binge read this and can be counted as a Bet fan. This is the second book in the series. I get the impression the first is an “origin” story as much as a mystery. This does not require knowledge from the first book, Taylor does a nice job of introducing us to the characters we need to know.
Bottom line: A Cold, Cold World is for you if you like classic mysteries against a background of life in action.
Confession…this is my favorite subgenre of mystery. The story combines a mystery whodunnit with dramatic subplots driven by other aspects of our lead detectives life. Let’s dive in.
Our hero is Bet Rivers, newly elected Sheriff of Collier, Washington. While she may be newly elected, she isn’t new. She grew up in Collier, learning and growing under her father, Sheriff Earle Rivers. After earning her chops in LA, she returned home in Book 1 and here, in Book 2, she is in charge. Bet is a well-developed character – young without being naïve, caring without being jaded.
The mystery here involves the body of a teen found by a vacationing family out snowmobiling. While the looming storm cuts Bet initial assessment of the scene short, she sees enough to have questions. And as any good Sheriff does, she asks them. And with every answer, the circle of conspiracy grows.
The major subplot is the snowstorm and the myriad of problems that comes with it. Trees go down, cutting off the town and taking out the power. A bar fight turns bloody. A cottage is broken into with nothing taken but a bloody sleeping bag left behind. A father and daughter are labeled as missing when the family can’t find them. Collier’s only deputy is caught between love and duty when his wife goes into labor on the other side of the downed trees. Oh, yes. Bet has her hands full.
Looking at motivation and consistency, Bet stays true to the principles of her character, one of which is choosing the living over the dead. The storm puts Bet into some morale dilemmas where both answers are just as right as they are wrong. The Bad Guy’s motivation is ultimately simple but the reasoning of their actions are less clear. Of course, we don’t see it from their point of view.
Standing at the end and looking back to the beginning, I have questions. The who and how of the death makes sense. It’s some of the tangential activities that had me paging back.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I nearly binge read this and can be counted as a Bet fan. This is the second book in the series. I get the impression the first is an “origin” story as much as a mystery. This does not require knowledge from the first book, Taylor does a nice job of introducing us to the characters we need to know.
August 13, 2024
Wow! Complex characters and a complicated case!
A Cold, Cold World is the second book in author Elena Taylor's Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series, and readers are beckoned back to the small mountain town of Collier, Washington, and the secrets it hides. As a massive snowstorm pummels the little town, Sheriff Bet Rivers is confronted with a possible murder, a missing father and daughter, and a blood-soaked sleeping bag, all of which may be related.
I really enjoyed Bet, the main character, who's gotten her feet under herself a little more firmly since the events in book one. Still, she retains some feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty and projects a vulnerability that makes her so very realistic and human. However, she's smart and makes better decisions than she realizes. In such a small town, she's investigating incidents that involve neighbors and lifelong friends, people who watched her grow up, and others she has witnessed do the same. What happens in this town is personal for her, and that takes its toll. She's also working under a lot of stress, with little sleep or time to eat properly as the storm descends. Clayton, her full-time deputy, is unavailable and in another town, as his wife goes into labor with their first child.The action takes place as great amounts of snow bury the town, bringing down trees and power lines and covering up footprints, tire tracks, and other possible clues critical to solving the ongoing investigations. The descriptions of the storm and crime scenes are vivid and atmospheric. I could feel the chill as I read. Each call for service brings with it a level of urgency that Bet must prioritize, but she's still pulled in several directions at once, even when she gets a little extra help. The story is a complete surprise as it unfolds.
With its absorbing plot, eerie and dangerous snowstorm of a setting, and impressive main and secondary characters, I recommend A COLD, COLD WORLD to readers of mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
October 21, 2024
I enjoyed Elena Taylor's ALL WE BURIED so much that I couldn't wait to dig into A COLD, COLD WORLD, ready for Sheriff Bet Rivers's latest challenge. I was not disappointed. Each scene in this second in a series was vivid and memorable. Taylor weaves the physical environment into her novels so expertly that it takes on the significance of another character. In ALL WE BURIED it was that frigid, seemingly bottomless lake. And it's the relentless snowstorm in A COLD, COLD WORLD that thwarts Bet's plans as effectively as an evil genius plotting against Bet at every turn.
