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Haven's Rock #3
Cold as Hell: A Haven's Rock Novel
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to Haven’s Rock in Cold as Hell as Casey Butler hunts down a dangerous killer during a deadly blizzard.
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.
When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can't—in their seemingly safe haven.
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.
When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can't—in their seemingly safe haven.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2025
308 people are currently reading
11774 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
293 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews
January 22, 2025
Kelley Armstrong’s Haven’s Rock series is full of mystery, suspense, and atmosphere. The third book in the series proves this storyline keeps getting better and better. This is a spin-off continuation series after the Rockton series ended after seven books. The unique setting adds another layer to the tone of the book. Haven’s Rock is a hidden town built somewhere in the Yukon wilderness of Canada. It’s a place for people to disappear and a sanctuary for those that need a refuge. Individuals are carefully researched before being allowed to become a resident of the community.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton met in the original town of Rockton and are feeling at home in their new town. While they know how to navigate the woods, many of their town’s residents don’t. Casey and Dalton are starting a family and with Casey a month away from having her baby, they’re hoping for calm until after the baby is born.
However, one of the town’s residents is drugged and dragged into the nearby woods. She’s saved when someone hears her screams. As Casey and Dalton investigate the assault a snowstorm hits. When a frozen body is found and conflicting accounts are given of the woman’s last movements, the two wonder who they can trust in their supposedly safe haven.
Casey and Eric are well-developed characters with plenty of depth. Casey is driven, a great investigator, and frequently finds dead bodies. She’s a good listener, independent, empathetic, and understanding. Eric is a fantastic tracker, needs alone time in the woods occasionally, is truthful and intelligent, and asserts himself when needed. He also gets short-tempered and blunt with annoying or bothersome people at times, and isn’t good at small talk. He’s also extremely protective of Casey as the baby gets nearer. As always, it’s great to renew our friendship with Deputy Will Andrews, Casey’s sister April - a neurosurgeon functioning as the town’s doctor - and many other characters.
As always, complex characters, one or more mysteries, and excellent world-building are the backdrop for this well-written and entertaining novel set in an off-the-grid sanctuary town. The prologue immediately captures reader’s attention and pulls them into the storyline. As the story progresses, Casey and Dalton realize that they’ve become somewhat complacent and need to relook at procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. It will be interesting to see the direction these changes take in future books. Weather and isolation continue to play a role in each novel. The author does a great job of equalizing the relationships and the mysteries to make each novel more impactful. The one thing I wasn’t entirely satisfied with is a discussion Casey has at the end of the story with one of the residents.
Overall, this is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller that’s full of murder, trust, secrets, lies, and deceptions. While this can be read as a stand-alone, readers will gain a better understanding of the key characters and their backgrounds if they read the Rockton series first as well as the earlier two books in this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton met in the original town of Rockton and are feeling at home in their new town. While they know how to navigate the woods, many of their town’s residents don’t. Casey and Dalton are starting a family and with Casey a month away from having her baby, they’re hoping for calm until after the baby is born.
However, one of the town’s residents is drugged and dragged into the nearby woods. She’s saved when someone hears her screams. As Casey and Dalton investigate the assault a snowstorm hits. When a frozen body is found and conflicting accounts are given of the woman’s last movements, the two wonder who they can trust in their supposedly safe haven.
Casey and Eric are well-developed characters with plenty of depth. Casey is driven, a great investigator, and frequently finds dead bodies. She’s a good listener, independent, empathetic, and understanding. Eric is a fantastic tracker, needs alone time in the woods occasionally, is truthful and intelligent, and asserts himself when needed. He also gets short-tempered and blunt with annoying or bothersome people at times, and isn’t good at small talk. He’s also extremely protective of Casey as the baby gets nearer. As always, it’s great to renew our friendship with Deputy Will Andrews, Casey’s sister April - a neurosurgeon functioning as the town’s doctor - and many other characters.
As always, complex characters, one or more mysteries, and excellent world-building are the backdrop for this well-written and entertaining novel set in an off-the-grid sanctuary town. The prologue immediately captures reader’s attention and pulls them into the storyline. As the story progresses, Casey and Dalton realize that they’ve become somewhat complacent and need to relook at procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. It will be interesting to see the direction these changes take in future books. Weather and isolation continue to play a role in each novel. The author does a great job of equalizing the relationships and the mysteries to make each novel more impactful. The one thing I wasn’t entirely satisfied with is a discussion Casey has at the end of the story with one of the residents.
