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Our Winter Monster
Chilling holiday horror about an unhappy couple running from their problems and straight into the maw of a terrifying beast, perfect for fans of Paul Tremblay and Sara Gran
For the last year, Holly and Brian have been out of sync. Neither can forget what happened that one winter evening; neither can forgive what’s happened since. Tonight, Holly and Brian race toward Pinebuck, New York, trying to outrun a blizzard on their way to the ski village getaway they hope will save their relationship. But soon they lose control of the car—and then of themselves.
Now Sheriff Kendra Book is getting calls about a couple in trouble—along with reports of a brutal and mysterious creature rampaging through town, leaving a trail of crushed cars, wrecked buildings, and mangled bodies in the snow.
To Kendra, who lost another couple to the snow just seven weeks ago, the danger feels personal. But not as personal as it feels to Holly and Brian, who are starting to see the past, the present, and themselves in a monstrous new light . . .
For the last year, Holly and Brian have been out of sync. Neither can forget what happened that one winter evening; neither can forgive what’s happened since. Tonight, Holly and Brian race toward Pinebuck, New York, trying to outrun a blizzard on their way to the ski village getaway they hope will save their relationship. But soon they lose control of the car—and then of themselves.
Now Sheriff Kendra Book is getting calls about a couple in trouble—along with reports of a brutal and mysterious creature rampaging through town, leaving a trail of crushed cars, wrecked buildings, and mangled bodies in the snow.
To Kendra, who lost another couple to the snow just seven weeks ago, the danger feels personal. But not as personal as it feels to Holly and Brian, who are starting to see the past, the present, and themselves in a monstrous new light . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2025
111 people are currently reading
23948 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
December 17, 2024
2.5 Stars
This is a very standard winter themed horror thriller novel. I enjoy this subgenre but I find so many of these novels follow the same formula. I found this one very predictable. The characters themselves felt more like archetypes than well rounded individuals. I wish this one was more atmospheric but I didn't feel it captured the blizzarding setting.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for a supernatural horror thriller and don't mind that this story has been told many times before.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a very standard winter themed horror thriller novel. I enjoy this subgenre but I find so many of these novels follow the same formula. I found this one very predictable. The characters themselves felt more like archetypes than well rounded individuals. I wish this one was more atmospheric but I didn't feel it captured the blizzarding setting.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for a supernatural horror thriller and don't mind that this story has been told many times before.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 4, 2024
A couple decides to go on vacation to a small ski resort town. An accident happens as a devastating blizzard with whiteout conditions hits. What follows is a story about emotional trauma, strained relationships, and a monster in the snow.
This isn't your typical monster story. Yes, there's a creature formed from snow and ice and it ravages anything in it's way, except for this couple who are on the brink of being pulled apart because of something which happened a year earlier that changed them both. They get separated after the accident and they both encounter this monster yet they remain basically unharmed as those around them are brutally murdered by it.
The sheriff of the town has also recently lost her girlfriend and is being pressured about another couple who went missing a few months earlier. They've never been found. Now a new couple seems to be eluding her as horrifying things happen whenever they're around.
The secret of this creature is something you don't see a lot in horror novels. And it's a refreshing and original take on how monsters are created and what is their purpose for existing.
With some unique kills, several character arcs (including a burgeoning serial killer), and an action packed narrative with some twists and turns, I recommend this novel.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This isn't your typical monster story. Yes, there's a creature formed from snow and ice and it ravages anything in it's way, except for this couple who are on the brink of being pulled apart because of something which happened a year earlier that changed them both. They get separated after the accident and they both encounter this monster yet they remain basically unharmed as those around them are brutally murdered by it.
The sheriff of the town has also recently lost her girlfriend and is being pressured about another couple who went missing a few months earlier. They've never been found. Now a new couple seems to be eluding her as horrifying things happen whenever they're around.
The secret of this creature is something you don't see a lot in horror novels. And it's a refreshing and original take on how monsters are created and what is their purpose for existing.
With some unique kills, several character arcs (including a burgeoning serial killer), and an action packed narrative with some twists and turns, I recommend this novel.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
April 26, 2025
This was so promising and I went into it hoping for it to be a complete blast. Unfortunately, the execution left something to be desired, and I found myself lost more times than not and struggled to follow who was who and when was when for a large majority of the story! I finally caught on towards the latter portion of this but it didn't pack quite the punch I hoped for and couldn't redeem itself beyond a middle of the road rating. was there a monster? Yes! did it give an answer as to the origins of the monster? Not in the least! Were there some frightening moments? Absolutely! I would recommend anyone going into this one to go in mostly blind with no expectations and perhaps your experience will be better than mine?!