When Bet is summoned to the scene of a snowmobile accident by a vacationing family who has discovered an injured teen, she immediately realizes that the boy is dead--and he has been for quite some time. Red flags fly high in Bet's mind as she ponders the possibility of homicide--and the fact that the blizzard will erase every bit of evidence at the accident scene. It becomes a race against, time, the elements, and small-town secrets as Bet maneuvers her way through interviewing reluctant witnesses, breaking up bar brawls, and making gut-wrenching discoveries about her case. Add to this the plummeting temperature and endless layers of snow piling up, pitting the pragmatic sheriff against both man AND nature. As the odds against solving the mystery stack up, you can't help but become invested. What the heck happened out there on that snowy trail and how on earth will Bet resolve things?
I'm right there with Bet as she methodically follows the few clues she can unearth with the words of her mentors in her head (I really like that touch) and makes clever connections that will have you pondering (there is a scene with keys that stands out in my mind). It's a whip-smart whodunit with heart (love the scene with Bet in the barn nuzzling the horse, which reveals not only the character's compassion but hints at the author's love of nature and all living creatures). Whatever you do, don't miss this one!
When Bet is summoned to the scene of a snowmobile accident by a vacationing family who has discovered an injured teen, she immediately realizes that the boy is dead--and he has been for quite some time. Red flags fly high in Bet's mind as she ponders the possibility of homicide--and the fact that the blizzard will erase every bit of evidence at the accident scene. It becomes a race against, time, the elements, and small-town secrets as Bet maneuvers her way through interviewing reluctant witnesses, breaking up bar brawls, and making gut-wrenching discoveries about her case. Add to this the plummeting temperature and endless layers of snow piling up, pitting the pragmatic sheriff against both man AND nature. As the odds against solving the mystery stack up, you can't help but become invested. What the heck happened out there on that snowy trail and how on earth will Bet resolve things?
I'm right there with Bet as she methodically follows the few clues she can unearth with the words of her mentors in her head (I really like that touch) and makes clever connections that will have you pondering (there is a scene with keys that stands out in my mind). It's a whip-smart whodunit with heart (love the scene with Bet in the barn nuzzling the horse, which reveals not only the character's compassion but hints at the author's love of nature and all living creatures). Whatever you do, don't miss this one!
May 31, 2024
I really enjoy this authors writing style and her first book in this series is one of my all time favorites. While this one is not as high on my list I still enjoyed it. Specifically, I appreciated the lengths she goes to to set up the storyline and history, explain terms that readers are unlikely to know, and supplies additional information to paint a clearer picture. My favorite, however, was the teaching moments Bet provided and the addition of Kane.
In future books, I would like to see mote focus on interactions with current/new characters and here less about her two mentors from the past. While I understand the importance of drawing from what you've learned and the strong relationships she had with them, it becomes redundant, pulls me from the present moment in the book, and takes away from Bet herself. Furthermore, I would love to see Bet's confidence grow a lot more. It was very aggravating when there were kids on the line and she was worried about what her new deputy thought about her. That was extremely offputting towards a character the author spent so much time building and getting us to love. Also, justice for Rob. I'm all for the story not being about her love interest and that being more of a background story but he was just conveniently placed out of the country the whole dang book so we completely missed out on their banter. Lastly, it was a bit frustrating how the ending just wrapped itself up in a neatly tied bow quite quickly.
Overall, I did enjoy the book but nowhere near as much as the original. I will definitely read future books in this series but I'm look forward to improvements, especially regarding Bet's constant concern about the opinion of others.
This arc was provided via netgalley and was reviewed voluntarily.