Overall, this is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller that’s full of murder, trust, secrets, lies, and deceptions. While this can be read as a stand-alone, readers will gain a better understanding of the key characters and their backgrounds if they read the Rockton series first as well as the earlier two books in this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
August 6, 2024
*CRACK* That is the sound of Kelley Armstrong hitting it out of the ball park with Cold as Hell!!! This is how you do it! Cold as Hell is a gripping, intense, atmospheric, suspenseful, moving, and chilling page turner! Another fantastic addition to her Haven's Rock Series!!!!! I was fully invested in this book from the very first page and did not want to put this book down.
Haven's Rock is a haven/sanctuary deep in the Yukon. It is a place for people to disappear and start over. You must be willing to live in a beautiful yet isolated setting. Residents rely on the land, each other and Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton to keep them safe. Both are dedicated to their jobs and keeping the people of Haven's Rock safe. During a snowstorm, they find themselves searching for a sinister and vicious killer who has been taking women into the snow filled woods to kill them. Making things more difficult is that Casey is nearing the end of her pregnancy and trudging through the snow is not as easy as it once was.
I was blown away when I read the first book in this series, Murder at Haven's Rock, and devoured The Boy Who Cried Bear. Cold as Hell continues this amazing, atmospheric and beautifully written series. I love the characters of Casey and Eric. Both are strong, intelligent, tough, and devoted to keeping the residents of Haven's Rock safe. The supporting cast of characters are fantastic as well. The setting is also wonderful. I love the idea of an isolated town/sanctuary in the Yukon where people must be approved to live there.
I am drawn to books that are set in remote and snow-covered settings. I love the feeling of being isolated, battling the elements, and those around you. The Haven's Rock series fits the bill perfectly.
All the books in this series are oozing with a chilling atmosphere. With Armstrong's vivid descriptions, I can hear the crunch of snow under the characters’ feet, I can feel the chill in the air, and I can image the snowflakes as they fall.
Cold as Hell was full of tension, suspense, danger, and some heart pounding moments. This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages!
I highly recommend this series and as this book is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back to start from the beginning. Having said that, I do feel that this book would work as a stand-alone novel, but readers will miss some backstories, and the character development of the characters.
Chilling, captivating, suspenseful, moving and wonderfully written!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Haven's Rock is a haven/sanctuary deep in the Yukon. It is a place for people to disappear and start over. You must be willing to live in a beautiful yet isolated setting. Residents rely on the land, each other and Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton to keep them safe. Both are dedicated to their jobs and keeping the people of Haven's Rock safe. During a snowstorm, they find themselves searching for a sinister and vicious killer who has been taking women into the snow filled woods to kill them. Making things more difficult is that Casey is nearing the end of her pregnancy and trudging through the snow is not as easy as it once was.
I was blown away when I read the first book in this series, Murder at Haven's Rock, and devoured The Boy Who Cried Bear. Cold as Hell continues this amazing, atmospheric and beautifully written series. I love the characters of Casey and Eric. Both are strong, intelligent, tough, and devoted to keeping the residents of Haven's Rock safe. The supporting cast of characters are fantastic as well. The setting is also wonderful. I love the idea of an isolated town/sanctuary in the Yukon where people must be approved to live there.
I am drawn to books that are set in remote and snow-covered settings. I love the feeling of being isolated, battling the elements, and those around you. The Haven's Rock series fits the bill perfectly.
All the books in this series are oozing with a chilling atmosphere. With Armstrong's vivid descriptions, I can hear the crunch of snow under the characters’ feet, I can feel the chill in the air, and I can image the snowflakes as they fall.
Cold as Hell was full of tension, suspense, danger, and some heart pounding moments. This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages!
I highly recommend this series and as this book is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back to start from the beginning. Having said that, I do feel that this book would work as a stand-alone novel, but readers will miss some backstories, and the character development of the characters.
Chilling, captivating, suspenseful, moving and wonderfully written!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 15, 2024
Five bone-chilling stars❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
This just might be my favorite book by Kelley Armstrong! Well done!
