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Bitterfrost
"Viceral, vivid, and suspenseful"—Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"The atmosphere of a northern Michigan small town is expertly detailed . . . Baker’s trial is informed and tense, with a knowledge and surety usually found in an engrossing legal thriller"— The Washington Post
"Slick as ice and just as chilling"—Tessa Wegert, author of In The Bones
The first in a brand-new crime thriller series from Edgar nominee and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Bryan Gruley. Feisty defence attorney Devyn Payne faces off against veteran detective Garth Klimmek as they work to solve a vicious double homicide in their small, icy town of Bitterfrost.
Thirteen years ago, former ice hockey star Jimmy Baker quit the game after almost killing an opponent. Now, as the Zamboni driver for the amateur team in his hometown of Bitterfrost, Michigan, he’s living his penance. Until the morning he awakens to the smell of blood . . .
Jimmy soon finds himself arrested for a brutal double murder. The kicker? He has no memory of the night in question. And as the evidence racks up against him, Jimmy’s case is skating on thin ice. Could he have committed such a gruesome crime?
As his defense attorney Devyn Payne and prosecuting detective Garth Klimmek race to uncover the truth, time is running out for Jimmy. Because all he can really be sure of is that he is capable of taking a life. The question is, in his blacked-out state, did he take two?
This gritty drama is the first in the Bitterfrost series, perfect for fans of Dennis Lehane!
"The atmosphere of a northern Michigan small town is expertly detailed . . . Baker’s trial is informed and tense, with a knowledge and surety usually found in an engrossing legal thriller"— The Washington Post
"Slick as ice and just as chilling"—Tessa Wegert, author of In The Bones
The first in a brand-new crime thriller series from Edgar nominee and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Bryan Gruley. Feisty defence attorney Devyn Payne faces off against veteran detective Garth Klimmek as they work to solve a vicious double homicide in their small, icy town of Bitterfrost.
Thirteen years ago, former ice hockey star Jimmy Baker quit the game after almost killing an opponent. Now, as the Zamboni driver for the amateur team in his hometown of Bitterfrost, Michigan, he’s living his penance. Until the morning he awakens to the smell of blood . . .
Jimmy soon finds himself arrested for a brutal double murder. The kicker? He has no memory of the night in question. And as the evidence racks up against him, Jimmy’s case is skating on thin ice. Could he have committed such a gruesome crime?
As his defense attorney Devyn Payne and prosecuting detective Garth Klimmek race to uncover the truth, time is running out for Jimmy. Because all he can really be sure of is that he is capable of taking a life. The question is, in his blacked-out state, did he take two?
This gritty drama is the first in the Bitterfrost series, perfect for fans of Dennis Lehane!
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
102 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Gruley
17 books358 followersBryan Gruley's sixth novel, BITTERFROST, tells the story of Jimmy Baker, a former minor league hockey player who quit the game after almost killing an opponent in a fight. Thirteen years later, he's the Zamboni driver for an amateur team in his hometown of Bitterfrost in northern lower Michigan--and the prime suspect in a brutal double murder. Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “Visceral, vivid, and suspenseful, Bitterfrost immerses readers in a chilly—and chilling—world of lost dreams and deadly feuds. I was instantly and completely engrossed. Masterfully done.”
Gruley is also the author of the Starvation Lake trilogy, including his Edgar-nominated debut, STARVATION LAKE, as well as two novels set in Bleake Harbor, Michigan. A lifelong journalist, he shared in The Wall Street Journal's Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He lives in northern Michigan with his wife, Pam.
Gruley is also the author of the Starvation Lake trilogy, including his Edgar-nominated debut, STARVATION LAKE, as well as two novels set in Bleake Harbor, Michigan. A lifelong journalist, he shared in The Wall Street Journal's Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He lives in northern Michigan with his wife, Pam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 27, 2025
Release Date: 1st April 2025
Feisty defence attorney Devyn Payne faces off against veteran detective Garth Klimmek as they work to solve a vicious double homicide in their small, icy town of Bitterfrost.
When two out of towners turn up dead after causing a scene in the local bar and the local Zamboni driver Jimmy Baker wakes up with no memory of what happened after he left the bar, he becomes the prime suspect.
This is a fast paced book, that hooked me really quickly into the story and I really enjoyed the characters, I believe this is the first in a series, so I can't wait to read more and see how these characters develop.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
Feisty defence attorney Devyn Payne faces off against veteran detective Garth Klimmek as they work to solve a vicious double homicide in their small, icy town of Bitterfrost.
When two out of towners turn up dead after causing a scene in the local bar and the local Zamboni driver Jimmy Baker wakes up with no memory of what happened after he left the bar, he becomes the prime suspect.
This is a fast paced book, that hooked me really quickly into the story and I really enjoyed the characters, I believe this is the first in a series, so I can't wait to read more and see how these characters develop.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Fable || Uncover || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
April 1, 2025
I've chosen to read Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley attracted by the cover, and the premise of a murder in a small isolated town during a snowstorm, but other than that I've also got a good story.