In future books, I would like to see mote focus on interactions with current/new characters and here less about her two mentors from the past. While I understand the importance of drawing from what you've learned and the strong relationships she had with them, it becomes redundant, pulls me from the present moment in the book, and takes away from Bet herself. Furthermore, I would love to see Bet's confidence grow a lot more. It was very aggravating when there were kids on the line and she was worried about what her new deputy thought about her. That was extremely offputting towards a character the author spent so much time building and getting us to love. Also, justice for Rob. I'm all for the story not being about her love interest and that being more of a background story but he was just conveniently placed out of the country the whole dang book so we completely missed out on their banter. Lastly, it was a bit frustrating how the ending just wrapped itself up in a neatly tied bow quite quickly.
Overall, I did enjoy the book but nowhere near as much as the original. I will definitely read future books in this series but I'm look forward to improvements, especially regarding Bet's constant concern about the opinion of others.
This arc was provided via netgalley and was reviewed voluntarily.
August 13, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Elena Taylor and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
A Cold, Cold World is the second in the A Sheriff Bet Rivers mystery series. In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation, she has secured the Sheriff’s seat in Collier, and she is determined to keep her community safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, she must remain vigilant.
When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. Upon arrival, she quickly realizes that all is not what it seems, the teen is dead. And has been for some time.
Investigating homicides is hard enough, thrown in the worst snowstorm the valley has seen I years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention of her crime scene, Bet must move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove she’s worthy of keeping her father’s badge.
I love living in the PNW and reading books set in this area. The book takes place in a fictional town in Washington State and is an excellent police procedural. Perfect for anyone who enjoys books that take place in interesting locations combined with extenuating circumstances. This book hits the spot. I enjoyed getting to know Bet. She is a great sheriff thrown into the role quicker than expected. Despite this she is setting in and proving is up to the challenge.
The characters are well developed, and the cast of supporting characters balance the story. I enjoyed the attention to detail and loved the depth it gave to the story. Overall, I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to book #3!
A Cold, Cold World is the second in the A Sheriff Bet Rivers mystery series. In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation, she has secured the Sheriff’s seat in Collier, and she is determined to keep her community safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, she must remain vigilant.
When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. Upon arrival, she quickly realizes that all is not what it seems, the teen is dead. And has been for some time.
Investigating homicides is hard enough, thrown in the worst snowstorm the valley has seen I years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention of her crime scene, Bet must move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove she’s worthy of keeping her father’s badge.
I love living in the PNW and reading books set in this area. The book takes place in a fictional town in Washington State and is an excellent police procedural. Perfect for anyone who enjoys books that take place in interesting locations combined with extenuating circumstances. This book hits the spot. I enjoyed getting to know Bet. She is a great sheriff thrown into the role quicker than expected. Despite this she is setting in and proving is up to the challenge.
The characters are well developed, and the cast of supporting characters balance the story. I enjoyed the attention to detail and loved the depth it gave to the story. Overall, I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to book #3!
August 15, 2024
I received this book as a gift.
I recommend reading All We Buried, the first book in this series, to get a sense of the characters, especially Bet – the new sheriff in Collier, having taken over her dad’s old position. You’ll learn her backstory and how resilient she is.
In Cold, Cold World Bet finds herself investigating at least three different crimes during … would you believe … the worst snowstorm to hit her little town of Collier. One crime just led to another which led to another which led to her knocking on doors to find answers. She definitely found answers and a couple of surprises along the way.
We are also introduced to a new character – Kane. I definitely found Kane to be an interesting addition to this series, and I am hoping he won’t disappear.
I am enjoying this series, which I would consider a police procedural series. I like Bet’s character, her inner strength, her willingness to battle the coldest snowstorm to get to the bottom of what was going on in her town. Even though Collier is a small town, the crimes are big-city types. Bet also has a pretty good team to help her – Alma (who doesn’t like Alma?), Clayton (her steady right-hand man, so to speak), Schweitzer (her dog), the townspeople, and the newest addition Kane.