Welcome back to the hidden community of Haven’s Rock. The newly built hideaway for those needing to get away from their previous lives.
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton built this community after dismantling their previous hideaway known as Rockton. Yes, this is a spin off series, and in my opinion the better of the two.
Casey is 8 months pregnant. Wasn't exactly planned, but hey, things happen😉. Now after a few scares their baby is about to arrive. Unfortunately, the residents of Haven’s Rock have other ideas, choosing NOW to act up.
One woman flees a would-be abduction at the edge of the forest. The next is not so lucky.
Sorry Casey and Eric, the birth will have to wait! Duty comes first and there’s a dangerous criminal who needs to be brought to justice!
Loved it! Totally engaging from beginning to end. With a bundle of characters to keep track of, you become acquainted with all the residents of Haven’s Rock and their quirks. As for Casey and Eric, you’re going to love their relationship both professionally and as a married couple. And of course, their dog Storm!🐶
Can’t wait for the next installment! Bring it Kelley! I’m so ready!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press
This just might be my favorite book by Kelley Armstrong! Well done!
Welcome back to the hidden community of Haven’s Rock. The newly built hideaway for those needing to get away from their previous lives.
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton built this community after dismantling their previous hideaway known as Rockton. Yes, this is a spin off series, and in my opinion the better of the two.
Casey is 8 months pregnant. Wasn't exactly planned, but hey, things happen😉. Now after a few scares their baby is about to arrive. Unfortunately, the residents of Haven’s Rock have other ideas, choosing NOW to act up.
One woman flees a would-be abduction at the edge of the forest. The next is not so lucky.
Sorry Casey and Eric, the birth will have to wait! Duty comes first and there’s a dangerous criminal who needs to be brought to justice!
Loved it! Totally engaging from beginning to end. With a bundle of characters to keep track of, you become acquainted with all the residents of Haven’s Rock and their quirks. As for Casey and Eric, you’re going to love their relationship both professionally and as a married couple. And of course, their dog Storm!🐶
Can’t wait for the next installment! Bring it Kelley! I’m so ready!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press
March 12, 2025
Kelley Armstrong delivers another nail-biting thriller with Cold as Hell, and let me tell you, I was hooked. Haven’s Rock might be a sanctuary, but when a woman is nearly dragged into the woods and a frozen body turns up just as a blizzard hits, that safety is shattered.
Detective Casey Duncan, stubborn as ever (even while heavily pregnant), won’t sit this one out. As she and Eric dig into the case, it becomes clear that someone in their tight-knit community can’t be trusted. The Yukon’s brutal cold and the town’s eerie isolation make for a setting that’s as chilling as the mystery itself.
Twists hit like sudden whiteouts, and just when you think you have a grip on the truth, BAM! Another revelation sends you spiraling. Cold as Hell is tense, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. If you love a fast-paced mystery that keeps you guessing, grab this book, just maybe read it with a warm blanket.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ -five out of five for this chilling mystery!
Detective Casey Duncan, stubborn as ever (even while heavily pregnant), won’t sit this one out. As she and Eric dig into the case, it becomes clear that someone in their tight-knit community can’t be trusted. The Yukon’s brutal cold and the town’s eerie isolation make for a setting that’s as chilling as the mystery itself.
Twists hit like sudden whiteouts, and just when you think you have a grip on the truth, BAM! Another revelation sends you spiraling. Cold as Hell is tense, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. If you love a fast-paced mystery that keeps you guessing, grab this book, just maybe read it with a warm blanket.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ -five out of five for this chilling mystery!
March 14, 2025
Yet again, Kelley Armstrong took me on the ride of my life with this third book in the Haven’s Rock series, Cold As Hell. Starting off like a rocket, there was enough mystery and suspense to keep me intrigued down to my core. Even better, however, was how fast-paced and riveting the plot was as it twisted and turned. And boy was the great, big twist a gasp-inducing stunner. Catching me completely unawares despite my reveal-guessing talents, my jaw dropped in ecstasy as I whispered “No f***ing way!” Perfectly teeing up an explosive climax that had my fingers burning as I flew through the pages, I couldn’t have read the last third of the book any faster if I tried.