April 26, 2025
Always Swipe Left, if a horror novel is described as atmospheric, literary, or philosophical!
Our Winter Monster was described in just a way, that it barely fell under my radar, unfortunately!
There was barely, enough real horror and some action included, along with certain stand-out characters to help balance against the heavy prevalence of "literary and atmospheric" elements (blah). Overall, an intriguing premise and a lot more pieces to it than expected. As a result, I was able to read this entirely, though it took longer.
No doubt, this is creative, and of the few intense scary moments, quite gory even. Unfortunately, those were few and far between. Mostly I was hoping for more action and a little clarification perhaps. Neither occurred. I'll need to update my discerning criteria when selecting. Lol. I think I would have passed on this having known more.
Whether one will enjoy this, comes down entirely to the reader's preference.
Our Winter Monster was described in just a way, that it barely fell under my radar, unfortunately!
There was barely, enough real horror and some action included, along with certain stand-out characters to help balance against the heavy prevalence of "literary and atmospheric" elements (blah). Overall, an intriguing premise and a lot more pieces to it than expected. As a result, I was able to read this entirely, though it took longer.
No doubt, this is creative, and of the few intense scary moments, quite gory even. Unfortunately, those were few and far between. Mostly I was hoping for more action and a little clarification perhaps. Neither occurred. I'll need to update my discerning criteria when selecting. Lol. I think I would have passed on this having known more.
Whether one will enjoy this, comes down entirely to the reader's preference.
June 23, 2024
Read as an ARC.
This has a really good plot. It took me a while to get into it. The plot twist just came out of nowhere. It didn't build up. It was... you turn the page, and oh ok. There's one answer. Overall, I did enjoy this book. I loved Holly's and Brian's dynamic. It really portrays trauma and how one deals with it.
This has a really good plot. It took me a while to get into it. The plot twist just came out of nowhere. It didn't build up. It was... you turn the page, and oh ok. There's one answer. Overall, I did enjoy this book. I loved Holly's and Brian's dynamic. It really portrays trauma and how one deals with it.
June 19, 2024
ARC for review. To be published January 28, 2024.
So, Brian and Holly? The are two people breaking mirrors left and right, while walking under ladders living under dark clouds. These are two seriously unlucky people.
Now, I love books set in the snow, the cold, the ice, and this definitely was. I’m not such a big fan of monsters, but this, this actually worked, in an odd way.
Holly and Brian’s relationship has been suffering and this weekend away is a last shot at making things better…..since that one winter night and all that came after, which you know will be slowly teased out and, in this case, is really disappointing and is incredibly sexist, though maybe not so much from the author as from the character. Hard to know.
Anyway, they are headed to a ski resort in the middle of a blizzard. So, so smart. That always goes well. Especially if your relationship is on the brink. They crash.
Meanwhile the local Sheriff is fielding calls about a potential couple in trouble a mere seven weeks after another couple was lost in the snow. And the office is getting calls about mysterious happenings around town. Could the two be related?
Why, yes! Yes, yes they could. Interesting book with an odd little twist. Not exactly sure what it means, if anything, on top of what Holly and Brian have already been through. I liked it.
So, Brian and Holly? The are two people breaking mirrors left and right, while walking under ladders living under dark clouds. These are two seriously unlucky people.
Now, I love books set in the snow, the cold, the ice, and this definitely was. I’m not such a big fan of monsters, but this, this actually worked, in an odd way.
Holly and Brian’s relationship has been suffering and this weekend away is a last shot at making things better…..since that one winter night and all that came after, which you know will be slowly teased out and, in this case, is really disappointing and is incredibly sexist, though maybe not so much from the author as from the character. Hard to know.
Anyway, they are headed to a ski resort in the middle of a blizzard. So, so smart. That always goes well. Especially if your relationship is on the brink. They crash.
Meanwhile the local Sheriff is fielding calls about a potential couple in trouble a mere seven weeks after another couple was lost in the snow. And the office is getting calls about mysterious happenings around town. Could the two be related?
Why, yes! Yes, yes they could. Interesting book with an odd little twist. Not exactly sure what it means, if anything, on top of what Holly and Brian have already been through. I liked it.