Jimmy Baker, the zamboni driver for the Bitterfrost hockey team, is accused of a gory murder. Unfortunately for his aggression as a previous hockey player and an alleged memory loss for the time of the crime, he seems the prefect culprit for Detective Garth Klimmek. Now Jimmy's only hope is his friend and attorney Devyn Payne, will she lodge a reasonable doubt in the jury and save him from jail?
Jimmy, has many flaws, but the acceptance of his destiny almost without any fought, and his love for his daughter show his inner good self.
Devyn is my favourite character, she doesn't give up on her friends and clients, seeking the truth at any cost, even putting her career and her life at risk.
The author writing, the fast pace, and the atmosphere brought the story to life. The investigation details sounded truthful and, discovery after discovery, I felt part of the story. Even if at some point the murderer seemed clear, I kept reading with bated breath because the intrigues and the web of deception still needed to be unveiled.
I liked how the last pages set up the next book, I look forward to seeing what the rest of the series has to offer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
May 3, 2025
Jimmy Baker is a retired hockey player after almost killing his opponent thirteen years ago. One day, he wakes up with blood on him and no recollection of the night before. How did he get home?
Jimmy is arrested for a brutal double murder for the night in question. Is Jimmy guilty?
I really enjoyed this one. Jimmy’s character is a lovable one. You still question whether he did it. I will always read a book that involves courtroom scenes and fleshed out characters, and this is exactly that. This is a nice setup for the first book in a series. I definitely recommend it.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2025
Solid first entry in the Bitterfrost series which introduces us to the new characters of Jimmy, who is accused of a double murder he can't remember being involved in, and his friend Devyn, a defense lawyer who takes his case trying to find out what really happened. Of course, because it's Gruley, hockey plays a big part in the story. The characters are interesting and give the book a homey feel that is customary with a Gruley book. The eventual details on the motive for the killings are a bit sketchy and don't fully explain why they happened, and the dialogue is a bit clunky at times, but overall, it's entertaining and keeps you engaged throughout. Not quite as good as his earlier books but a definite improvement over the last one. It appears that Gruley is returning to the form that hooked me in the first place. 3-3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2025
Memory loss and murder!
For one small moment I thought I’d wandered into a Backman book. Northern climes, ice hockey, Zamboni drivers! Far from it. Well winters in Northern Michigan are far enough. An interesting mystery where the Zamboni driver, ex hockey player, Jimmy Baker is accused of murder. (those grazed knuckles and lost memory will do it every time!) It’s up to his friend and defence attorney Devon Payne to help solve the murder and bring Jimmy out from under the cloud of suspicion that surrounds him.
Needed to be a bit more snappy and succinct for me. A good yarn nevertheless.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
For one small moment I thought I’d wandered into a Backman book. Northern climes, ice hockey, Zamboni drivers! Far from it. Well winters in Northern Michigan are far enough. An interesting mystery where the Zamboni driver, ex hockey player, Jimmy Baker is accused of murder. (those grazed knuckles and lost memory will do it every time!) It’s up to his friend and defence attorney Devon Payne to help solve the murder and bring Jimmy out from under the cloud of suspicion that surrounds him.
Needed to be a bit more snappy and succinct for me. A good yarn nevertheless.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
April 27, 2025
I am thrilled this is first in a new series. I was completely transported to Michigan amongst the land of hockey fanatics.
This is an excellent crime thriller, it's immersive and so well written. The characters truly came to life and I'm anxious to see where this series takes us next.
This is an excellent crime thriller, it's immersive and so well written. The characters truly came to life and I'm anxious to see where this series takes us next.
Read
June 9, 2025It's probably a good book but I made this a DNF after just about 40 pages. Too much violence and swearing for me. Hockey is a violent sport and this novel is descriptive blood / chewy filled. Not for me when coupled with crude constant language. It sounds like YA dialogue to me.
And it was in Michigan too. Serendipity pick that wasn't a good choice.
And it was in Michigan too. Serendipity pick that wasn't a good choice.
April 4, 2025
Really solid book. Not quite a beach read, a little deeper than that but not a super heavy thriller. Some absolutely incredible lines, it’s clear the author knows the characters and how they would act, it’s easy to picture each scene. A line that has stuck with me since I read it: “(they) have a past. They gave up on a future so they could have a peaceable present.” A great depiction of what makes this book good: well-written characters and sentences that give more backstory than the word count suggests.
March 31, 2025
Hot-Blooded Crimes In A Very Cold Environment
Jimmy Baker is a Zamboni driver for the IceKings. He must have had a doozy of a night as he wakes up with dried blood on his hands and the skin on his knuckles is shredded, exposing bone. His right cheek has a lump on it, resembling a strawberry. He doesn't remember anything after his first drink at the Lost Loon Tavern. He is oblivious to a vicious murder that occurred last night near his home. From this start, the novel proceeds.