As for the characters, as always they were the special sauce to Ms. Armstrong’s crime fiction novel. Complex, fully-fleshed-out, and blessedly realistic, I’ve fallen in love with Casey and Eric more with each book in the series. This time around we were blessed with the arrival of their adorable child. Does everything go to plan? Of course not. It wouldn’t be a book by this author if it did. Filling even that heartwarming subplot with dread and foreboding, I relished what this new turn of events did for all of the characters in their development. From April and her endearing yet quirky behavior to Yolanda and her often irritating personality, they were all a home run for yours truly.
The only piece of the puzzle that bothered me just a bit happened to be that propulsive, blindingly fast yet far-fetched climax. Requiring a definite need to suspend all disbelief, it just felt somewhat off in relation to the rest of the novel. After all, while the idea of an isolated town out in the middle of the bush might not be all that realistic, the world-building surrounding it made it 100% feasible despite its many questionable traits. With mostly believable events and descriptions that made Haven’s Rock come alive, the bulk of this novel felt undeniably real. The climax in comparison, however, just went a bit too far into the absurd—at least for this reader.
All said and done, Kelley Armstrong nevertheless hit it out of the park yet again. Stuffed full of dark secrets, long-buried lies, and spine-tingling deceit, this book was probably my favorite out of this compulsively readable series. With precise plotting, an unguessable conclusion, and thoroughly relatable characters, there was no end to the fun as I flew through the pages. And let me tell you, that conclusion was utterly perfect. Soul-satisfying but with a dark, unexpected twist, I ate it up at an ever-ratcheting speed. So please…don’t wait. Head to Amazon and order this puppy right now. After all, you’re not going to want to miss a minute with Casey and Eric. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.
When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust―and who they can't―in their seemingly safe haven.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 18, 2025
Content warning: pregnancy, early labor, kidnapping, murder, mention of: getting drugged, sexual assault
As for the characters, as always they were the special sauce to Ms. Armstrong’s crime fiction novel. Complex, fully-fleshed-out, and blessedly realistic, I’ve fallen in love with Casey and Eric more with each book in the series. This time around we were blessed with the arrival of their adorable child. Does everything go to plan? Of course not. It wouldn’t be a book by this author if it did. Filling even that heartwarming subplot with dread and foreboding, I relished what this new turn of events did for all of the characters in their development. From April and her endearing yet quirky behavior to Yolanda and her often irritating personality, they were all a home run for yours truly.
The only piece of the puzzle that bothered me just a bit happened to be that propulsive, blindingly fast yet far-fetched climax. Requiring a definite need to suspend all disbelief, it just felt somewhat off in relation to the rest of the novel. After all, while the idea of an isolated town out in the middle of the bush might not be all that realistic, the world-building surrounding it made it 100% feasible despite its many questionable traits. With mostly believable events and descriptions that made Haven’s Rock come alive, the bulk of this novel felt undeniably real. The climax in comparison, however, just went a bit too far into the absurd—at least for this reader.
All said and done, Kelley Armstrong nevertheless hit it out of the park yet again. Stuffed full of dark secrets, long-buried lies, and spine-tingling deceit, this book was probably my favorite out of this compulsively readable series. With precise plotting, an unguessable conclusion, and thoroughly relatable characters, there was no end to the fun as I flew through the pages. And let me tell you, that conclusion was utterly perfect. Soul-satisfying but with a dark, unexpected twist, I ate it up at an ever-ratcheting speed. So please…don’t wait. Head to Amazon and order this puppy right now. After all, you’re not going to want to miss a minute with Casey and Eric. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.
When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust―and who they can't―in their seemingly safe haven.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 18, 2025
Content warning: pregnancy, early labor, kidnapping, murder, mention of: getting drugged, sexual assault
March 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
The Haven's Rock series is an electrifying sequel to the captivating Rockton series. While reading the “Rockton series first is not essential, doing so will enrich your experience and deepen your connection to the story and characters. In "Cold as Hell," the series' third book, our beloved characters are settling into their new lives in the enigmatic town of Haven’s Rock, hidden away in the breathtaking Yukon wilderness. “Haven’s Rock” is meant to be a sanctuary for those in need escaping peril in the outside world—but it’s clear that safety is a delicate facade. Casey and Duncan made sure that they made changes in policy when they began building Haven’s Rock. Learning from the mistakes made by the council in “Rockton.” Learning from what didn't work in Rockton.