December 22, 2024
This well-paced wintry thriller offers a unique monster to threaten your idyllic ski vacation. Unfortunately the good pacing and the the inventive monster wasn’t enough to really draw me in. Let me start with what I enjoyed. In many ways this has all of the touchstones of a regular thriller, and so if that comfortable lane works for you then this does provide something a little different. The pacing was good, moving across character POVs at critical times to keep us engaged but not revealing too much, and yet the characters did figure out what was going on before the third act, which I appreciated, from then they had to navigate how to battle the situation, but that’s a lot smarter than the audience knowing what was going on way ahead of the characters and impatiently waiting for them to catch up. There is a critical event that happened in the past and that is revealed through flashback chapters and while I wasn’t particularly overwhelmed by the reveal I did think the structuring and framing was skillfully done. Many of the chapters were very short, and this added to the somewhat frantic tone and the narrative momentum. The monster was inventive, but not entirely surprising. Still, not what is expected in wintry-thriller fare, so that was also appreciated. The small-town, winter-resort setting was fun, and we did get some decent world-building through the characters as they were sketched out. It never really rose to the place of being too important a factor in the story, and there was some reliance on the reader knowing what the vibes of that kind of town were like, but it still provided and enjoyable backdrop for the story.
As for why those things don’t add up to a more glowing review... I didn't feel any investment in the characters. There were a number of ancillary characters in addition to our primary pair, and they all, primary and ancillary characters, felt pretty one-note, not fully realized. There was a good nod at diversity, such as the Black lesbian sheriff of a small town, but instead of any real interest or depth to her character every time we followed her she lamented how her girlfriend left her and she didn’t feel like she was good enough, her identity revolved around that alone and nothing else. Good representation alone isn’t enough to make complicated or engaging characters. It was similar with our main characters, I just didn’t experience them as having much depth, they felt very cut and dry. It was hard to care about their plight when they felt so generic, and so defined by very few things. Also, it was hard to understand why the monster was attacking now. The overall idea of the monster was interesting, and uncommon in these kind of stories, but what was it about this couple visiting this vacation town at this time that catalyzed the attack? It wasn’t clear why this was happening now, of all times, and so it made everything feel disconnected and narratively convenient, instead of meaningful. Additionally the way the monster was defeated just felt way more simplistic than the situation called for, and it felt like it kind of trivialized trauma and PTSD in the process.
There are some interesting ideas that this story is trying to tackle, it is trying to be more than just a simple thriller. It didn’t live up to its ambitions, for me. However, it was still a pleasant read, with very quick pacing, a few unexpectedly violent deaths, and more or less strong and direct writing, with realistic dialogue, throughout.
(Rounded up from 2.5)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Soho Press | Hell's Hundred , and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As for why those things don’t add up to a more glowing review... I didn't feel any investment in the characters. There were a number of ancillary characters in addition to our primary pair, and they all, primary and ancillary characters, felt pretty one-note, not fully realized. There was a good nod at diversity, such as the Black lesbian sheriff of a small town, but instead of any real interest or depth to her character every time we followed her she lamented how her girlfriend left her and she didn’t feel like she was good enough, her identity revolved around that alone and nothing else. Good representation alone isn’t enough to make complicated or engaging characters. It was similar with our main characters, I just didn’t experience them as having much depth, they felt very cut and dry. It was hard to care about their plight when they felt so generic, and so defined by very few things. Also, it was hard to understand why the monster was attacking now. The overall idea of the monster was interesting, and uncommon in these kind of stories, but what was it about this couple visiting this vacation town at this time that catalyzed the attack? It wasn’t clear why this was happening now, of all times, and so it made everything feel disconnected and narratively convenient, instead of meaningful. Additionally the way the monster was defeated just felt way more simplistic than the situation called for, and it felt like it kind of trivialized trauma and PTSD in the process.
There are some interesting ideas that this story is trying to tackle, it is trying to be more than just a simple thriller. It didn’t live up to its ambitions, for me. However, it was still a pleasant read, with very quick pacing, a few unexpectedly violent deaths, and more or less strong and direct writing, with realistic dialogue, throughout.
(Rounded up from 2.5)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Soho Press | Hell's Hundred , and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
Sometimes, the best way to kick off the new year is by diving into a wintery book, especially when you live somewhere that barely gets cold, and you can’t help but envy the rest of the country buried in snow.
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 by Dennis Mahoney gave me exactly that escape. It threw me into a relentless blizzard, racing toward Pinebuck alongside Brian and Holly as they embarked on a getaway meant to fix their broken relationship after a traumatic event the year before. I really enjoyed this book. It was atmospheric, easy to read despite its multiple POVs (which Mahoney balanced well), and I loved how the monster was tied to the characters’ unresolved trauma.
The story follows Holly and Brian, a couple struggling to move past a devastating night that neither can forget. Hoping to salvage their relationship, they set off for a ski village retreat, only to lose control of their car and, soon after, themselves. Meanwhile, the Sheriff in town begins receiving reports of a couple in distress, followed by news of a monstrous creature tearing through town, leaving destruction and death in its wake. For Sheriff Kendra, who lost another couple to the snow just weeks earlier, this case feels eerily personal. But for Holly and Brian, the nightmare unfolding around them is even more so.