Bet likes to see the good people and think the best of them, but she also understands that she cannot eliminate any one of her townsfolk as suspects. I like the fact that she is able to reference the lessons she learned from her dad and another mentor of hers, Maggie. Bet is finding her way in Collier and slowly earning the respect of her town. I’m sure she’ll find herself wrapped up in another crime or two, and it’ll be interesting to see how she puts the pieces together.
I recommend reading All We Buried, the first book in this series, to get a sense of the characters, especially Bet – the new sheriff in Collier, having taken over her dad’s old position. You’ll learn her backstory and how resilient she is.
In Cold, Cold World Bet finds herself investigating at least three different crimes during … would you believe … the worst snowstorm to hit her little town of Collier. One crime just led to another which led to another which led to her knocking on doors to find answers. She definitely found answers and a couple of surprises along the way.
We are also introduced to a new character – Kane. I definitely found Kane to be an interesting addition to this series, and I am hoping he won’t disappear.
I am enjoying this series, which I would consider a police procedural series. I like Bet’s character, her inner strength, her willingness to battle the coldest snowstorm to get to the bottom of what was going on in her town. Even though Collier is a small town, the crimes are big-city types. Bet also has a pretty good team to help her – Alma (who doesn’t like Alma?), Clayton (her steady right-hand man, so to speak), Schweitzer (her dog), the townspeople, and the newest addition Kane.
Bet likes to see the good people and think the best of them, but she also understands that she cannot eliminate any one of her townsfolk as suspects. I like the fact that she is able to reference the lessons she learned from her dad and another mentor of hers, Maggie. Bet is finding her way in Collier and slowly earning the respect of her town. I’m sure she’ll find herself wrapped up in another crime or two, and it’ll be interesting to see how she puts the pieces together.
January 6, 2025
An atmospheric procedural.
Bet Rivers became sheriff of the small Washington State mountain town of Collier following her father's death, and now she's trying to prove herself to her community when a snowstorm cuts Collier and the surrounding valley off from the outside world, all while Bet is investigating a possible murder - and that is just the beginning.
I hadn't read part one of this series (for some reason, my library only had the second book available), but I felt right at home in this story and think the book works well as a standalone or as an introduction to the series, which I expect will continue after "Cold, Cold World".
Bet is a great character, but was sadly somewhat cheapened by her constant self-doubt. I get that she was supposed to be relatively new at this, and had big shoes to fill, so some contemplation of what her late father and/or her former mentor would do in any given situation seems logical, but that self-doubt played too big a part in the story, especially considering Bet seems perfectly capable and actually good at her job (and has already been doing it for a year). In fact, the whole sheriff's department was filled with amazing characters that I would love to revisit in future installments in this series. The author also did a great job of describing the snowy setting vividly, resulting in an extremely atmospheric police procedural. Sure, the extent of the criminal acts in so small a part of the world seemed a bit over the top, but overall this was a fast-paced, intriguing read.
Bet Rivers became sheriff of the small Washington State mountain town of Collier following her father's death, and now she's trying to prove herself to her community when a snowstorm cuts Collier and the surrounding valley off from the outside world, all while Bet is investigating a possible murder - and that is just the beginning.
I hadn't read part one of this series (for some reason, my library only had the second book available), but I felt right at home in this story and think the book works well as a standalone or as an introduction to the series, which I expect will continue after "Cold, Cold World".
Bet is a great character, but was sadly somewhat cheapened by her constant self-doubt. I get that she was supposed to be relatively new at this, and had big shoes to fill, so some contemplation of what her late father and/or her former mentor would do in any given situation seems logical, but that self-doubt played too big a part in the story, especially considering Bet seems perfectly capable and actually good at her job (and has already been doing it for a year). In fact, the whole sheriff's department was filled with amazing characters that I would love to revisit in future installments in this series. The author also did a great job of describing the snowy setting vividly, resulting in an extremely atmospheric police procedural. Sure, the extent of the criminal acts in so small a part of the world seemed a bit over the top, but overall this was a fast-paced, intriguing read.
August 16, 2024
This intriguing police mystery is set in the small small town of Collier, Washington, during an insane snowstorm. While it is the second in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out on much from not reading the first one. Sheriff Bet Rivers and her two deputies are the only gig in this small town, and Bet takes her job very seriously. She has to prove time and time again that she is up to the task of taking over for her father, knowing she has VERY big shoes to fill. While the town of Collier is relatively quiet, Bet and her team are faced with a string of crimes that may or may not be related. A young man is reported to be injured in a snowmobile accident, but he ends up being dead. She knows she has to report his death to his dad, but his dad is missing along with his ten-year old daughter. Next, a vacant home is broken into and there is evidence of blood EVERYWHERE. AND! There is now an apparent drug problem when the local ambulance gets robbed. Then, there is a fugitive with two children as hostages in the trunk of his car. The story was so well-written and moved very fast, IMO. The steps in a crime investigation were detailed as well as informative. I always enjoy police procedures in books and this definitely hit the nail on the head with that!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author for this wonderful ARC! I can't wait to see what Sheriff Bet gets into next.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author for this wonderful ARC! I can't wait to see what Sheriff Bet gets into next.
July 30, 2024
A Cold, Cold World is book two in the Sheriff Bet River series that is written by Elena Taylor. One of the things that I love about being a book reviewer is discovering authors, the I may not have before. I am so glad to have discovered this author. I absolutely have loved this story and hope to read more from this author in the future.
Bet is the new sheriff in a small Washington town. She is worried about living up to her father and grandfather's reigns as Sheriff. However, she finds herself dealing with a horrible snowstorm, one that might be unprecedented in history. The blizzard is so bad that the roads are impassable, with no access to outside services. Thankfully, Bet has her two loyal deputies. However just because the weather is bad, does not mean crime will stop.
A young man is found dead from what appears to be a snowmobile accident - when Bet tries to make notification, the father and sister are missing. What is the connection?
I can tell you that I was along for the ride.
The book is well written, the storyline is engaging. I loved the attention to detail the author included. It made me feel like I was standing there watching the story unfold. I love this series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Tours, for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Bet is the new sheriff in a small Washington town. She is worried about living up to her father and grandfather's reigns as Sheriff. However, she finds herself dealing with a horrible snowstorm, one that might be unprecedented in history. The blizzard is so bad that the roads are impassable, with no access to outside services. Thankfully, Bet has her two loyal deputies. However just because the weather is bad, does not mean crime will stop.
A young man is found dead from what appears to be a snowmobile accident - when Bet tries to make notification, the father and sister are missing. What is the connection?
I can tell you that I was along for the ride.
The book is well written, the storyline is engaging. I loved the attention to detail the author included. It made me feel like I was standing there watching the story unfold. I love this series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Tours, for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
September 9, 2024
You know those movies? The mysteries that have you confused, yet fascinated and determined to figure out? I’ve sometimes rewatched some really twisty ones so I could try to spot clues I missed. That’s how this book was for me. I never really felt like I was close to figuring things out. Not that it took away from my enjoyment. Nope. In fact, the only reason I didn’t read it straight through was because I started it later at night and when I started feeling sleepy I stopped so I wouldn’t lose my edge. Got to keep the brain sharp to try and sort things out. Anyway, back to what I was saying. In some parts of the book I did a rewind. I paused and flipped back when something tickled my memory just to see if I’d found a connection, a bread crumb. When I finally got answers, I realized I’d never been close to figuring out the who and why. Gotta love that, right.
I like small town settings. I like connecting with characters. I like those that make brief cameos that make me think they might be important later in the book. I like a mystery that I can’t figure out. And I like bonuses, such as critter characters that add to the story. This book delivered on all of my likes. So glad it’s a series so I can get tangled up in the next mystery.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I like small town settings. I like connecting with characters. I like those that make brief cameos that make me think they might be important later in the book. I like a mystery that I can’t figure out. And I like bonuses, such as critter characters that add to the story. This book delivered on all of my likes. So glad it’s a series so I can get tangled up in the next mystery.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
August 4, 2024
An exciting second novel for Sheriff Bet Rivers! A storm bearing down on rural Colliers, Washington will be only one of the challenges that Sheriff Bet Rivers and her team must face. Trees down, a main road closed, a power outage and the body of a local teen found up on the ridge. Time is of the essence to retrieve his body with no way to get him to the medical examiner. A cabin is broken into leaving behind a bloody scene, a local man and his young daughter are missing, a fight at a local bar, and a family visiting local rancher Jeb Pearson’s summer and adventure camp. With only one full-time deputy and her office manager Alma (who is so much more), can she uphold the trust that the town has placed in her? Her father was the former sheriff, so Bet can only follow the lessons he taught her to prioritize what is happening and handle situations one at a time. Stretched to the max, a visiting relative with military police experience may be just what Bet needs to turn the tide in her favor. A rural town where the residents are used to stepping up to help others, but does one of them have an agenda of their own? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
August 14, 2024
MY THOUGHTS -
This book was fantastic! It was so much fun to read. It was very exciting every step of the way. I was introduced to Bet Rivers in the first book - All We Buried. That was a while ago. I loved Bet then... but I loved her even more this time around. It was great getting to know her all over again with even more depth. I also loved the introduction of Kane. I hope we get to read more about him in the future. I thought he was a great addition to the series.
I felt like I was walking through the whole book side-by-side with Bet, facing everything head on as she solved each little mystery and big mystery that came along.
This was a very exciting read. A lot happens. There is not a dull page. I loved the small town feel. I have never been to Washington state, but now I kinda feel like I have. From snowstorms to murder, this book is top notch! The descriptions are so vivid, the character development is so great you really get the feel of living there.
Every book I read by this author is better than the last. Every time I pick up a new one I think - she couldn’t possibly outdo the last one… And then she does! I can not wait for the next!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
This book was fantastic! It was so much fun to read. It was very exciting every step of the way. I was introduced to Bet Rivers in the first book - All We Buried. That was a while ago. I loved Bet then... but I loved her even more this time around. It was great getting to know her all over again with even more depth. I also loved the introduction of Kane. I hope we get to read more about him in the future. I thought he was a great addition to the series.
I felt like I was walking through the whole book side-by-side with Bet, facing everything head on as she solved each little mystery and big mystery that came along.
This was a very exciting read. A lot happens. There is not a dull page. I loved the small town feel. I have never been to Washington state, but now I kinda feel like I have. From snowstorms to murder, this book is top notch! The descriptions are so vivid, the character development is so great you really get the feel of living there.
Every book I read by this author is better than the last. Every time I pick up a new one I think - she couldn’t possibly outdo the last one… And then she does! I can not wait for the next!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
August 21, 2024
A Cold, Cold World is a page-turning story set in in central untouched Washington state and the climate and terrain of Washington state is a minor character driving the mystery plot line in the book. Sheriff Bet Rivers is learning the ropes of being sheriff after the recent death of her father. She left her home town for the bustle of the LA Police department, but came back home due to family concerns. It's touching that the voice of her father and her LA mentor guide her through the twists and turns of a record breaking snow storm, a high crime, the birthing of a horse and a wild snowmobile chase after a fugitive. This book was especially meaningful to me as I have traveled to this area several times and even got lost near Cle Elum, which is a beautiful small town.
This is the second in a series, but could easily be read as a stand-alone book. Sheriff Bet is a sympathetic character along with her receptionist Alma, who has served three sheriffs and is 80 years old. I could easily see this becoming a series on the Hallmark Murder & Mysteries channel. This is delightful book that is easy to read and you will fall in love with the characters and Washington state by reading the book.
This is the second in a series, but could easily be read as a stand-alone book. Sheriff Bet is a sympathetic character along with her receptionist Alma, who has served three sheriffs and is 80 years old. I could easily see this becoming a series on the Hallmark Murder & Mysteries channel. This is delightful book that is easy to read and you will fall in love with the characters and Washington state by reading the book.
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