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Cold Blooded
In the isolated snow-bound town of South Pine, ex-soldier Tom Jade will literally face his demons
Suffering brutal nightmares, and with little memory of how and why he came to be back in his hometown, Jade will finally learn the dark truth of his clouded past. What was the agenda behind his sudden disappearance while fighting in the Middle-East, and the bloody events leading to his return? And why had his father, a war veteran, never spoken of his tour in Vietnam more than thirty years ago?
Together with Rebecca Leigh, a local cop with her own tragic history, Jade will face a steady stream of inhuman assassins, courtesy of the malevolent Louis Faulkner, a powerful figure with sinister ties to Jade's father.
Suffering brutal nightmares, and with little memory of how and why he came to be back in his hometown, Jade will finally learn the dark truth of his clouded past. What was the agenda behind his sudden disappearance while fighting in the Middle-East, and the bloody events leading to his return? And why had his father, a war veteran, never spoken of his tour in Vietnam more than thirty years ago?
Together with Rebecca Leigh, a local cop with her own tragic history, Jade will face a steady stream of inhuman assassins, courtesy of the malevolent Louis Faulkner, a powerful figure with sinister ties to Jade's father.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2013
94 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Matt Cairns
2 books6 followersMatt Cairns grew up reading action and fantasy novels. As an ex-soldier and ex-cop, he needed to write a story he wanted to read. A mix of crime and crack soldier. Bad folk vs. small town. With an element of the unreal...
He grew up in such a place: a small military town called Waiouru, where he spent his childhood roaming the local woods and countryside. He soldiered there, and later policed it, often on his own. In the depths of winter Waiouru snows, at times heavily enough to isolate it from the outside world. There’s nothing better, thriller or horror, than snow soaked in blood. This is the setting for Cold Blooded...
Cairns has also written a semi-autobiographical non-fiction book titled “How To Live With Anxiety, Depression, And A Little Known Condition Called Cervical Dystonia”, which he describes as a sort of “profile extension”.
He grew up in such a place: a small military town called Waiouru, where he spent his childhood roaming the local woods and countryside. He soldiered there, and later policed it, often on his own. In the depths of winter Waiouru snows, at times heavily enough to isolate it from the outside world. There’s nothing better, thriller or horror, than snow soaked in blood. This is the setting for Cold Blooded...
Cairns has also written a semi-autobiographical non-fiction book titled “How To Live With Anxiety, Depression, And A Little Known Condition Called Cervical Dystonia”, which he describes as a sort of “profile extension”.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 6, 2017
Sci-fy, horror thriller, which is NOT the genre I usually read or enjoy. However, even though this is intensely gory, the malevolent characters and the protagonists are so well developed, I found myself immersed in this horrific plot of super monsters created by a government's military branch to become super warriors. Hmmm. Not SO out of the realm of plausibility. However, The genetic experiment goes awry, and the super warriors morf into something much more malevolent, evil and sinister. Actually, the premise is quite interesting, characters well developed, and the storyline exciting and well paced. Be forewarned, however; A LOT of bloody and gory action, but the good guys prevail in the end! Yeah! I'd read a sequel if and when the author deigns to write it! Yikes!
June 7, 2019
A different type of book. I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the story but the back and forth between characters was a bit confusing at times. The ending I did not see coming.
June 21, 2017
It was a good story, fairly fast moving. The back and forth between characters was difficult to follow at first but I quickly got used to it and let myself really get into the book. I hate reviews that spell out the story (no need to read the book) but, if you like conspiracy, mad scientists, military experiments, sci fi and are able to shut out that voice that says "that's not humanly possible", this is a really good read. The characters are so well developed that you really care about the outcome.
May 27, 2019
I enjoyed the book, but was bothered by the characters' ready acceptance of everything going on. I understand the need to suspend reality when reading a book of this type, but the lack of any real reaction from the "human" characters bothered me throughout. It was, however, an interesting read and did make me think about what could be happening to people who go missing. And as always, authors who have this stuff in their imagination worry me!
January 8, 2024
Ok so I agree, this book is a page turner. I love page turners! What i didn't love was the use of so many unnecessary words especially in the first couple of chapters. It was too verbose and had me wondering why the writer chose to regurgitate the dictionary into this book lol.
I enjoyed the plot though and the main characters didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the plot though and the main characters didn't disappoint.
June 30, 2018
Not my style or genre but not to say it was not well written.