This book moved fast at times, but also slow, in which it festered, but in the best possible way. Kind of like how everything moves sluggishly during a blizzard, yet beneath the surface, the storm is relentless, building into something dangerous. The pacing made the horror feel inevitable, creeping in like the cold that seeps through your layers no matter how bundled up you are.
This book 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 hit a perfect 5-star rating for me. I kept waiting for something, some specific moment or revelation, that never quite happened. I don’t even know what it was, just that I felt its absence. If I could name it, it would have been there, I would have read it, and I would have been completely satisfied. But because it wasn’t, I was left with just a hint of disappointment.
That being said, this is still a fantastic book and absolutely worth reading. Don’t let my lingering wish for “something more” keep you from picking it up.
(Thank you so much, Soho Press and Hell’s Hundred, for entrusting me with an ARC of this book!)
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 by Dennis Mahoney gave me exactly that escape. It threw me into a relentless blizzard, racing toward Pinebuck alongside Brian and Holly as they embarked on a getaway meant to fix their broken relationship after a traumatic event the year before. I really enjoyed this book. It was atmospheric, easy to read despite its multiple POVs (which Mahoney balanced well), and I loved how the monster was tied to the characters’ unresolved trauma.
The story follows Holly and Brian, a couple struggling to move past a devastating night that neither can forget. Hoping to salvage their relationship, they set off for a ski village retreat, only to lose control of their car and, soon after, themselves. Meanwhile, the Sheriff in town begins receiving reports of a couple in distress, followed by news of a monstrous creature tearing through town, leaving destruction and death in its wake. For Sheriff Kendra, who lost another couple to the snow just weeks earlier, this case feels eerily personal. But for Holly and Brian, the nightmare unfolding around them is even more so.
This book moved fast at times, but also slow, in which it festered, but in the best possible way. Kind of like how everything moves sluggishly during a blizzard, yet beneath the surface, the storm is relentless, building into something dangerous. The pacing made the horror feel inevitable, creeping in like the cold that seeps through your layers no matter how bundled up you are.
This book 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 hit a perfect 5-star rating for me. I kept waiting for something, some specific moment or revelation, that never quite happened. I don’t even know what it was, just that I felt its absence. If I could name it, it would have been there, I would have read it, and I would have been completely satisfied. But because it wasn’t, I was left with just a hint of disappointment.
That being said, this is still a fantastic book and absolutely worth reading. Don’t let my lingering wish for “something more” keep you from picking it up.
(Thank you so much, Soho Press and Hell’s Hundred, for entrusting me with an ARC of this book!)
October 3, 2025
There were a couple "Huh?" moments, but overall, this was an original and interesting bit of horror.
3 1/2 Snow-Stormed Stars
3 1/2 Snow-Stormed Stars
January 6, 2025
Holly and Brian have always been a typical couple. Until one year ago, when something happened to them that changed the dynamic of their relationship. Since then, the pair have become a magnet for bad luck and their relationship is slowly crumbling. They decide to take a trip to the snowy town of Pinebuck for a little getaway and some quality time together. When their car slides off the road on the outskirts of town, Holly & Brian find themselves in a battle to survive, and they aren't the only thing lurking in the frozen woods.
Over the course of one night, we follow the couple as they come face to face with what can only be described as a monster. Witnessing brutal and bloody deaths, they are forced to confront their past, and the question becomes: If Holly & Brian are able to make it through the night, will their relationship also survive?
Simultaneously, Pinebuck's sheriff, Kendra, is working hard to solve the mystery of strange occurrences and savage murders. Working as a black woman in a male-dominated field has already led Kendra to have a hardened shell, but the fact that another couple went missing in the small town less than two months ago has ignited her drive to bring the destruction to an end before the night is over.
This was a well-paced and chilling winter horror read. Each of the characters, even those with minor roles, felt well fleshed out, which added to the reading experience as I was able to truly root for certain people throughout. The added mysteries of the missing couple in Pinebuck, and what happened during 'the bad date' one year ago with Holly & Brian kept me intrigued, and the suspense was built very well. And, of course, I loved the concept of the creature in this novel. It was fascinating, unique, and tied in nicely with the characters and the complexity of their relationship & shared trauma.
This was my first book by Dennis Mahoney, but I found myself really enjoying his writing and I would definitely pick up more from this author. This was a solid, action-packed, yet carefully crafted horror story!
TW for a brief description of a dead animal
Thank you to NetGalley and Soho Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book to review.
