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An Aspen Mystery #1
The Ski Resort
My best friend is dead. I can’t remember what happened. But what if it’s all my fault . . . ?
I wake up in a hospital room with all kinds of tubes and cords protruding from my bruised and battered body. I have no idea how I got here.
‘You were in an avalanche,’ the good-looking doctor explains. ‘A pretty major one.’
My boss is less sympathetic. ‘What in hell were you thinking? Skiing Ophir’s is a stunt for some idiot 23-year-old boarder, not a seasoned ski patrol.’
He’s right. But my memory has gone completely. I can come up with zero reasons why I was skiing on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, a time when avalanche warnings are Code Red.
It’s then he drops the bombshell. ‘Well, you’re damn lucky. Wish I could say the same about Warren.’ Warren. My longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. ‘He’s dead, Greta.’
My job is to help save lives. Now it looks like I’m to blame for the death of the person I trust the most.
I drove into Aspen fifteen years ago with nothing but big dreams and even bigger ambitions. Even though I can never aspire to the jetset lifestyles of the super-rich holidaymakers who flock here, I love this place.
But there’s a darker side to this glamorous skiers’ paradise.
As flashes of memory return and a young woman suddenly disappears, I realize that someone on this mountain knows exactly what happened that day. Someone who won’t be satisfied until they bury me for good.
Please note this book was previously published as First Tracks
I wake up in a hospital room with all kinds of tubes and cords protruding from my bruised and battered body. I have no idea how I got here.
‘You were in an avalanche,’ the good-looking doctor explains. ‘A pretty major one.’
My boss is less sympathetic. ‘What in hell were you thinking? Skiing Ophir’s is a stunt for some idiot 23-year-old boarder, not a seasoned ski patrol.’
He’s right. But my memory has gone completely. I can come up with zero reasons why I was skiing on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, a time when avalanche warnings are Code Red.
It’s then he drops the bombshell. ‘Well, you’re damn lucky. Wish I could say the same about Warren.’ Warren. My longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. ‘He’s dead, Greta.’
My job is to help save lives. Now it looks like I’m to blame for the death of the person I trust the most.
I drove into Aspen fifteen years ago with nothing but big dreams and even bigger ambitions. Even though I can never aspire to the jetset lifestyles of the super-rich holidaymakers who flock here, I love this place.
But there’s a darker side to this glamorous skiers’ paradise.
As flashes of memory return and a young woman suddenly disappears, I realize that someone on this mountain knows exactly what happened that day. Someone who won’t be satisfied until they bury me for good.
Please note this book was previously published as First Tracks
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
356 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Catherine O'Connell
13 books72 followersChicago native Catherine O'Connell is the author of five novels: First Tracks, The Last Night Out, Well Read and Dead, Well Bred and Dead, and Skins.
A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Journalism, she has worked in a number of roles in various fields, including hotel maid, bar manager, floor runner at the Chicago Board of Trade, sommelier, and sales executive in the fine wine business. Her varied experiences give her insight into many walks of life that she incorporates into her writing.
A member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, she sits on the board of the Aspen Words, the literary branch of the Aspen Institute. She has also served as a moderator of the Great Books and Sharing Shakespeare programs at the Aspen Institute.
Catherine has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, the Cox network, and numerous radio shows, including WGN Radio's Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan.
A consummate reader, wine expert, skier, back-country hiker, and biker, she divides her time between Aspen, Chicago, and Paris.
A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Journalism, she has worked in a number of roles in various fields, including hotel maid, bar manager, floor runner at the Chicago Board of Trade, sommelier, and sales executive in the fine wine business. Her varied experiences give her insight into many walks of life that she incorporates into her writing.
A member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, she sits on the board of the Aspen Words, the literary branch of the Aspen Institute. She has also served as a moderator of the Great Books and Sharing Shakespeare programs at the Aspen Institute.
Catherine has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, the Cox network, and numerous radio shows, including WGN Radio's Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan.