When a woman is drugged and attacked, Casey and Eric find themselves in a race against time. With Casey eight months pregnant, they must unearth the identity of the attacker and fly to a hospital before any complications arise. A fierce white-out blizzard descends as they begin their investigation, heightening the stakes and sending the tension soaring.
The suspense in this story is an exhilarating whirlwind! With many suspects, clever red herrings, and a pulse-pounding pace, the explosive climax had me on the edge of my seat, practically biting my nails. The ensemble cast is fantastic, each character adding depth to the thrilling narrative. I love the setting—being off the grid in the remote northern wilderness creates a captivating atmosphere where a tight-knit community must unite and trust one another to survive. The fact that everyone is there under assumed names with hidden pasts adds another layer of intrigue, making it a perfect breeding ground for gripping thriller scenarios.
If you’re a fan of Kelley Armstrong’s masterful storytelling, you won’t want to miss either the Rockton or Haven's Rock series. And if you’re new to her work but enjoy compelling police procedurals, mysteries, or thrilling murder plots, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with the Rockton series before diving into Haven's Rock. This series is an exciting adventure you won’t want to miss. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Cold as Hell” expected release date is February 18, 2025
The Haven's Rock series is an electrifying sequel to the captivating Rockton series. While reading the “Rockton series first is not essential, doing so will enrich your experience and deepen your connection to the story and characters. In "Cold as Hell," the series' third book, our beloved characters are settling into their new lives in the enigmatic town of Haven’s Rock, hidden away in the breathtaking Yukon wilderness. “Haven’s Rock” is meant to be a sanctuary for those in need escaping peril in the outside world—but it’s clear that safety is a delicate facade. Casey and Duncan made sure that they made changes in policy when they began building Haven’s Rock. Learning from the mistakes made by the council in “Rockton.” Learning from what didn't work in Rockton.
When a woman is drugged and attacked, Casey and Eric find themselves in a race against time. With Casey eight months pregnant, they must unearth the identity of the attacker and fly to a hospital before any complications arise. A fierce white-out blizzard descends as they begin their investigation, heightening the stakes and sending the tension soaring.
The suspense in this story is an exhilarating whirlwind! With many suspects, clever red herrings, and a pulse-pounding pace, the explosive climax had me on the edge of my seat, practically biting my nails. The ensemble cast is fantastic, each character adding depth to the thrilling narrative. I love the setting—being off the grid in the remote northern wilderness creates a captivating atmosphere where a tight-knit community must unite and trust one another to survive. The fact that everyone is there under assumed names with hidden pasts adds another layer of intrigue, making it a perfect breeding ground for gripping thriller scenarios.
If you’re a fan of Kelley Armstrong’s masterful storytelling, you won’t want to miss either the Rockton or Haven's Rock series. And if you’re new to her work but enjoy compelling police procedurals, mysteries, or thrilling murder plots, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with the Rockton series before diving into Haven's Rock. This series is an exciting adventure you won’t want to miss. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Cold as Hell” expected release date is February 18, 2025
January 26, 2025
Hidden away deep in the Yukon Wilderness of Canada is a secluded town called Haven's Rock - a sanctuary for those seeking a place to disappear off the grid while leaving their pasts behind. After applying for residency, each person coming in is carefully researched before being approved, leading to a small community of people safe within the borders. The secluded setting and mother nature combine to create a highly atmospheric, locked room style thriller that's guaranteed to keep readers up late at night to finish those last few pages.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, arrived in Haven's Rock from Rockton and have finally settled into their new home and started a family. Casey is devoted to her job and the people of the town and finds it hard to slow down even as she's entering her final months of pregnancy, much to the chagrin of her husband. When one of the women from town suffers confusion from a drugged drink served at the local bar and wanders into the forest surrounding the town alone, she falls victim to an attack, barely escaping with her life. With Eric by her side, Casey investigates, stumbling across another victim frozen in the snow. There are no outsiders in Haven's Rock, leaving Casey to assume someone living among them is a murderer. Who among the town's carefully vetted residents is killing the town's women?
COLD AS HELL is a complex, atmospheric thriller with well-developed characters readers can connect with. I enjoy the contrast between the personalities of Casey and Eric as they play off each other's strengths and weaknesses. It's great to catch up with some of the series support characters from previous books and yet new to the series readers will be comfortable jumping in as each book stands alone. Author Kelley Armstrong has taken time to build a world that serves as a character within itself with extreme weather and isolation creating a locked room style setting in COLD AS HELL. Mystery, murder, intrigue, and isolation all combine to make this an intensive whodunnit perfect for fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release on Feb. 18, 2025. This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, arrived in Haven's Rock from Rockton and have finally settled into their new home and started a family. Casey is devoted to her job and the people of the town and finds it hard to slow down even as she's entering her final months of pregnancy, much to the chagrin of her husband. When one of the women from town suffers confusion from a drugged drink served at the local bar and wanders into the forest surrounding the town alone, she falls victim to an attack, barely escaping with her life. With Eric by her side, Casey investigates, stumbling across another victim frozen in the snow. There are no outsiders in Haven's Rock, leaving Casey to assume someone living among them is a murderer. Who among the town's carefully vetted residents is killing the town's women?
COLD AS HELL is a complex, atmospheric thriller with well-developed characters readers can connect with. I enjoy the contrast between the personalities of Casey and Eric as they play off each other's strengths and weaknesses. It's great to catch up with some of the series support characters from previous books and yet new to the series readers will be comfortable jumping in as each book stands alone. Author Kelley Armstrong has taken time to build a world that serves as a character within itself with extreme weather and isolation creating a locked room style setting in COLD AS HELL. Mystery, murder, intrigue, and isolation all combine to make this an intensive whodunnit perfect for fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release on Feb. 18, 2025. This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
February 20, 2025
3.2 Stars
One Liner: Too much heropanti by the FMC
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary deep inside Yukon for those who need a safe place away from the rest of the world. Detective Casey and her husband Eric, along with a few others, do their best to keep the place running smoothly.
However, when one of the residents is drugged and dragged into the forest on a cold night, Casey realizes they have a potential threat on their hands. As they investigate, a snowstorm hits the place and a dead body turns up. Casey and Eric need to find the killer and end this soon.
The story comes in Casey’s first-person POV in the present tense.
My Thoughts:
So, I read my reviews for the previous three books before I wrote this review. Sadly, I don’t remember much but the inability to connect with Casey continues.
The premise is cool – an abduction/ assault foiled only for another to happen during a snowstorm. Also, with the FMC being eight months pregnant, there are more limitations to the already restricted setting.
Sadly, this time around, I didn’t feel the charm of the place. Winter is my favorite season, so I should have loved the setting. A few scenes searching in the woods with Storm were great. For the rest, the charm seems to have worn off.
Storm is a darling, my constant and only favorite in the series. A wee kid appears for half a page and creates a mini-storm, lol.
This time around, only the prologue is a different character’s third-person POV. The rest was Casey, which, unfortunately, didn’t do her any favor. Being in her head wasn’t entertaining, TBH. She sounded borderline whiny at times and would overthink issues that didn’t need so much ‘moral dilemma’.
I know idealism appeals to us. It helps to an extent and encourages discussions. However, letting the main character veer into naïve and stupid territory isn’t a good idea, especially when she has experience in dealing with the worst kind of people.
The mystery is actually good. I like most of it and the arguments around it. Sebastian turns out to be another favorite character!
However, what I didn’t want had happened in the climax. I kept an eye on the % and pretty much knew how things would develop. Nope, not happy with that. I can see the appeal. It’ll keep readers on the edge of the seat; all that tension! But… for me, it was unnecessary and made the FMC appear as someone who likes to play a hero irrespective of the cost. I don’t look for realism in thrillers (or even in cozy mysteries) but maybe this one time, a toned-down version might have had a greater appeal.
At least the ending is good. There’s proper closure and a happy (cute) development with some lighthearted scenes.
To summarize, Cold as Hell has a great premise and will appeal to a lot of readers, though I’m a bit of an outliner. I recommend reading the books in order as this won’t be good as a standalone.
Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Too much heropanti by the FMC
Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary deep inside Yukon for those who need a safe place away from the rest of the world. Detective Casey and her husband Eric, along with a few others, do their best to keep the place running smoothly.
However, when one of the residents is drugged and dragged into the forest on a cold night, Casey realizes they have a potential threat on their hands. As they investigate, a snowstorm hits the place and a dead body turns up. Casey and Eric need to find the killer and end this soon.
The story comes in Casey’s first-person POV in the present tense.
My Thoughts:
So, I read my reviews for the previous three books before I wrote this review. Sadly, I don’t remember much but the inability to connect with Casey continues.
The premise is cool – an abduction/ assault foiled only for another to happen during a snowstorm. Also, with the FMC being eight months pregnant, there are more limitations to the already restricted setting.
Sadly, this time around, I didn’t feel the charm of the place. Winter is my favorite season, so I should have loved the setting. A few scenes searching in the woods with Storm were great. For the rest, the charm seems to have worn off.
Storm is a darling, my constant and only favorite in the series. A wee kid appears for half a page and creates a mini-storm, lol.
This time around, only the prologue is a different character’s third-person POV. The rest was Casey, which, unfortunately, didn’t do her any favor. Being in her head wasn’t entertaining, TBH. She sounded borderline whiny at times and would overthink issues that didn’t need so much ‘moral dilemma’.
I know idealism appeals to us. It helps to an extent and encourages discussions. However, letting the main character veer into naïve and stupid territory isn’t a good idea, especially when she has experience in dealing with the worst kind of people.
The mystery is actually good. I like most of it and the arguments around it. Sebastian turns out to be another favorite character!
However, what I didn’t want had happened in the climax. I kept an eye on the % and pretty much knew how things would develop. Nope, not happy with that. I can see the appeal. It’ll keep readers on the edge of the seat; all that tension! But… for me, it was unnecessary and made the FMC appear as someone who likes to play a hero irrespective of the cost. I don’t look for realism in thrillers (or even in cozy mysteries) but maybe this one time, a toned-down version might have had a greater appeal.
At least the ending is good. There’s proper closure and a happy (cute) development with some lighthearted scenes.
To summarize, Cold as Hell has a great premise and will appeal to a lot of readers, though I’m a bit of an outliner. I recommend reading the books in order as this won’t be good as a standalone.
Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
December 29, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After discovering the previous series connected to Haven’s Rock, I could not get enough of Kelley Armstrong’s writing. I followed the stories through to the development of this new series and have been just as enthralled with the writing. Haven’s Rock is a hidden and private community tucked into the Yukon Territory in Canada’s North. It has limited access, but all the problems of any community, including infighting and criminal activity. When Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton are called out to help with a woman who was drugged and almost attacked, they are on edge. Soon thereafter, another woman goes missing, with more drastic outcomes. A killer is on the loose and a winter storm is pushing in, sure to cover all evidence under a pile of snow. Now Casey and Eric must rush to find the killer and set things right. Armstrong delivers a gripping thriller that had me hooked until the final pages.
Haven’s Rock has made a discrete name for itself as a place people can go to disappear from the mainstream, for reasons determined by the local council. Nestled in the backcountry of Canada’s Yukon Territory, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, run a tight ship, though many are quite respective of the community rules. When a knock comes on their door in the middle of the night, news that a local woman had been drugged and almost attacked in the woods leaves many to wonder what is going on. The drug in her system is not commonly found and only a single resident has a prescription. Could this be an assault that went sideways?
As Casey and Eric continue their investigation, a severe winter storm blows into the region, sure to create havoc for many. Soon thereafter, the naked body of another resident is found, likely tossed to face the elements. With no hope of bringing her back to life, Casey and Eric ensure she receives a thorough autopsy, which might shed some light on what happened. Beginning to question those who last saw the victim. Casey and Eric cobble together the truths they are meant to believe.
All the while, Casey is working through the final trimester of her pregnancy and Eric is overly protective, worried about any exertion. Casey cannot accept bedrest, especially with a killer on the loose, and must piece things together to stop the killings while fingering the guilty party. Haven’s Rock was supposed to be a place away from this sort of violence, but no one can truly trust their neighbours, with their backstories a mystery to everyone. Armstrong adds another wonderful novel to this series that has had me on the edge of my seat from the outset.