Over the course of one night, we follow the couple as they come face to face with what can only be described as a monster. Witnessing brutal and bloody deaths, they are forced to confront their past, and the question becomes: If Holly & Brian are able to make it through the night, will their relationship also survive?
Simultaneously, Pinebuck's sheriff, Kendra, is working hard to solve the mystery of strange occurrences and savage murders. Working as a black woman in a male-dominated field has already led Kendra to have a hardened shell, but the fact that another couple went missing in the small town less than two months ago has ignited her drive to bring the destruction to an end before the night is over.
This was a well-paced and chilling winter horror read. Each of the characters, even those with minor roles, felt well fleshed out, which added to the reading experience as I was able to truly root for certain people throughout. The added mysteries of the missing couple in Pinebuck, and what happened during 'the bad date' one year ago with Holly & Brian kept me intrigued, and the suspense was built very well. And, of course, I loved the concept of the creature in this novel. It was fascinating, unique, and tied in nicely with the characters and the complexity of their relationship & shared trauma.
This was my first book by Dennis Mahoney, but I found myself really enjoying his writing and I would definitely pick up more from this author. This was a solid, action-packed, yet carefully crafted horror story!
TW for a brief description of a dead animal
Thank you to NetGalley and Soho Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book to review.
December 1, 2024
I LOVE snowy, wintery reads! It's all snow in Our Winter Monster. The cold, the sense of being trapped yet lost makes the frozen landscape the right place for a tale of trauma and fear. The emotions the characters go through are portrayed so well. I could easily understand what they are thinking and feeling as they run from whatever is after them.
But what are they running from? What is barreling through town, leaving blood and destruction in its path? I figured it out (early?) and the answer is revealed soon enough. There's more to the story though and it's one unique tale. There's a dark twist, a shocking bloody scene that horror lovers will appreciate, and moments where you just want to scream at the characters. No, don't do that!
There is blood and satisfaction at the end. Are they in two different scenes? Maybe. I would love to say something but can't because of spoilers. Let's just say I anticipated an action and I was right! 😉
Our Winter Monster arrives on the scene January 28th. It's well done and perfect for horror readers who want something different.
Thank you to Soho Press for the chance to read!
But what are they running from? What is barreling through town, leaving blood and destruction in its path? I figured it out (early?) and the answer is revealed soon enough. There's more to the story though and it's one unique tale. There's a dark twist, a shocking bloody scene that horror lovers will appreciate, and moments where you just want to scream at the characters. No, don't do that!
There is blood and satisfaction at the end. Are they in two different scenes? Maybe. I would love to say something but can't because of spoilers. Let's just say I anticipated an action and I was right! 😉
Our Winter Monster arrives on the scene January 28th. It's well done and perfect for horror readers who want something different.
Thank you to Soho Press for the chance to read!
February 2, 2025
3.5 stars
dnf
March 2, 2025Dnf at 52%
May 2, 2025
Our Winter Monster follows a young couple who attempt to move on from a bad date in the past by taking a winter vacation in upstate New York. While driving into town, they get stuck in a blizzard and chaos ensues. This novel features a bit of local cryptids, dealing with personal demons, and a frantic police search.
I feel a little let down by Our Winter Monster. Overall it was okay but the characters weren’t not very likable and the plot felt a but predictable. The ending was pretty enjoyable and the pacing was fast. The story kept jumping between the present day and events of the past, which made the story choppy especially as it jumped from character to character. I think I would’ve preferred more exploring into the cryptid and it’s backstory and just more description of it. Overall it was okay.
I feel a little let down by Our Winter Monster. Overall it was okay but the characters weren’t not very likable and the plot felt a but predictable. The ending was pretty enjoyable and the pacing was fast. The story kept jumping between the present day and events of the past, which made the story choppy especially as it jumped from character to character. I think I would’ve preferred more exploring into the cryptid and it’s backstory and just more description of it. Overall it was okay.
April 6, 2025
I had mixed feelings on this book. It started out interesting enough but then became monotonous with this monstrous snowstorm happening over and over again. I also didn't care for the chapters with the sheriff in them as they were just kind of boring. There were good parts of the book that made it cold and creepy but not enough to save it. The ending wasn't helpful at all as it did not explain anything and made me wonder what the purpose of the winter monster was.
January 11, 2025
Snow, snow & more snow + horror. You will meet the locals of Pinebuck and find out what has happened in this small town. This was the perfect winter read. I appreciate that the chapters are relatively short and the plot does not drag out. I love when I always think I know what is going to happen; but the author has a surprise in store.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 5, 2025
This felt like a cheesy winter horror movie with a little more gore than usual. It was interesting enough but the entire story felt like it was going around in circles, I wasn't bored but I wasn't too entertained either. If you pick this up, definitely make sure to do so in the winter months
February 12, 2025
Maintaining a healthy relationship can be difficult even in mundane circumstances. But when a traumatic event occurs and completely upends Holly and Brian’s lives, a year later their relationship is disintegrating. On their way to a ski village in Pinebuck, New York with a blizzard on their heels, their last ditch effort to salvage their relationship becomes an expected struggle for survival.
Our Winter Monster takes the idea of a unknown and deadly creature stalking through a small town and turns it on its head. The effects of the blizzard: the dizzying snow, the frigid isolation and whirling winds are excellently depicted and add to the uncertainty of the protagonists and the reader as the situation unfolds.
Holly and Brian are both flawed main characters; their codependence mingled with their anxiety and unexpressed resentments make their struggle to connect with one another-on multiple levels-still seem sympathetic amidst the chaos they’re experiencing.
While there are some gristly deaths as guests and residents of Pinebuck meet unpleasant fates-the town sheriff named Kendra contends with her personal and professional failures as she tries to piece together what is actually taking place.
I was disappointed by the ending of the novel, as it felt somewhat anticlimatic given the previous build-up and potential for a sacrifice. Certain scenes-particularly in the beginning-are also slightly repetitive as Holly or Brian deals with something, flees and then leaves a voicemail to update the other person.
Nevertheless, I appreciate how Our Winter Monster depicted the damaging nature of codependency and the consequences of guilt and unresolved trauma.
Thank you Edelweiss, Soho Press and Hell’s Hundred for providing access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Our Winter Monster takes the idea of a unknown and deadly creature stalking through a small town and turns it on its head. The effects of the blizzard: the dizzying snow, the frigid isolation and whirling winds are excellently depicted and add to the uncertainty of the protagonists and the reader as the situation unfolds.
Holly and Brian are both flawed main characters; their codependence mingled with their anxiety and unexpressed resentments make their struggle to connect with one another-on multiple levels-still seem sympathetic amidst the chaos they’re experiencing.
While there are some gristly deaths as guests and residents of Pinebuck meet unpleasant fates-the town sheriff named Kendra contends with her personal and professional failures as she tries to piece together what is actually taking place.
I was disappointed by the ending of the novel, as it felt somewhat anticlimatic given the previous build-up and potential for a sacrifice. Certain scenes-particularly in the beginning-are also slightly repetitive as Holly or Brian deals with something, flees and then leaves a voicemail to update the other person.
Nevertheless, I appreciate how Our Winter Monster depicted the damaging nature of codependency and the consequences of guilt and unresolved trauma.
Thank you Edelweiss, Soho Press and Hell’s Hundred for providing access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2024
ARC copy kindly provided by Netgalley.
Holly and Brian's story is a little like a bad dream, that just gets worse!
Set amidst a small town gripped by a mega snow storm, people are going missing or losing sections of their memory.
I struggled with this book. Whilst not overly long, I found myself lost with the plot, wondering quite where the story was going until the plot twist came, which I found to be anticlimatic. It just popped up, leaving me feeling a bit.'Oh?'
What I can't fault is this authors absolute skill in weaving a world that is trapped in the snowstorm that Holly and Brian face. That feeling of terror is present when you're lost, isolated, and scared if trapped in bad weather as they are. This is the strong point of the novel for me.
Holly and Brian's story is a little like a bad dream, that just gets worse!
Set amidst a small town gripped by a mega snow storm, people are going missing or losing sections of their memory.
I struggled with this book. Whilst not overly long, I found myself lost with the plot, wondering quite where the story was going until the plot twist came, which I found to be anticlimatic. It just popped up, leaving me feeling a bit.'Oh?'
What I can't fault is this authors absolute skill in weaving a world that is trapped in the snowstorm that Holly and Brian face. That feeling of terror is present when you're lost, isolated, and scared if trapped in bad weather as they are. This is the strong point of the novel for me.
January 28, 2025
For some reason, I just didn't vibe with the characters. I was so uninterested in their lives, it just didn't really matter to me.
I guess I wanted more monster than whining.
I guess I wanted more monster than whining.
May 15, 2025
3.75 stars
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj5kxv3W/
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj5kxv3W/
December 12, 2025
Next time just break up, damn.