A consummate reader, wine expert, skier, back-country hiker, and biker, she divides her time between Aspen, Chicago, and Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 21, 2019
Greta was "livin' the life" so they say, in Aspen, Colorado. She is a ski patroller. Her love of skiing is most likely her #1. She is caught in an avalanche and she barely gets out. Her memory is still somewhat impaired. Greta is hospitalized - and warned to take it easy. She returns to work too soon and is hospitalized, again. But the ER doc (Duane) that had treated her both times is handsome, sweet and caring. Of course as the week progresses and Greta is at home, they begin to date. Greta also has another job - she checks coats at the Bugaboo nightclub on Saturdays - making a good amount of cash from the wealthy patrons. She is saving up for a trip to Mount Everest.
One of the Bugaboo patrons is Duane accompanied by a young blonde. He tells Greta that she is his best friend's (from college) kid, Kim, and she wanted to go there. ...
And what happens to Greta
next is hard to believe.
A MUST READ!!!
A refreshing spin on the fiction genre. Wonderful character development and use of descriptive writing
Many thanks to Severen House & .NetGfor a great read!alley
One of the Bugaboo patrons is Duane accompanied by a young blonde. He tells Greta that she is his best friend's (from college) kid, Kim, and she wanted to go there. ...
And what happens to Greta
next is hard to believe.
A MUST READ!!!
A refreshing spin on the fiction genre. Wonderful character development and use of descriptive writing
Many thanks to Severen House & .NetGfor a great read!alley
July 1, 2019
Skiing is better than sex actually, because for me a good round of sex might be seven minutes. Skiing you can do for seven hours. - Spalding Gray
Greta Westerlind is 35 years old and has been in Aspen, Colorado since her Swedish mother died and her twin brother joined the Army Rangers fifteen years ago. She loves skiing and has been on the Ski Patrol at Aspen for the last ten years, getting paid to do what she loves.
She lives in an A-frame an old friend left to her in a life trust and she's pretty darn happy with her life. Until she and her best friend are caught in an avalanche. She lives and he doesn't. And she can't remember why they were in the dangerous avalanche prone area to begin with.
Events go rapidly downhill after that with a series of accidents and someone actually trying to kill her and she's second guessing herself at every turn.
I loved this mystery thriller that revolved around downhill skiing. I spent years in Colorado and love downhill skiing. I never made it to Aspen (too spendy for me) but skiied at many nearby ski resorts so this book brought back many great memories to me.
I liked protagonist Greta. I like that this is the first book in a series about her. I enjoyed the mystery - I figured out who but not why beforehand.
I received this book from Severn House through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Greta Westerlind is 35 years old and has been in Aspen, Colorado since her Swedish mother died and her twin brother joined the Army Rangers fifteen years ago. She loves skiing and has been on the Ski Patrol at Aspen for the last ten years, getting paid to do what she loves.
She lives in an A-frame an old friend left to her in a life trust and she's pretty darn happy with her life. Until she and her best friend are caught in an avalanche. She lives and he doesn't. And she can't remember why they were in the dangerous avalanche prone area to begin with.
Events go rapidly downhill after that with a series of accidents and someone actually trying to kill her and she's second guessing herself at every turn.
I loved this mystery thriller that revolved around downhill skiing. I spent years in Colorado and love downhill skiing. I never made it to Aspen (too spendy for me) but skiied at many nearby ski resorts so this book brought back many great memories to me.
I liked protagonist Greta. I like that this is the first book in a series about her. I enjoyed the mystery - I figured out who but not why beforehand.
I received this book from Severn House through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
December 2, 2024
DNF and WTF!
Usually, when I DNF a book, I don't give a star rating. It's usually that the book just isn't for me. Every so often, it's because the book is terrible.
Guess which one this is?
The book has a multiple of sins.
* It's boring. At 50%, I'm still not sure what the plot is. I can tell you that it's about skiing - So. Much. Skiing. I can tell you that she lives in an A-Frame house because she tells you this approximately a gazillion times. I can tell you that the MC is pretentious about skiing and totally looks down on people who don't ski well.
* Aside from being pretentious, our MC is simply objectionable. She's rude, she's dull, she takes advantage of people.
* It's racist. I mean, I only read 50% of the book, but I'll give you the two most egregious examples.
1) One of her besties is named Singh. He's Indian and handsome. He has a first name. She's not sure what it is but it starts with an A. See...it was just too complicated so she just decided to NOT LEARN HIS NAME. She also wonders if customers are in shock because he's Indian and skiing and if they wonder why a doctor is working there as a ski instructor. BTW, she adds, he's gay.
2) (This one...oh...this one!) Her brother tells her he's getting married. The girl was in the military and lost a leg. Okay, cool. Also she's Black. No, wait...she's BLACK and MC is shocked, shocked I tell you. See they grew up middle class and while she (our MC) is totally good with race mixing, she's shocked her brother is. But wait, there's more... She sees a picture of the girl. She's pretty. She has braids. She has green eyes. But...HOW CAN A BLACK GIRL HAVE GREEN EYES, she asks.
Are you ready for the answer? (Note that I'm not kidding, this is literally his answer in the book.)
Her mother was raped by a bunch of crackers.
BTW - the description 'crackers' isn't mine. It's in the book.
And, yes, I was out.
Did not finish. Do not read. I want my time back.
Usually, when I DNF a book, I don't give a star rating. It's usually that the book just isn't for me. Every so often, it's because the book is terrible.
Guess which one this is?
The book has a multiple of sins.
* It's boring. At 50%, I'm still not sure what the plot is. I can tell you that it's about skiing - So. Much. Skiing. I can tell you that she lives in an A-Frame house because she tells you this approximately a gazillion times. I can tell you that the MC is pretentious about skiing and totally looks down on people who don't ski well.
* Aside from being pretentious, our MC is simply objectionable. She's rude, she's dull, she takes advantage of people.
* It's racist. I mean, I only read 50% of the book, but I'll give you the two most egregious examples.
1) One of her besties is named Singh. He's Indian and handsome. He has a first name. She's not sure what it is but it starts with an A. See...it was just too complicated so she just decided to NOT LEARN HIS NAME. She also wonders if customers are in shock because he's Indian and skiing and if they wonder why a doctor is working there as a ski instructor. BTW, she adds, he's gay.
2) (This one...oh...this one!) Her brother tells her he's getting married. The girl was in the military and lost a leg. Okay, cool. Also she's Black. No, wait...she's BLACK and MC is shocked, shocked I tell you. See they grew up middle class and while she (our MC) is totally good with race mixing, she's shocked her brother is. But wait, there's more... She sees a picture of the girl. She's pretty. She has braids. She has green eyes. But...HOW CAN A BLACK GIRL HAVE GREEN EYES, she asks.
Are you ready for the answer? (Note that I'm not kidding, this is literally his answer in the book.)
Her mother was raped by a bunch of crackers.
BTW - the description 'crackers' isn't mine. It's in the book.
And, yes, I was out.
Did not finish. Do not read. I want my time back.
January 9, 2025
The Ski Resort by Catherine O'Connell
My best friend is dead, and I refuse to let uncertainty cloud my mind. I can't remember what happened, but I will find out. What if it's all my fault?
I wake up in a hospital room, surrounded by tubes and cords connected to my battered body. I have no idea how I ended up here.
"You were in an avalanche," the handsome doctor tells me matter-of-factly. "A pretty major one."
My boss isn't holding back. "What were you thinking? Skiing Ophir's is a stunt for reckless 23-year-old boarders, not for a seasoned ski patrol member like you."
He's right. I must confront the fact that my memory has vanished. I can't come up with a single reason why I was on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, knowing the avalanche warnings were at Code Red.
Then he hits me with the truth. "You're lucky to be alive. I wish I could say the same about Warren." Warren—my longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. "He's dead, Greta."
It's my job to save lives, yet here I am, grappling with the blame for the death of the person I trusted the most.
Fifteen years ago, I drove into Aspen with big dreams and ambitions. While I may never achieve the jet-set lifestyles of the super-rich who flock here, this place holds my heart.
But there's a darker side to this glamorous ski paradise.
As memories start flooding back and a young woman goes missing, I realize someone on this mountain knows precisely what happened that day—someone who won't rest until they bury me for good. I'm determined to uncover the truth and take back control of my life.
Author of The Bachelorette Party, Catherine O'Connell has written a Scandinavian noir-style edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller filled with numerous twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.
We follow two mysteries that run parallel throughout the story to its spectacular finale.
I found the characters well-drawn and relatable.
It's an enjoyable read that I'm happy to recommend.
I want to thank publishers
Joffe Books psychological thriller and crime (8 Jan. 2025). The author, Catherine O'Connell, thanks Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy to read and review.
Please note this book was previously published as First Tracks.
My best friend is dead, and I refuse to let uncertainty cloud my mind. I can't remember what happened, but I will find out. What if it's all my fault?
I wake up in a hospital room, surrounded by tubes and cords connected to my battered body. I have no idea how I ended up here.
"You were in an avalanche," the handsome doctor tells me matter-of-factly. "A pretty major one."
My boss isn't holding back. "What were you thinking? Skiing Ophir's is a stunt for reckless 23-year-old boarders, not for a seasoned ski patrol member like you."
He's right. I must confront the fact that my memory has vanished. I can't come up with a single reason why I was on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, knowing the avalanche warnings were at Code Red.
Then he hits me with the truth. "You're lucky to be alive. I wish I could say the same about Warren." Warren—my longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. "He's dead, Greta."
It's my job to save lives, yet here I am, grappling with the blame for the death of the person I trusted the most.
Fifteen years ago, I drove into Aspen with big dreams and ambitions. While I may never achieve the jet-set lifestyles of the super-rich who flock here, this place holds my heart.
But there's a darker side to this glamorous ski paradise.
As memories start flooding back and a young woman goes missing, I realize someone on this mountain knows precisely what happened that day—someone who won't rest until they bury me for good. I'm determined to uncover the truth and take back control of my life.
Author of The Bachelorette Party, Catherine O'Connell has written a Scandinavian noir-style edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller filled with numerous twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.
We follow two mysteries that run parallel throughout the story to its spectacular finale.
I found the characters well-drawn and relatable.
It's an enjoyable read that I'm happy to recommend.
I want to thank publishers
Joffe Books psychological thriller and crime (8 Jan. 2025). The author, Catherine O'Connell, thanks Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy to read and review.
Please note this book was previously published as First Tracks.
January 13, 2025
Not as good as I'd thought it would be. It wasn't as twisty and some of the plots were obvious. I kept thinking as I was reading "have I read this before"? It seemed very similar to other books I'd read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
I read this book in no time, perhaps about the same speed as it takes to ski down a mountain lol.
The opening to the book captured me straight away and I felt the anxiety and claustrophobia of Greta as the avalanche came down around her. Greta can’t recall what happened or why she was on the mountain and is heartbroken to learn her friend and ski buddy Warren died in the avalanche. Following this there is a CO leakage at Greta’s home in the middle of the night and she narrowly escapes with her life. The doctor who is treating her jokes that she is at the hospital more often than he is and so he asks her out for dinner. If doesn’t take Greta long to become smitten with him.
However she can’t help thinking someone is out to get her and she desperately wants to remember what happened that day with Warren. But who can she trust?
This story was a little slow at times but it helped build up the atmosphere and characters. The descriptions of Aspen really made me feel like I was there and I was immersed in the story. Overall a great, quick thrilling read.
June 13, 2019
First Tracks
by Catherine O’Connell
Severn House
Severn House Publishers
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019
I am reviewing a copy of First Tracks through Severn House and Netgalley:
Greta Westerlind an experienced Ski Patroller awakes in the hospital nearly having been killed by an avalanche she is devastated to learn that her good friend bond trader Warren McGovern was killed in the avalanche.
Greta can’t figure out why they were both skiing in such a dangerous place to begin with. As she struggles to remember what really happened that day a series of strange and creepy incidents convincing Greta that someone is out to get her.
After a young woman disappears things take a terrifying turn.
I found First Tracks to be a book full of Mystery and Suspense, and worthy of five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
by Catherine O’Connell
Severn House
Severn House Publishers
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019
I am reviewing a copy of First Tracks through Severn House and Netgalley:
Greta Westerlind an experienced Ski Patroller awakes in the hospital nearly having been killed by an avalanche she is devastated to learn that her good friend bond trader Warren McGovern was killed in the avalanche.