March 31, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
September 13, 2014
When I downloaded Cold Blooded by Matt Cairns, three words led me in: debut, thriller, and supernatural.
I was a little confused at first, because I had imagined that the supernatural element was paranormal, my mistake. The supernatural element is associated with scientific experiments related to genetic engineering in a paramilitary organization. I soon realized I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to follow the absorbing plot.
The idyllic setting, in a small rural and remote location in New Zealand, in the middle of a severe thunderstorm adds to the tension and atmosphere. The characters, even the ‘supernatural’ ones are well developed and described, so that we care about what happens to the ‘good’ ones and feel animosity towards the ‘bad’ ones.
Some of the scenes are violent and repulsive, but not more than is necessary to put the point across. I didn’t feel it was unwarranted. The issues of good and evil, and how far violence can be justified for a ‘good’ cause, comes up in the narrative, and is summarized in Tom’s paraphrase of William James’s famous quote by saying: ‘The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause.’
The plot is well-woven, well-written, and most importantly, well-unraveled and concluded. There was a moment towards the end when I was worried, dreading a happy ever after, or ‘easy’ ending, but that didn’t happen. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending is very unexpected, partly poignant, and wholly satisfactory.
I highly recommend it for an exciting, action-packed, surprising, and thrilling read.
I was a little confused at first, because I had imagined that the supernatural element was paranormal, my mistake. The supernatural element is associated with scientific experiments related to genetic engineering in a paramilitary organization. I soon realized I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to follow the absorbing plot.
The idyllic setting, in a small rural and remote location in New Zealand, in the middle of a severe thunderstorm adds to the tension and atmosphere. The characters, even the ‘supernatural’ ones are well developed and described, so that we care about what happens to the ‘good’ ones and feel animosity towards the ‘bad’ ones.
Some of the scenes are violent and repulsive, but not more than is necessary to put the point across. I didn’t feel it was unwarranted. The issues of good and evil, and how far violence can be justified for a ‘good’ cause, comes up in the narrative, and is summarized in Tom’s paraphrase of William James’s famous quote by saying: ‘The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause.’
The plot is well-woven, well-written, and most importantly, well-unraveled and concluded. There was a moment towards the end when I was worried, dreading a happy ever after, or ‘easy’ ending, but that didn’t happen. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending is very unexpected, partly poignant, and wholly satisfactory.
I highly recommend it for an exciting, action-packed, surprising, and thrilling read.
September 13, 2014
Clever horror/thriller read
It's satisfying to occasionally run across a thriller that incorporates horror elements other than zombies or vampires. I enjoyed how the mysteries of this novel unfolded slowly and incompletely allowing you to use your imagination to fill in the details. Not being fond of overdescriptive prose, I found this book to be a concise, entertaining, and enjoyable read that I would recommend for all thriller and paranormal fans. The only reasons I didn't give five stars is because of a few proofreading errors and the use of a few words like leant which in the U.S. would be leaned. I understand this was written using the grammatical style of New Zealand, it just slowed me down a bit. I would like to read more about some possible Jade adventures and will definitely be looking into more works by Matt Cairns.
It's satisfying to occasionally run across a thriller that incorporates horror elements other than zombies or vampires. I enjoyed how the mysteries of this novel unfolded slowly and incompletely allowing you to use your imagination to fill in the details. Not being fond of overdescriptive prose, I found this book to be a concise, entertaining, and enjoyable read that I would recommend for all thriller and paranormal fans. The only reasons I didn't give five stars is because of a few proofreading errors and the use of a few words like leant which in the U.S. would be leaned. I understand this was written using the grammatical style of New Zealand, it just slowed me down a bit. I would like to read more about some possible Jade adventures and will definitely be looking into more works by Matt Cairns.
September 12, 2014
Horrific, chilling and suspenseful!
A great thriller about the government, mad scientists and experiments either gone awry or fiendishly planned. The average citizen really knows what kind of covert testing governmental agencies conduct with scientists over zealous to attempt something that has not been done successfully yet. Planning a super soldier, biological warfare among many other secret experiments. What do we really know for sure line Agent Orange in Viet Nam as the author briefly mentioned in this book. What's so chilling about the content in this fictional novel is that it may not be so far farfetched. Of course giving conspiracy theorists fuel. lol Don't miss a great book to read. It's gripping and suspenseful.