This novel consists of four main storylines. The first thread is Jimmy Baker’s story. This thread offers the reader a perspective on the events and provides background information on Jimmy Baker. The second is the investigation that starts with the murder of one of two travelers who had stopped at the Lost Loon for a few drinks. The discovery of the second traveler’s body leads to Baker’s arrest. Devyn Payne is the protagonist, and the third thread centers on her as she defends Baker. The fourth thread involves various criminal elements, both local and those to the North and the South. Payne faces numerous obstacles, starting with having left a Detroit law firm after failing to make partner. She now lives rent-free with her meager income supplemented by her mother. Baker, her friend and client, can’t remember anything between leaving the tavern and waking up in his kitchen. As the novel progresses, the scope of the crime continues to expand. More deaths occur. Witnesses disappear. She encounters criminal elements when she attempts to locate the witnesses. Several twists occur that change my understanding of the events in the novel.
Devyn Payne’s background is quite extensive. Her mother owns the local minor league ice hockey team and her insight business of that team. She plays pick-up games every morning with men. She does more than hold her own on the ice. Her on-ice antics add a lightness to the novel. Her history, from becoming a lawyer to her success and fall, and her return home, is provided. Currently, she relies on pro bono work. She does her own investigative work, which was not without significant risk. Her character enhanced my reading enjoyment of this novel.
A significant aspect that can cause some readers to stop reading is the language. Profanity and impious language are at a very noticeable level. On the plus side, the use was not just of singular words but of phrases that are more realistic to how they are used in real life. There are not any intimate scenes. Most of the violence is described after the fact, but there is one very vicious scene described in detail by a woman in the witness box. These aspects did not hinder my reading enjoyment of this novel.
The only issue I had was a minor loose end. I would have liked to learn what happened to Dulany’s gate guard, Charlie. I did enjoy the relationship between Payne and Baker. It added a lightness to the novel. This is necessary, as the novel presents almost constant threats against Payne, including the death of one witness and another in hiding, which keeps the tension at a high level until the end. My reading time was typical for a novel of this length. I was engaged with the novel throughout my reading.
My familiarity with this author is from reading his Purgatory Bay novel five years ago. I have been waiting for his next novel since then. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. As this is the second book from this author, I have moved my rating from Pending to Will Read. I highly recommend reading this novel and rate this novel with five stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version from Severn House through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Severn House, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Jimmy Baker is a Zamboni driver for the IceKings. He must have had a doozy of a night as he wakes up with dried blood on his hands and the skin on his knuckles is shredded, exposing bone. His right cheek has a lump on it, resembling a strawberry. He doesn't remember anything after his first drink at the Lost Loon Tavern. He is oblivious to a vicious murder that occurred last night near his home. From this start, the novel proceeds.
This novel consists of four main storylines. The first thread is Jimmy Baker’s story. This thread offers the reader a perspective on the events and provides background information on Jimmy Baker. The second is the investigation that starts with the murder of one of two travelers who had stopped at the Lost Loon for a few drinks. The discovery of the second traveler’s body leads to Baker’s arrest. Devyn Payne is the protagonist, and the third thread centers on her as she defends Baker. The fourth thread involves various criminal elements, both local and those to the North and the South. Payne faces numerous obstacles, starting with having left a Detroit law firm after failing to make partner. She now lives rent-free with her meager income supplemented by her mother. Baker, her friend and client, can’t remember anything between leaving the tavern and waking up in his kitchen. As the novel progresses, the scope of the crime continues to expand. More deaths occur. Witnesses disappear. She encounters criminal elements when she attempts to locate the witnesses. Several twists occur that change my understanding of the events in the novel.
Devyn Payne’s background is quite extensive. Her mother owns the local minor league ice hockey team and her insight business of that team. She plays pick-up games every morning with men. She does more than hold her own on the ice. Her on-ice antics add a lightness to the novel. Her history, from becoming a lawyer to her success and fall, and her return home, is provided. Currently, she relies on pro bono work. She does her own investigative work, which was not without significant risk. Her character enhanced my reading enjoyment of this novel.
A significant aspect that can cause some readers to stop reading is the language. Profanity and impious language are at a very noticeable level. On the plus side, the use was not just of singular words but of phrases that are more realistic to how they are used in real life. There are not any intimate scenes. Most of the violence is described after the fact, but there is one very vicious scene described in detail by a woman in the witness box. These aspects did not hinder my reading enjoyment of this novel.
The only issue I had was a minor loose end. I would have liked to learn what happened to Dulany’s gate guard, Charlie. I did enjoy the relationship between Payne and Baker. It added a lightness to the novel. This is necessary, as the novel presents almost constant threats against Payne, including the death of one witness and another in hiding, which keeps the tension at a high level until the end. My reading time was typical for a novel of this length. I was engaged with the novel throughout my reading.
My familiarity with this author is from reading his Purgatory Bay novel five years ago. I have been waiting for his next novel since then. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. As this is the second book from this author, I have moved my rating from Pending to Will Read. I highly recommend reading this novel and rate this novel with five stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version from Severn House through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Severn House, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
March 29, 2025
Bitterfrost takes place in a small Michigan town with the same name.
Hockey is one of the main sources of entertainment in this town, and the hockey rink is part of a long-standing Hatfield and McCoy type town feuds.
The plot involves a double homicide, with a former hockey player from the town being the prime suspect. The daughter of one of the feuding families is his defense attorney.
The murder investigation captivates the community, especially since the same attorney and detective were involved in the one previous homicide.
There is an intriguing plot and a well-defined cast of characters.s.
I'm excited because I will be able to introduce the author at Schuler Books in West Bloomfield, Michigan on April 2, 2025!
Hockey is one of the main sources of entertainment in this town, and the hockey rink is part of a long-standing Hatfield and McCoy type town feuds.
The plot involves a double homicide, with a former hockey player from the town being the prime suspect. The daughter of one of the feuding families is his defense attorney.
The murder investigation captivates the community, especially since the same attorney and detective were involved in the one previous homicide.
There is an intriguing plot and a well-defined cast of characters.s.
I'm excited because I will be able to introduce the author at Schuler Books in West Bloomfield, Michigan on April 2, 2025!
February 21, 2025
Bitterfrost is a captivating thriller that dives in the world of small town politics, murder & mayhem. In this cold town of Bitterfrost, Jimmy Baker is a former hockey player that finds himself primary suspect in a double homicide. Simple enough to plead guilty or non guilty right? Not exactly when you have no memory or recollections of that night. With an already checkered past, people are quick to throw Jimmy under the bus and assume his guilt. With small town corruption front & center, how will Jimmy get out of this? Fast paced story, with easy to love main characters! I did not find a single dull moment in this novel & plan on reading more by this author.
Thank you Severn House and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Severn House and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
Bitterfrost
Bryan Gruley
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
From Edgar Award–winning author Bryan Gruley comes a superb police procedural that seamlessly morphs into a courtroom thriller. The first in a series, this novel introduces the complexities of small-town politics, family feuds, and the power of wealthy families—all set against the backdrop of a chilling murder mystery.
At the center is Jimmy Baker, a local hockey legend whose minor league career ended abruptly. Known for his quick temper and talent for dropping the gloves to administer punishment to his rivals, Jimmy was a natural on-ice enforcer. But after goading rival Cory Richards into a fight and pummeling him so severely that Cory ended up hospitalized and permanently wheelchair-bound, Jimmy’s hockey days were over. He returned home and settled into a quiet life as the Zamboni driver for the local Ice Kings club.
Jimmy has grown fond of “Zelda,” his Zamboni, and takes great pride in keeping the ice perfect at the rink, which is owned by the Payne family—the richest in Bitterfrost, Michigan. The family matriarch, Eleanor, owns the club; her son, Evan, manages the rink; and her daughter, Devyn, is both a local lawyer and an amateur hockey enthusiast. Devyn and Jimmy share a distant but mutual attraction. Jimmy, now divorced and estranged from his daughter, lives a solitary life. Meanwhile, a long-simmering feud brews between the Paynes and the Dulaneys. Butch Dulaney and his two younger brothers resent the Paynes’ power and status.
Then Jimmy wakes up at 4:00 a.m., dazed and on his kitchen floor, to the metallic scent of blood. His knuckles are torn, his face bruised, and his jacket sleeve stained. The last thing he remembers is leaving the arena and heading to the Lost Loon Tavern for his usual single drink. Everything after is a blank. Meanwhile, the state police discover a blood-spattered pickup truck near Jimmy’s house—torched, but with no body inside.
Detective Garth Klimmek of the Bitterfrost police arrives on the scene. As his investigation unfolds, circumstantial evidence begins to mount against Jimmy—especially once a body is discovered and the son of a prominent local figure goes missing. Jimmy turns to his longtime friend Devyn for legal help, and as the case builds, she must dig deeper to defend him in the face of damning evidence.
Bryan Gruley proves himself a masterful storyteller, expertly weaving multiple plotlines with escalating tension and intrigue. The bitter cold of a Michigan winter adds an atmospheric touch to this claustrophobic tale, steeped in small-town obsessions, buried secrets, and the corrosive tension between wealth, politics, and family loyalty. This finely honed mystery marks a strong start to an ongoing series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for supplying an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more about Jimmy and Devyn’s future entanglements.
..... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com.....
January 29, 2026
Pretty intense and fast paced police procedural and legal thriller set in the Upper Lower of Michigan. Small town with two prominent families jockeying for control. Failed hockey players. Tension between locals and tourists. Murders and a rush to judgment with who will do the right thing hanging heavy. Hope there's another one with the very strong female protagonist- Devyn Payne.