Greta can’t figure out why they were both skiing in such a dangerous place to begin with. As she struggles to remember what really happened that day a series of strange and creepy incidents convincing Greta that someone is out to get her.
After a young woman disappears things take a terrifying turn.
I found First Tracks to be a book full of Mystery and Suspense, and worthy of five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
July 8, 2019
Aspen ski patroller Greta Westerlind is witty, tough, vulnerable, sexy and wonderfully snarky when observing the excesses of the super-rich in Aspen and St. Moritz. While battling through a series of traumatic events, she maintains her sanity by skiing the steep and deep. She imparts a lot of information about safety/recklessness in the backcountry, but this first-person narrator’s unique artistry is her evocation of the sheer bliss of skiing. The novel’s thriller/ murder mystery plot kept me turning pages, and Greta’s verve kept me smiling. It was an engrossing and truly pleasurable read. I look forward to Greta’s next amateur sleuthing adventure.
July 19, 2019
What I really liked about this book is the unique protagonist, a savvy ski patroller named Greta Westerlind. She's wants to get to the bottom of the mystery of why she and a friend were skiing in dangerous terrain that tooks her friend's life and left her with no memory of the avalanche. Great scenes of Aspen lifestyle and the luxury of St. Moritz. There's a double mystery that reveals itself at the end. I don't even ski and I loved this book. Finished in a day. Totally recommended!
March 29, 2025
The description of this book was intriguing. I love a good memory loss trope. A woman found after being involved in an avalanche with no memory of what happened and her best friend is dead. Being an avid skier, this seemed off to Greta, who knows better. The book starts off strong but falls short quickly. If you like books about skiing this might be for you. It’s slow paced and it just didn’t come together for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for a copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for a copy.
January 9, 2025
The Ski Resort is the first in the Aspen Mystery series by O'Connell and is a standalone.
I found it to be a slow starter, but once the plot kicked in so did the pace and I flew through the book in an afternoon.
It's a suspenseful, mystery thriller that's full of secrets and snow, and is based on survival skills and copious amounts of skiing. I had no idea when I started reading that I was going to end up feeling like I'd done a slalom, it's that twisty!
Great plot, intriguing characters and an enjoyable reading experience.
I found it to be a slow starter, but once the plot kicked in so did the pace and I flew through the book in an afternoon.
It's a suspenseful, mystery thriller that's full of secrets and snow, and is based on survival skills and copious amounts of skiing. I had no idea when I started reading that I was going to end up feeling like I'd done a slalom, it's that twisty!
Great plot, intriguing characters and an enjoyable reading experience.
January 13, 2025
Ooh this was a fantastic read. The author wrote the story at a relaxed kind of pace. The way she wrote was so enjoyable, I loved the fact that there were words,names, abbreviations etc that I had to search up, I have learnt a lot. I have never been skiing, so this story was refreshing and interesting.
There is always sneaky, clever twists but you don’t know it until you have finished the book. I honestly loved this, I was always interested and found it quite addictive. I had very vivid images throughout.
There is always sneaky, clever twists but you don’t know it until you have finished the book. I honestly loved this, I was always interested and found it quite addictive. I had very vivid images throughout.
July 8, 2019
A captivating read which delivers a perfectly executed mystery novel. Greta Westerlind, an Aspen ski patroller, finds herself with memory loss after surviving an avalanche that killed her best friend. Many suspicious events transpire and clues unravel that you do not anticipate. A brilliant ending that you don’t foresee, more twists than an Aspen slope. A beautifully written book of loss, love and suspense. Highly recommend!
June 25, 2019
Great summer book. It will cool one off with all the talk of snow. Skiing is the number one priority in the protagonist's life. There is a mystery with a surprising perpetrator. Would have been happier without the intimate details, but easy to skip. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
December 21, 2019
Great book! Couldn’t put it down.