June 25, 2024
Dennis Mahoney's latest novel is a maelstrom of suspense and action that careens through the reader's imagination with the elegance of a choreographed performance. The relentlessly compelling narrative carries the reader breathless from beginning to end. Through parallel journeys, both mental and physical, the author adds real intellectual depth to the story of a couple struggling to repair their relationship after a traumatic incident by vacationing in the mountains, only to find themselves chased by an impossible monster through a devastating blizzard. Vivid imagery paired with genuine characters and dialogue conspire to create a convincing reality out of what would otherwise be an amorphous fantasy. The story addresses questions of ontology and epistemology almost, but not quite, too big for a paranormal novel. Even the Acknowledgements section is composed with genuine wit and an enlightening perspective that is rare to find in any genre. Fans of Daniel Church and Taylor Adams' Our Last Night will be especially pleased with this moving, insightful thriller.
A big thank you to Soho Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
A big thank you to Soho Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
February 10, 2025
3.5/5 stars.
March 8, 2025
I thought this novel had an interesting concept but I had a hard time getting into it until the last 25%.
February 20, 2025
Pretty good but it took me a long time to get into it.
August 1, 2025
Honestly. This was hot garbage. I’ve had potluck casseroles with more structure and intention than this.
This started off as a vacation for couple whose marriage is in the throes of stress, animosity, anger, and a lack of communication. For all intents and purposes, this marriage is failing, and this trip is supposed to help. A trip to bumf*** nowhere in the middle of a snowstorm is the chosen destination—in the name of frugality. That’s right. Our fmc makes the decision, without consulting her partner, to go ahead and cancel a relaxing beach plan for a cabin on a mountain… during a blizzard. So it’s almost a blessing that they don’t make it to the cabin.
We are introduced to “our winter monster” in the first few pages of the book. Our unhappy married couple is separated, scared, somehow surviving the storm (??) (I highly doubt this is realistic under any circumstances as they were suddenly ripped from their vehicle. But whatever. Let’s assume they were layered up on the drive over).
There’s some gore, there’s some rootin’ tootin’ gun shootin’. And a lot of aimlessly running around scared in a storm with no map.
There are chapters with a BORING AF sheriff who felt like a cardboard cutout of every other heartbroken, substance abusing sheriff. And this was where I really saw how much of a joke this story was. Because this was partially a detective thriller story to figure out what happened to the couple that disappeared the year before. (Random note: there’s a moment where the sheriff brings up the possibility of a monster out in the woods and words it as “just considering all the options”. Shut uuuuuppppp. No human would throw that option on the table and just roll with it. Put the liq dooowwwwnnnn. You’re druuunnnkkkk)
Okay. Where was I? Sorry. got distracted by stupidity.
Oh yeah.
The bullsh**
This book became about the relationship between our unhappy married couple and a lil bit of a murder thriller thing. We had long flashbacks, inner reflection, and heartfelt talks about healing and fixing the relationship. And the monster is just a metaphor? But also it’s real. But it’s a metaphor. And it just is not being dealt with AT ALL. Oh. But don’t worry. They caught the bad guy. Woohoo! Go detective!
This started off as a vacation for couple whose marriage is in the throes of stress, animosity, anger, and a lack of communication. For all intents and purposes, this marriage is failing, and this trip is supposed to help. A trip to bumf*** nowhere in the middle of a snowstorm is the chosen destination—in the name of frugality. That’s right. Our fmc makes the decision, without consulting her partner, to go ahead and cancel a relaxing beach plan for a cabin on a mountain… during a blizzard. So it’s almost a blessing that they don’t make it to the cabin.
We are introduced to “our winter monster” in the first few pages of the book. Our unhappy married couple is separated, scared, somehow surviving the storm (??) (I highly doubt this is realistic under any circumstances as they were suddenly ripped from their vehicle. But whatever. Let’s assume they were layered up on the drive over).
There’s some gore, there’s some rootin’ tootin’ gun shootin’. And a lot of aimlessly running around scared in a storm with no map.
There are chapters with a BORING AF sheriff who felt like a cardboard cutout of every other heartbroken, substance abusing sheriff. And this was where I really saw how much of a joke this story was. Because this was partially a detective thriller story to figure out what happened to the couple that disappeared the year before. (Random note: there’s a moment where the sheriff brings up the possibility of a monster out in the woods and words it as “just considering all the options”. Shut uuuuuppppp. No human would throw that option on the table and just roll with it. Put the liq dooowwwwnnnn. You’re druuunnnkkkk)
Okay. Where was I? Sorry. got distracted by stupidity.
Oh yeah.
The bullsh**
This book became about the relationship between our unhappy married couple and a lil bit of a murder thriller thing. We had long flashbacks, inner reflection, and heartfelt talks about healing and fixing the relationship. And the monster is just a metaphor? But also it’s real. But it’s a metaphor. And it just is not being dealt with AT ALL. Oh. But don’t worry. They caught the bad guy. Woohoo! Go detective!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
This was almost a DNF for me but I was compelled to finish simply to find out what the heck was even going on and without spoiling let me just say I was super disappointed as the premise sounded so intriguing!