December 27, 2024
Where hockey is concerned, Zamboni driver and former player Jimmy Baker is Bitterfrost’s good luck charm—but when he wakes up one morning with blood on his jacket and no recollection of what happened the previous night, Jimmy fears his violent past is finally catching up with him. What follows is a riveting mix of small-town mystery, legal drama, and high-stakes crime thriller. With crisp prose and a vivid portrayal of Michigan hockey culture, BITTERFROST is slick as ice and just as chilling.
August 7, 2025
Years ago, I read this author’s Starvation Lake series and enjoyed them, so I was glad to spy this book out in the wild.
Bitterfrost is a solid hockey-related thriller. Truly, there aren’t enough books taking place in the hockey world. We didn’t really get a good feel for Jimmy, but I loved Devyn as the protagonist. Nice to see her be a badass both on and off the ice.
Bitterfrost is a solid hockey-related thriller. Truly, there aren’t enough books taking place in the hockey world. We didn’t really get a good feel for Jimmy, but I loved Devyn as the protagonist. Nice to see her be a badass both on and off the ice.
December 20, 2024
3.5⭐️
Jimmy se encarga de cuidar la pista de patinaje para un equipo de hockey. Un día, se despierta con dolor de cabeza, sin recordar lo que sucedió la noche anterior. No sabe cómo llegó a su casa y está cubierto de sangre. Al mismo tiempo, se encuentra un cuerpo y el padre de un chico denuncia su desaparición.
Pronto, la policía comienza a conectar las piezas del caso y Jimmy se convierte en el principal sospechoso. Solo con la ayuda de Devyn, una amiga abogada, podrá demostrar su inocencia. ¿O acaso será él el culpable?
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jimmy se encarga de cuidar la pista de patinaje para un equipo de hockey. Un día, se despierta con dolor de cabeza, sin recordar lo que sucedió la noche anterior. No sabe cómo llegó a su casa y está cubierto de sangre. Al mismo tiempo, se encuentra un cuerpo y el padre de un chico denuncia su desaparición.
Pronto, la policía comienza a conectar las piezas del caso y Jimmy se convierte en el principal sospechoso. Solo con la ayuda de Devyn, una amiga abogada, podrá demostrar su inocencia. ¿O acaso será él el culpable?
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2025
I love when you are not sure what to expect from a book and it completely bowls you over. From the moment I turned to the first page I was wrapped in the frigid cold of a Michigan winter. The frigid air making life tough, running from place to place, trying to outrun the cold. Winter makes a person hardy, tough, no nonsense, a ruggedness that you do not see everywhere. I know I live in Vermont where winter never seems to end. People in these areas always have a way to get out of the house. In this instance it is hockey. Hockey is the backbone of this book. How the local hockey arena is their church. They start skating at a young age, until they are crushing each other against the glass walls, hockey puck whizzing through the net. Hockey can be brutal. As Jimmy can attest to. Years ago, he was sent out on the ice by his coach to take care of a player on the other team. This led to Jimmy almost killing the man. This night has haunted him ever since. He walked out of the rink that night never to return to the game. His passion is Zelda the Zamboni, he takes care of the ice like it is his child. He allows himself one drink and he lives a very quiet life. Until the night two out of towners show up and turn the town of Bitterfrost on its head.
Jimmy slowly wakes up. His hands are covered in blood, the back door to his house is open, and he has no idea what has happened. When a body is found within eyesight of his house, the police know they have found their suspect. Jimmy cannot remember what happened and is left in the dark, trying to figure out what occurred after he left the local bar. He calls his lawyer friend Devny to help. Dev is a person you want in your corner. As she begins to dig, she uncovers more than she ever anticipated.
I stayed up way too late finishing this book. The characters had my attention, they are layered and troubled. A smalltown setting is perfect for this read. Everyone knows everyone's business and they love to gossip. If you are looking for a fast paced read, I highly recommend Bitterfrost. Thank you to Bryan Gruley, Severn House, and Kaye Publicity for my gifted copy.
Jimmy slowly wakes up. His hands are covered in blood, the back door to his house is open, and he has no idea what has happened. When a body is found within eyesight of his house, the police know they have found their suspect. Jimmy cannot remember what happened and is left in the dark, trying to figure out what occurred after he left the local bar. He calls his lawyer friend Devny to help. Dev is a person you want in your corner. As she begins to dig, she uncovers more than she ever anticipated.
I stayed up way too late finishing this book. The characters had my attention, they are layered and troubled. A smalltown setting is perfect for this read. Everyone knows everyone's business and they love to gossip. If you are looking for a fast paced read, I highly recommend Bitterfrost. Thank you to Bryan Gruley, Severn House, and Kaye Publicity for my gifted copy.
March 31, 2025
Bryan Gruley makes his readers wait sometimes. BITTERFROST is his fifth novel since 2009 and first since 2020. The wait is worthwhile. At his best he is in the top tier of present-day authors and BITTERFROST achieves that level. It is Gruley's best novel since his first, the Edgar Award nominated STARVATION LAKE.
In BITTERFROST, former hockey player and current Zamboni driver Jimmy Baker is accused of murder. A troubled past and memory loss don't help Baker's case. In steps Devyn Payne as his defense lawyer and Homicide Detective Gareth Klimmek to lead the resulting investigation, sometimes at cross purposes sometimes not. The case is complicated and nuanced. Family histories, personal rivalries, and public opinion all play a role. Readers can't be certain about the outcome, which creates a nicely taut and tense story. Gruley's storytelling is fast-paced, as he uses time jumps to keep the action centerstage. The leads have intriguing backstories and are multi-dimensional. The deft familiarity with hockey culture and life in small-town northern Michigan adds depth to the entire story, taking a good plotline and making it more. It is clear that Bitterfrost, MIchigan could produce more stories. Hope that happens.
In BITTERFROST, former hockey player and current Zamboni driver Jimmy Baker is accused of murder. A troubled past and memory loss don't help Baker's case. In steps Devyn Payne as his defense lawyer and Homicide Detective Gareth Klimmek to lead the resulting investigation, sometimes at cross purposes sometimes not. The case is complicated and nuanced. Family histories, personal rivalries, and public opinion all play a role. Readers can't be certain about the outcome, which creates a nicely taut and tense story. Gruley's storytelling is fast-paced, as he uses time jumps to keep the action centerstage. The leads have intriguing backstories and are multi-dimensional. The deft familiarity with hockey culture and life in small-town northern Michigan adds depth to the entire story, taking a good plotline and making it more. It is clear that Bitterfrost, MIchigan could produce more stories. Hope that happens.
May 7, 2025
Who does Michigan, murder and hockey better than Bryan Gruley? No one. In his latest foray into the surprising underbelly of small town northern Michigan, Gruley outdoes himself and proves himself a master of insight into the "regular guy."
And if you're like me, you'll be continually asking yourself, "who's story is this?" as is often the case with Gruley's stories, things (and people) are rarely what they seem.
And that's half the fun of this "who (and why) done it"... rife with interesting, layered characters - each with their own complicated backstories.
I loved this story. Run (metaphorically), don't walk, to get this book.
And if you're like me, you'll be continually asking yourself, "who's story is this?" as is often the case with Gruley's stories, things (and people) are rarely what they seem.
And that's half the fun of this "who (and why) done it"... rife with interesting, layered characters - each with their own complicated backstories.
I loved this story. Run (metaphorically), don't walk, to get this book.
April 28, 2025
I enjoyed this author's Starvation Lake series, so was looking forward to his new novel. Suspenseful, vivid, compelling, and atmospheric storytelling. Great characters and writing. Hope this is the beginning of a new series and the second installment is in the works.
April 2, 2025
Killer Thriller. Fast pace. Small town. Fun dialogue. Guess, guess guess and you MAY solve the murder. Twisty. Turney. Well written.
May 3, 2025
Bryan Gruley's best one yet.
September 21, 2025
Bryan Gruley's Bitterfrost is a chilling mystery that plunges into the psychological depths of its flawed protagonist, Jimmy. Once a promising hockey player haunted by a violent past, Jimmy now scrapes a quiet existence as a Zamboni driver. But the icy tranquility of his life in northern Michigan shatters when he becomes the chief suspect in a gruesome double murder.
The novel masterfully builds suspense, not just through the external race against time led by his defense attorney, Devyn Payne, and a dogged detective, Garth Klimmek, but through the internal struggle of a man who fears his own capacity for violence. As Jimmy grapples with blacked-out memories and a horrifying self-doubt, the question isn't whether someone is guilty, but whether Jimmy himself is the monster he's always feared he could be. Gruley delivers a taut, atmospheric thriller where the cold of the Michigan setting is matched only by the chilling uncertainty within Jimmy's mind.
The true strength of Bitterfrost lies in its character-driven tension. Gruley expertly weaves together Jimmy's internal torment with the parallel investigations of Devyn and Garth. Each new clue and revelation adds another layer of dread, pulling the reader deeper into the case and Jimmy's questionable mental state. The narrative is a slow-burn of paranoia and suspense, leading to a truly shocking and well-earned climax.
The explosive ending is a knockout, re-contextualizing everything the reader thought they knew and leaving an unforgettable impression. It’s a finale that delivers a powerful emotional gut punch, cementing the book as a standout in the crime fiction genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
The novel masterfully builds suspense, not just through the external race against time led by his defense attorney, Devyn Payne, and a dogged detective, Garth Klimmek, but through the internal struggle of a man who fears his own capacity for violence. As Jimmy grapples with blacked-out memories and a horrifying self-doubt, the question isn't whether someone is guilty, but whether Jimmy himself is the monster he's always feared he could be. Gruley delivers a taut, atmospheric thriller where the cold of the Michigan setting is matched only by the chilling uncertainty within Jimmy's mind.
The true strength of Bitterfrost lies in its character-driven tension. Gruley expertly weaves together Jimmy's internal torment with the parallel investigations of Devyn and Garth. Each new clue and revelation adds another layer of dread, pulling the reader deeper into the case and Jimmy's questionable mental state. The narrative is a slow-burn of paranoia and suspense, leading to a truly shocking and well-earned climax.
The explosive ending is a knockout, re-contextualizing everything the reader thought they knew and leaving an unforgettable impression. It’s a finale that delivers a powerful emotional gut punch, cementing the book as a standout in the crime fiction genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
March 29, 2025
Bitterfrost is a dark edgy crime fiction with tense undertones and hardened characters. Jimmy Baker works at the hockey rink and is employed to drive the Zamboni machine . He is accused of murdering two out of towners after an altercation at the local bar . Jimmy has memory issues and cannot remember what happened the previous evening when he wakes up in his kitchen with blood on his jacket and missing his boot and phone . This is a brilliant look at policing and accountability. Jimmy has a history of violence as an enforcer on a hockey team . He calls upon his friend , defence Attorney Devyn Payne to represent him and clear his name . The township is harbouring secrets and this double homicide is more complicated than it appears on the surface. Money and lies can change the outcome of an investigation and Jimmy may go to prison for a crime that he did not commit. This is a brilliant example of intense corruption in a small town when connected individuals are at play . The odds are stacked against Jimmy and Devyn and they need to pool resources to get answers that are hidden in missing witnesses. An engaging crime event with excellent investigative tension.
January 8, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Bitterfrost.
This will be the first in a series. Police procedural written in the voice of a retired hockey player Jimmy. He’s had a rough life and now he drives a Zamboni for a local hockey franchise. He’s mostly a loner and gets by with his job and memories.
One night he goes to the local bar. He has his one drink. He wakes up the next morning and is covered in blood and has no idea what has happened. He does know he was in an argument at the bar but after that he recalls nothing. But one thing he does know is that something happened because not only is there blood but he has a black eye and his hand is bleeding and damaged.
The local police have discovered the bodies of several men and they are beaten to death. They have a case to solve and soon they arrive at Jimmy’s door.
Jimmy does not remember anything but he does know he is not going to admit to these murders. He believes he is innocent. He turns to his longtime friend who is a lawyer to help him and she is the only one who believes he is not guilty.
But this crime has the markings for a set up but only Jimmy can prove that. With no memory it is going to be hard and who would set him up for this crime.
He faces a maximum sentence and his life is on the line whatever is left of it anyway.
Good book. 3.5 stars
This will be the first in a series. Police procedural written in the voice of a retired hockey player Jimmy. He’s had a rough life and now he drives a Zamboni for a local hockey franchise. He’s mostly a loner and gets by with his job and memories.
One night he goes to the local bar. He has his one drink. He wakes up the next morning and is covered in blood and has no idea what has happened. He does know he was in an argument at the bar but after that he recalls nothing. But one thing he does know is that something happened because not only is there blood but he has a black eye and his hand is bleeding and damaged.
The local police have discovered the bodies of several men and they are beaten to death. They have a case to solve and soon they arrive at Jimmy’s door.
Jimmy does not remember anything but he does know he is not going to admit to these murders. He believes he is innocent. He turns to his longtime friend who is a lawyer to help him and she is the only one who believes he is not guilty.
But this crime has the markings for a set up but only Jimmy can prove that. With no memory it is going to be hard and who would set him up for this crime.
He faces a maximum sentence and his life is on the line whatever is left of it anyway.
Good book. 3.5 stars
April 20, 2025
Bitterfrost is a crime fiction/conspiracy/legal thriller from Bryan Gruley.
"Jimmy Baker was a hockey star but quit after almost killing an opponent on the ice. Now he pays his penance by driving the zamboni for his local hockey team. Until one morning he wakes up covered in blood with no memory of how he got home. He is arrested for a brutal double-murder. His attorney, Devyn Payne, races to discover the truth."
This book starts with a crime, moves to the courtroom and includes a conspiracy. Gruley makes you sympathetic towards Baker and Payne (and a couple of others) And characters you will despise. The first half is a little slower than the last but picks up at the end.
If you've read any crime fiction or courtroom thrillers you know about pre-trial discovery - each side has to show their evidence. . Do they not have that in Michigan, because it seems like the defense attorney was always surprised in the courtroom. Where are the depositions? The trial procedure seemed off and affected the story. And the police work was haphazard.
It's a good story in the shell of a great story.
"Jimmy Baker was a hockey star but quit after almost killing an opponent on the ice. Now he pays his penance by driving the zamboni for his local hockey team. Until one morning he wakes up covered in blood with no memory of how he got home. He is arrested for a brutal double-murder. His attorney, Devyn Payne, races to discover the truth."
This book starts with a crime, moves to the courtroom and includes a conspiracy. Gruley makes you sympathetic towards Baker and Payne (and a couple of others) And characters you will despise. The first half is a little slower than the last but picks up at the end.
If you've read any crime fiction or courtroom thrillers you know about pre-trial discovery - each side has to show their evidence. . Do they not have that in Michigan, because it seems like the defense attorney was always surprised in the courtroom. Where are the depositions? The trial procedure seemed off and affected the story. And the police work was haphazard.
It's a good story in the shell of a great story.
February 2, 2026
I rarely give five stars. I’m a dedicated fan of the Joe Pickett, Cork O’Connor, Grady Service and Mike Bowditch series. Bitter Frost was the best of all of them.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars
Good courtroom drama, a bit over the top but I liked the setting and the hockey angle.
Good courtroom drama, a bit over the top but I liked the setting and the hockey angle.
May 4, 2025
"What a player he once was, maybe the best Bitterfrost has ever seen. Devyn remembers watching him play for the IceKings, the biggest, fastest, smartest player on the ice. At heart, he's a good guy."
"In the middle of the ring is a circle of mottled darkness that Klimmek assumes is b!ood. A great deal of b!ood. At the center of the circle is what appears to be the body of a man. The arms are flung to either side like the dead man was making snow angels."
I was immediately interested when I saw this took place in a small town in northern lower Michigan. Despite living in southern lower Michigan, I have been “up north” several times to see family and have also visited the U.P. (upper peninsula). Added to this well known locale is hockey life, amnesia, a double m*urder and a court case. I was HERE for it!
Right off the bat I felt bad for Jimmy, who as a former enforcer for his hockey team, has taken and given a ton of beatings, which unsurprisingly led to many concussions. His memory isn’t what it used to be, yet he’s not the man full of rage that people suppose he is. Still, when he wakes up with no memory of the night before and is accused of k!lling someone, he isn’t sure if he did it or not. He’s certainly CAPABLE of it...
Devyn is as formidable on the ice as she is in the courtroom and she takes on Jimmy’s case, determined to get at the TRUTH. When another body is found, the stakes are raised even higher. Detective Klimmek in charge of the investigation, is sure Jimmy is guilty and it doesn’t help matters that he and Devyn had butt heads on a previous case that went wrong for BOTH of them.
I was sucked in, hook, line and sinker from page one! Or should I say, ice, stick and skates?! The one sport I had a slight obsession with in my teens was hockey, so I thoroughly enjoyed the clear love of the sport that was included. I even flashed back to some fond memories of Red Wings games at Joe Louis Arena with Brendan Shanahan as enforcer. Nothing quite hits like a body slam against the boards!
BITTERFROST is the perfect blend of crime fiction, crackling mystery and legal thriller all wrapped up in a biting midwestern noir atmosphere! I felt completely at home even as I was on the edge of my seat, while my mind spun trying to fit together puzzle pieces. I managed a few! The sizzling courtroom scenes rivaled the ongoing investigation, each filled with crisp dialogue and genuine character interactions. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this gritty, hard to put down crime series!
____
Thank you Kaye Publicity for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
"In the middle of the ring is a circle of mottled darkness that Klimmek assumes is b!ood. A great deal of b!ood. At the center of the circle is what appears to be the body of a man. The arms are flung to either side like the dead man was making snow angels."
I was immediately interested when I saw this took place in a small town in northern lower Michigan. Despite living in southern lower Michigan, I have been “up north” several times to see family and have also visited the U.P. (upper peninsula). Added to this well known locale is hockey life, amnesia, a double m*urder and a court case. I was HERE for it!
Right off the bat I felt bad for Jimmy, who as a former enforcer for his hockey team, has taken and given a ton of beatings, which unsurprisingly led to many concussions. His memory isn’t what it used to be, yet he’s not the man full of rage that people suppose he is. Still, when he wakes up with no memory of the night before and is accused of k!lling someone, he isn’t sure if he did it or not. He’s certainly CAPABLE of it...
Devyn is as formidable on the ice as she is in the courtroom and she takes on Jimmy’s case, determined to get at the TRUTH. When another body is found, the stakes are raised even higher. Detective Klimmek in charge of the investigation, is sure Jimmy is guilty and it doesn’t help matters that he and Devyn had butt heads on a previous case that went wrong for BOTH of them.
I was sucked in, hook, line and sinker from page one! Or should I say, ice, stick and skates?! The one sport I had a slight obsession with in my teens was hockey, so I thoroughly enjoyed the clear love of the sport that was included. I even flashed back to some fond memories of Red Wings games at Joe Louis Arena with Brendan Shanahan as enforcer. Nothing quite hits like a body slam against the boards!
BITTERFROST is the perfect blend of crime fiction, crackling mystery and legal thriller all wrapped up in a biting midwestern noir atmosphere! I felt completely at home even as I was on the edge of my seat, while my mind spun trying to fit together puzzle pieces. I managed a few! The sizzling courtroom scenes rivaled the ongoing investigation, each filled with crisp dialogue and genuine character interactions. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this gritty, hard to put down crime series!
____
Thank you Kaye Publicity for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2025
This was a good book, I enjoyed it. Didn't take long to figure out who the killer was, but I still enjoyed it.
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