January 13, 2025
The ski resort by Catherine O’Connell
3.5⭐️
O’Connell crafts a compelling protagonist in Greta, whose journey from confusion to determination is both engaging and relatable. The author vividly captures the beauty and danger of the Aspen ski scene, immersing me in a world where the line between thrill and peril is razor-thin. The narrative is enriched with suspenseful undertones, keeping readers on edge as Greta navigates a series of strange and menacing incidents that suggest someone intends her harm.
The Blurb
My best friend is dead. I can’t remember what happened. But what if it’s all my fault . . . ?
I wake up in a hospital room with all kinds of tubes and cords protruding from my bruised and battered body. I have no idea how I got here.
‘You were in an avalanche,’ the good-looking doctor explains. ‘A pretty major one.’
My boss is less sympathetic. ‘What in hell were you thinking? Skiing Ophir’s is a stunt for some idiot 23-year-old boarder, not a seasoned ski patrol.’
He’s right. But my memory has gone completely. I can come up with zero reasons why I was skiing on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, a time when avalanche warnings are Code Red.
It’s then he drops the bombshell. ‘Well, you’re damn lucky. Wish I could say the same about Warren.’ Warren. My longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. ‘He’s dead, Greta.’
My job is to help save lives. Now it looks like I’m to blame for the death of the person I trust the most.
I drove into Aspen fifteen years ago with nothing but big dreams and even bigger ambitions. Even though I can never aspire to the jetset lifestyles of the super-rich holidaymakers who flock here, I love this place.
But there’s a darker side to this glamorous skiers’ paradise.
As flashes of memory return and a young woman suddenly disappears, I realize that someone on this mountain knows exactly what happened that day. Someone who won’t be satisfied until they bury me for good.
Thanks to the author @catherineocwriter @joffebooks and @zooloosbooktours for letting me be apart of this tour.
#theskiresort #catherineoconnell #joffeebooks #joffee #zooloosbooktours
3.5⭐️
O’Connell crafts a compelling protagonist in Greta, whose journey from confusion to determination is both engaging and relatable. The author vividly captures the beauty and danger of the Aspen ski scene, immersing me in a world where the line between thrill and peril is razor-thin. The narrative is enriched with suspenseful undertones, keeping readers on edge as Greta navigates a series of strange and menacing incidents that suggest someone intends her harm.
The Blurb
My best friend is dead. I can’t remember what happened. But what if it’s all my fault . . . ?
I wake up in a hospital room with all kinds of tubes and cords protruding from my bruised and battered body. I have no idea how I got here.
‘You were in an avalanche,’ the good-looking doctor explains. ‘A pretty major one.’
My boss is less sympathetic. ‘What in hell were you thinking? Skiing Ophir’s is a stunt for some idiot 23-year-old boarder, not a seasoned ski patrol.’
He’s right. But my memory has gone completely. I can come up with zero reasons why I was skiing on that side of the mountain at three in the afternoon, a time when avalanche warnings are Code Red.
It’s then he drops the bombshell. ‘Well, you’re damn lucky. Wish I could say the same about Warren.’ Warren. My longtime friend and greatest ski buddy. ‘He’s dead, Greta.’
My job is to help save lives. Now it looks like I’m to blame for the death of the person I trust the most.
I drove into Aspen fifteen years ago with nothing but big dreams and even bigger ambitions. Even though I can never aspire to the jetset lifestyles of the super-rich holidaymakers who flock here, I love this place.
But there’s a darker side to this glamorous skiers’ paradise.
As flashes of memory return and a young woman suddenly disappears, I realize that someone on this mountain knows exactly what happened that day. Someone who won’t be satisfied until they bury me for good.
Thanks to the author @catherineocwriter @joffebooks and @zooloosbooktours for letting me be apart of this tour.
#theskiresort #catherineoconnell #joffeebooks #joffee #zooloosbooktours
January 5, 2025
A young woman narrowly survived an avalanche, later she learned that a friend had not survived the ordeal. She cannot remember anything about the events leading up to the accident and asks herself how, as an experienced ski patroller, she could not have seen this coming.
She tries as best she can to resume her life as a ski patroller, but unexplained things keep happening, and within days after the accident, she barely escapes carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is a character-driven novel, I wouldn't describe this as a thriller.
To be honest, I was expecting a lot more from the book, I found it rather boring and the twist did not come until the very end. It's mostly about the Rockies and skiing. A lot of the thrillers I recently read were set in small communities in England or in Scotland, so I thought it was a nice change. I can’t ski - I'm afraid of heights and prefer both feet on the ground, albeit I was a good skater and was a short-track champion in my youth.
I liked the setting, but there was too little going on in the story for me to find it compelling.
2.5 -3 stars. Thank you Joffe for the arc.
She tries as best she can to resume her life as a ski patroller, but unexplained things keep happening, and within days after the accident, she barely escapes carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is a character-driven novel, I wouldn't describe this as a thriller.
To be honest, I was expecting a lot more from the book, I found it rather boring and the twist did not come until the very end. It's mostly about the Rockies and skiing. A lot of the thrillers I recently read were set in small communities in England or in Scotland, so I thought it was a nice change. I can’t ski - I'm afraid of heights and prefer both feet on the ground, albeit I was a good skater and was a short-track champion in my youth.
I liked the setting, but there was too little going on in the story for me to find it compelling.
2.5 -3 stars. Thank you Joffe for the arc.
December 15, 2024
This was just okay. Not amazing but not bad
I liked that I didn’t guess the ending at all or how it would all come together. I also like to cozy, snowing setting.
I didn’t like the romance parts since I didn’t go in expecting it.
There was not a lot of twists more of a long stream of thoughts constantly. Overall if you are just looking for something quick and cozy maybe I would recommend it.
I liked that I didn’t guess the ending at all or how it would all come together. I also like to cozy, snowing setting.
I didn’t like the romance parts since I didn’t go in expecting it.
There was not a lot of twists more of a long stream of thoughts constantly. Overall if you are just looking for something quick and cozy maybe I would recommend it.
January 5, 2025
This is my second O'Connell book I have read. The Ski Resort wasn't a book that zipped along, but I still enjoyed it. The characters were well crafted. The downside was that I didn’t enjoy the style of writing as much as I’d have liked, too much repetition. And I didn't think the ending was too strong, it felt rushed.
Thank you to Joffe Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Joffe Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
November 29, 2024
The book was a bit slow paced, but it was an interesting read. The characters were really well developed, I enjoyed getting to know them.
However I’m not a big fan of the writing style.overall,I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a slow moving mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
However I’m not a big fan of the writing style.overall,I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a slow moving mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
July 27, 2019
Suuuuucked. Couldn’t finish reading it, literally 50% in and there’s no point to the story so far. Also poorly written, like whoever edited this did it blindfolded and also couldn’t speak English.
January 28, 2025
I read my first book by this author only a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the writing style and fast-paced, thrilling storyline, so couldn't wait to add this seasonal read to my list too!
I love to read books with a wintery setting over this cold period and it was great to dive in and immerse myself in this one - whilst wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate!
Again, the author draws us straight into this with an intriguing hook - what happened on that mountain and why were they there!?
We actually follow two mysteries here and they run alongside each other throughout. I was kind of waiting for them to merge and end with some common factor, but this never emerged.
However, both were intriguing and both concluded well (if a little rushed at the end)
I liked the characters, who were all pretty relatable but I loved the description of the area most.
This created so vivid and image that I was totally transported to Aspen for the duration.
Definitely an experience, but not one I'll ever achieve!
This was an enjoyable read and I'll be looking out for more from this author soon.
I love to read books with a wintery setting over this cold period and it was great to dive in and immerse myself in this one - whilst wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate!
Again, the author draws us straight into this with an intriguing hook - what happened on that mountain and why were they there!?
We actually follow two mysteries here and they run alongside each other throughout. I was kind of waiting for them to merge and end with some common factor, but this never emerged.
However, both were intriguing and both concluded well (if a little rushed at the end)
I liked the characters, who were all pretty relatable but I loved the description of the area most.
This created so vivid and image that I was totally transported to Aspen for the duration.
Definitely an experience, but not one I'll ever achieve!
This was an enjoyable read and I'll be looking out for more from this author soon.
December 23, 2024
I was introduced to The Ski Resort as part of a virtual book tour. I was intrigued by the back cover copy and a thriller set in Aspen sounded right up my alley. The book opens full of action but it didn’t continue. The main character is very relatable and I enjoyed reading about her and her brother. I was disappointed as the book was less thriller and more a story about the ski patrol.
April 21, 2025
Keeps you guessing until the very end!!!! Worthwhile reading especially if you love to ski!
March 19, 2019
Ski Patroller Greta Westerlind is having a rough week, beginning with being caught in a terrifying avalanche where her dear friend Warren is killed, then suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, capped off with an attempted fire of her home. With her memory of the avalanche in tatters, Greta feels as if her world is as inverted as a skier lost in a snowstorm. Adrenaline junkie Greta lives for the mountains of Aspen where she can have perfect powder and glorious scenery every day for her adventures. But between a distracting new romance, a series of Ted Bundy like murders, and the continual distraction of spoiled rich vacationers, will Greta ever uncover what happened that day on the mountain? A compelling, Scandinavian noir style thriller, O’Connell’s newest heroine is sure to inspire thrill seekers and couch potatoes alike. Great for fans of Ruth Ware and Arnaldur Indriðason.
December 2, 2019
O'Connell knows Aspen like a local. She lets Greta tell her story: down-to-earth ski patroller who carves a nice life for her single self in expensive Aspen. Greta is funny even when bad stuff happens to her. Loved her inside tips about where she was skiing and who was wearing what and all the inside scoop. The book is nicely paced and even though the characters might seem stock, trust me, these people exist in Aspen. To WIT: Ted Bundy.
March 7, 2020
This is a fun read that gives one both an intriguing set of mysteries and an insider’s view of life in Aspen from the vision of one of it’s “worker bees”. O’Connell intertwines several twists of supposed fate into a surprising but plausible solution.
If you crave a great mystery, enjoy the elan of an exceptional ski venue and love the unveiling of the life of a “lady ski bum”, “First Tracks” is for you. I’m looking forward to cruising along with Greta Westerland in her next adventure.
If you crave a great mystery, enjoy the elan of an exceptional ski venue and love the unveiling of the life of a “lady ski bum”, “First Tracks” is for you. I’m looking forward to cruising along with Greta Westerland in her next adventure.
January 8, 2025
I Couldn't Put It Down
Greta lives to ski and works as a ski patrol guide. One day she woke up in hospital after being caught in an avalanche where her best friend was killed, but Greta cannot remember why they were sking in that particular place. Once she is able to return home strange things start to happen to her and suddenly she does not feel safe. Is there someone out to get her, and if so why? I really enjoyed this book and did couldn’t put it down.
Greta lives to ski and works as a ski patrol guide. One day she woke up in hospital after being caught in an avalanche where her best friend was killed, but Greta cannot remember why they were sking in that particular place. Once she is able to return home strange things start to happen to her and suddenly she does not feel safe. Is there someone out to get her, and if so why? I really enjoyed this book and did couldn’t put it down.
January 9, 2025
A scenic story
Greta awakens in a hospital bed after a skiing accident. She has no memory of why she had gone on a dangerous, and closed ski path.
This changes her life and takes her to Europe where she finds the answers to what and who was behind her accident. A lot of twists and turns before then. Good story and interesting characters.
Greta awakens in a hospital bed after a skiing accident. She has no memory of why she had gone on a dangerous, and closed ski path.
This changes her life and takes her to Europe where she finds the answers to what and who was behind her accident. A lot of twists and turns before then. Good story and interesting characters.
January 20, 2025
Absolutely Awesome!
Having never mastered the art of skiing, this took me back to my early days when I tried but was always afraid and as such fell a lot! This book helped me live on paper what I couldn't in real life and was an incredible story! Now 69 years old, I devoured this in 1 day and flew through it. I routed for the heroine all the way through!
Having never mastered the art of skiing, this took me back to my early days when I tried but was always afraid and as such fell a lot! This book helped me live on paper what I couldn't in real life and was an incredible story! Now 69 years old, I devoured this in 1 day and flew through it. I routed for the heroine all the way through!
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