A great thriller about the government, mad scientists and experiments either gone awry or fiendishly planned. The average citizen really knows what kind of covert testing governmental agencies conduct with scientists over zealous to attempt something that has not been done successfully yet. Planning a super soldier, biological warfare among many other secret experiments. What do we really know for sure line Agent Orange in Viet Nam as the author briefly mentioned in this book. What's so chilling about the content in this fictional novel is that it may not be so far farfetched. Of course giving conspiracy theorists fuel. lol Don't miss a great book to read. It's gripping and suspenseful.
June 21, 2015
I marked this read because I don't think I'll get the last quarter of the book read. Ever.
Obviously it held my attention for most of the book. But then it got "weird". Which is fine if you like that sort of thing. Not really my thing....
I have no real complaints or criticism, mostly just not my type of book. I got this for some super cheap price or free from Book Bub.
If you like the normal going into the paranormal... give this a shot.
Obviously it held my attention for most of the book. But then it got "weird". Which is fine if you like that sort of thing. Not really my thing....
I have no real complaints or criticism, mostly just not my type of book. I got this for some super cheap price or free from Book Bub.
If you like the normal going into the paranormal... give this a shot.
September 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Full disclosure, it took me a bit to get into it and I almost put it down, even though I can't pinpoint why. I was hooked on the characters pretty quick but the story itself took me a little longer. I'm extremely glad I stuck with it and was not disappointed. I'll definitely pick up the next installment.
September 22, 2014
Something wicked this way comes.
a fast paced read with plenty to keep your interest.Jade knows how this started...with someone blowing up a lab. what came from there is tracking him and his lady. Through a bone chilling blizzard,and power outage.They keep coming and coming and coming.Will they escape with their lives?
a fast paced read with plenty to keep your interest.Jade knows how this started...with someone blowing up a lab. what came from there is tracking him and his lady. Through a bone chilling blizzard,and power outage.They keep coming and coming and coming.Will they escape with their lives?
Read
December 12, 2014At 30% but it's just not holding my interest and I'm starting to skim. The writer's got a good clean style and the presentation is professional, with only a few swapped-out words (reign-rein, and so on). Extremely gory, shallow characterization, and the enhanced-soldier plotline is one I've read several times before. Sorry, but not for me.
April 20, 2019
Part science fiction (which I don't like) and part black government programs to enhance the fighting capabilities of soldiers. One escapes and puts the entire town in jeopardy. Fast reading. I rate this a 4.5
November 19, 2014
I enjoyed the story line immensely and even the action began it was impossible to put down. some of the characters were a little difficult to keep up with though. They were easily confusing. It was decently written and I enjoyed the detail put into it. Definitely worth a read!
Read
September 2, 2016A well written thriller/horror story! This book certainly grips you from the get go. A lot going on in a small amount of time. Great characters, good and bad. Definitely not for the feint of heart or stomach. Great descriptive scenes!
Read
October 5, 2014Couldn't get into it and was unable to figure out where it was headed even after 32% read. Just gave up on it. Too many other books I think I will like better so will move on.
October 16, 2014
fast paced horror/thriller
September 14, 2014
This book was action packed with blood and gore. The ending came too fast for me though.
September 25, 2014
Awesome .
Enjoyed reading so much could hardly put it down .I would recommend this book to my friends. Great story line.
Enjoyed reading so much could hardly put it down .I would recommend this book to my friends. Great story line.
November 15, 2014
Great read
action from beginning to end, loved it. would highly recommend this book couldn't put this down Sat up till 2:00 am until I finished it
action from beginning to end, loved it. would highly recommend this book couldn't put this down Sat up till 2:00 am until I finished it
December 5, 2014
Very quick and fast paced read! Would love Mr. Cairns to revisit the subject, perhaps as a prequel. Thomas Jade deserves another go or 2!
January 16, 2015
Received free copy from Amazon
Good story, and characters well written, quite enjoyed
Good story, and characters well written, quite enjoyed
October 19, 2015
Interesting premise of genetic manipulation of soldiers combined with the supernatural. Did not rank with the best of page turners but well worth the effort to pick up and enjoy.
June 6, 2015
Bad book
A sick book, that no one should read. Keep this author in mind
So you can be sure not to ever look at anything he tries to write.
A sick book, that no one should read. Keep this author in mind
So you can be sure not to ever look at anything he tries to write.
November 20, 2015
A book that keeps you on edge.
April 17, 2016
It's too bad because this could have been a good story, but grammatical errors, misspelled and misused words (it's "moot" not "mute"), and a crappy ending ruined it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews