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The Cold Case Catalyst: When murder comes out of retirement

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In the shadowy corridors of past sins and buried secrets, "The Cold Case Catalyst" unfolds the gripping tale of Malcolm Robertson, a serial killer who eluded the authorities in the 1970's. When fatherhood arrives, Malcolm hangs up his deadly mantle, torn between his monstrous past and the desire to protect his growing family. Fast forward to the present day, his youngest son, Rhys, a bright and ambitious university student, becomes engrossed in researching cold cases that echo with his father's dark legacy. As Rhys delves deeper with the help of his new favourite professor, he unwittingly stumbles upon chilling clues that threaten to unravel the facade of his family's innocence. A riveting blend of psychological suspense and familial bonds, this novel explores the haunting How well do we truly know those we love?

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

17 people are currently reading
179 people want to read

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Danielle Fear

22 books38 followers

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Billie Wiley.
Author 1 book19 followers
October 12, 2024
I’m Completely Blown Away! 🤯 IYKYK 🤫

"The Cold Case Catalyst" by Danielle Fear is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. From the chilling opening scene to the nail-biting climax, Fear expertly weaves a tale that keeps you guessing at every turn. The protagonist's relentless pursuit of the truth in a decades-old cold case is both gripping and haunting, making it impossible to turn away.

Danielle's writing is sharp and evocative, drawing you into a world where every shadow holds a secret, and every character has a hidden agenda. The atmospheric descriptions make you feel the eerie presence of the unresolved mystery lingering in the air. The twists and turns are crafted with precision, ensuring that just when you think you have it figured out, she pulls the rug from under you.

What sets this thriller apart is its deeply human touch. The emotional depth of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs make the story resonate on a personal level. "The Cold Case Catalyst" is not just a thriller; it's a poignant exploration of justice, redemption, and the lengths to which one will go to uncover the truth. Danielle Fear has created a standout piece that deserves a spot on every mystery lover's shelf. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jenny Coyne.
885 reviews42 followers
April 16, 2025
Wow! For less than 200 pages, this story packed a punch! This book starts out in the 1970's when the original crimes were committed. Then the chapters navigate back and forth in time up to the current timeframe. I was intrigued by the idea of a cold case criminal possibly being caught by his own son decades later. I thought this would be pretty straightforward but the last few chapters blew me away! Definitely an ending that I never could have predicted!
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
670 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2025
“The Cold Case Catalyst: When Murder Comes Out of Retirement” by Danielle Fear was the first book of hers I’ve read, and I absolutely loved it! The plot was genius, blending humor and suspense in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish. The tension was built so well throughout the story, and just when I thought I had it figured out, there was a shocking twist that completely threw me off guard. I can’t wait to dive into more of her books and see what other surprises she has in store!

15 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2025
Wow! A thriller with a truly shocking twist!

First, if you are an American reader, please note the author is from the UK and their grammar is different than ours. I love stories set in the UK that utilize the different ways of saying things. Second, this story kept me on the edge of my seat. When I thought I knew the direction in which the story was heading, it took a different turn. The ending was truly a shocking twist that I did not see coming! Chef’s kiss to the author!
3 reviews
February 27, 2025
This was my first book by Danielle Fear, and it wasn’t my last. My only complaint is that this book wasn’t longer. The insight from a serial killer’s pov made this book a fun and interesting read. I could smell the noxious gasses and taste the mercury. My heart broke for several characters, and I cried while reading certain parts of the book. The Cold Case Catalyst is sure to be a fan favorite!
Profile Image for Ali  O.
798 reviews45 followers
August 10, 2025
The Cold Case Catalyst by Danielle Fear
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an exciting and suspenseful psychological thriller!
The story has some great twists and surprises, as the reader gets to follow the thoughts of a serial killer, turned family man.
Will his family find out his secrets?
The story is very well written and had me hooked from the beginning.
This is the second book I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

This is a fast read and I recommend checking it out!!
Profile Image for Janelle.
18 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book! If I had had the time I could have easily read this in one sitting, I didn't want to put it down! Always wondering what the killer would do next and will someone catch on?? What would happen if someone really close caught on?? I definitely reccomend giving this one a read!
Profile Image for Kenzi.
109 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2025
Well this blew my mind! holy crap it was such a good suspense read! i didn't expect the ending! i surely was hoping for it though!
Profile Image for Kathy Butterworth.
144 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2026
Absolutely shocking!

This book blew me away. So many twists and turns I did not expect. I'm just in awe of how this story ended. This is well written with a great plot.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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