March 13, 2025
My library finally got this new release in and sneaky me, I read it on the (hopefully) last wintery weekend with some howling winds and the last flurries of snow. Now it's all spring out there and while I sure hope it will stay that way, I did rather enjoy that I could enhance the atmosphere of this book. Set during one single night during a blizzard this has all the winter vibes you could want for.
Then there's the monster, fitting perfectly in with wind, snow and storm. I am not telling you what it is but it was quite a unique concept. I liked how it was introduced, how things unraveled and what it all meant. A truly original idea here or at least I have not seen anything quite like it. Might not be what everyone would want starting a novel like this but I was very happy with the getting something fresh and exciting.
That's actually the next point in favor here. It's a fast paced story. I love stories that take place almost in real time, it makes you want flip those pages, and I feel like a good storm story should do exactly that. In this case it is helpful to shift between different POVs, something I don't always love but there is a time and place for that and this is one of those times and places. You have our main characters, the heart of the story, a couple on a road trip. They have relationship issues and hope a love weekend might fix things. But then they get stranded in this little town due to.... monster. In the town we follow mostly the sheriff, then there's also the diner lady, a snow plow driver and another pair of tourists get their moments, too. Side characters fill out the small town portrayal. In case I made this sound overwhelming, it's not. Clear and easy to follow, as is the writing. It's not the kind you want to quote, it's the kind that helps you rush through the story. Again: time and place for everything. Interestingly enough for a fast paced story I would still consider this more character driven than plot. Don't get me wrong: a lot happens but the focus is the characters and their journey. Without them nothing here would matter. Doesn't mean this doesn't have some kills and gore, while it's far from drowning in viscera, it picks its moments well. Still, it's more about what it says underneath it all.
The ending was a bit abrupt for me, I wouldn't have minded a bit more of an epilogue/ morning after chapter. It works as is but I feel like that would have rounded out the experience better for me. With that I clearly don't have much to complain as I quite enjoyed my time here. It was perfect to read it in a weekend because I feel like that's what you want this for. It looks at relationships and trauma from violence and it does that quite well but it will still go down easy enough to make it a quick ride.
PS. Personally I feel like the average rating here undersells the book a bit. It's maybe no masterpiece but imho it does what it does with enough conviction and dedication to deserve a bit more.
Then there's the monster, fitting perfectly in with wind, snow and storm. I am not telling you what it is but it was quite a unique concept. I liked how it was introduced, how things unraveled and what it all meant. A truly original idea here or at least I have not seen anything quite like it. Might not be what everyone would want starting a novel like this but I was very happy with the getting something fresh and exciting.
That's actually the next point in favor here. It's a fast paced story. I love stories that take place almost in real time, it makes you want flip those pages, and I feel like a good storm story should do exactly that. In this case it is helpful to shift between different POVs, something I don't always love but there is a time and place for that and this is one of those times and places. You have our main characters, the heart of the story, a couple on a road trip. They have relationship issues and hope a love weekend might fix things. But then they get stranded in this little town due to.... monster. In the town we follow mostly the sheriff, then there's also the diner lady, a snow plow driver and another pair of tourists get their moments, too. Side characters fill out the small town portrayal. In case I made this sound overwhelming, it's not. Clear and easy to follow, as is the writing. It's not the kind you want to quote, it's the kind that helps you rush through the story. Again: time and place for everything. Interestingly enough for a fast paced story I would still consider this more character driven than plot. Don't get me wrong: a lot happens but the focus is the characters and their journey. Without them nothing here would matter. Doesn't mean this doesn't have some kills and gore, while it's far from drowning in viscera, it picks its moments well. Still, it's more about what it says underneath it all.
The ending was a bit abrupt for me, I wouldn't have minded a bit more of an epilogue/ morning after chapter. It works as is but I feel like that would have rounded out the experience better for me. With that I clearly don't have much to complain as I quite enjoyed my time here. It was perfect to read it in a weekend because I feel like that's what you want this for. It looks at relationships and trauma from violence and it does that quite well but it will still go down easy enough to make it a quick ride.
PS. Personally I feel like the average rating here undersells the book a bit. It's maybe no masterpiece but imho it does what it does with enough conviction and dedication to deserve a bit more.
January 4, 2026
Chilling. In more ways than one! First finished book of 2026! I'm not one for finding metaphors, I need something to smack me in the face, no hidden meanings for me. 🤣 Why did innocent people have to die in order for
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