I love a good thriller series and Kelley Armstrong has never failed to impress. Using the Canadian North as its setting adds increased mystery to the story and keeps the reader from feeling they have entered anything too repetitive. The narrative clips along in this story, tossing out many storylines for the reader to follow. The momentum is propelled with numerous happenings in a great setting, providing something that lurks in the background for something to derail. Great characters offer up a flavouring to keep the reader curious and provides added depth to Haven’s Rock and the community as a whole. Plot points not only expound on the various characters in town, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along and adds new wonders that are sure to be addressed in future stories. I cannot wait to see what Kelley Armstrong has to offer with this ever-evolving series.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for another winner in this series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 11, 2024
Although they have basically started over, Casey and Eric, still find things that are not perfect, that need to be changed. There are still disappearances and murders, loopholes some people find, to get into Havens Rock. Added to that Casey is very close to her delivery date and a big storm has descended.
I really enjoy this series. The atmosphere of being in the Yukon, the diverging personalities of those who live in Havens Rock and a few who live outside. The storylines are so interesting and one never knows what lies behind the corner.
ARC from.Edelweiss.
I really enjoy this series. The atmosphere of being in the Yukon, the diverging personalities of those who live in Havens Rock and a few who live outside. The storylines are so interesting and one never knows what lies behind the corner.
ARC from.Edelweiss.
January 31, 2025
I’ve been excited about finally getting around to this new installment. The Haven’s Rock (HR) gang, Erik, Casey, Will, April, and the rest of the staff and residents of this secret sanctuary, in the Yukon, are all back for the latest mystery and drama that comes from living off the grid like they do. HR was specifically established for folks who need to “disappear” and unlike the former compound, Rockton, HR allows couples and families with children, which creates a whole new level of challenges for Sheriff Eric and lead detective, Casey, and the rest of the folks that make up the small staff that run HR.
The book summary introduces the primary storyline that picks up several months after the last one because Casey is now eight months pregnant and is experiencing a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the impending birth. Casey has never gotten this far along before and is trying not to worry about all the things that “might/could” happen. She misses her ankles and is sooo over hubby Erik’s over protectiveness and coddling. So, when HR resident/staffer, Kendra, is drugged, attacked, and dragged out into the forest, in the dead of night, Casey wants to go all in to investigate who attacked her and bring them to justice. Fortunately, a fellow resident, Sebastian, heard her screaming and came to her rescue and scared off the attacker. Or did he? Hmmm…
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the Kendra’s attack and Erik, Casey and Will, the other detective, focus on the HR men, assuming that Kendra’s attacker is a man who wanted to rape her. It’s not long before another resident, Lynn, goes missing and is found the next day in the forest, not far from HR; she was naked and frozen to death. Or was she? Hmmm…
There is also the secondary storyline of Casey’s impending childbirth that is complicated with a bout of false labor concerns. Because of the complications that could arise and her doctor’s concern for her and the baby’s health, Casey and Erik are going to fly into Whitehorse (where the closest medical facility is), but are grounded because of a huge blizzard that has blown in. This also makes it more difficult to investigate the case.
The end comes fast and in a wild and crazy flurry of freaking scary and intense scenes and passages. It had me both on the edge of my seat as well as cracking up. OMG!!! All #%!! breaks loose and Casey is a total bad@$$!!! LOVED the final ending too!!!
The continuing character development of Casey and Erik along with a couple of other staff members was well done. I like how Armstrong revealed more about the backgrounds of some of the staff members and residents. The pace was steady to fast with a very interesting storyline. The writing was on par for the series, which is to say that there are still the comparisons of HR to Rockton. Three installments in and those comparisons should be getting less and less. HR is its own location and is different than Rockton. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #ColdAsHell
The book summary introduces the primary storyline that picks up several months after the last one because Casey is now eight months pregnant and is experiencing a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the impending birth. Casey has never gotten this far along before and is trying not to worry about all the things that “might/could” happen. She misses her ankles and is sooo over hubby Erik’s over protectiveness and coddling. So, when HR resident/staffer, Kendra, is drugged, attacked, and dragged out into the forest, in the dead of night, Casey wants to go all in to investigate who attacked her and bring them to justice. Fortunately, a fellow resident, Sebastian, heard her screaming and came to her rescue and scared off the attacker. Or did he? Hmmm…
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the Kendra’s attack and Erik, Casey and Will, the other detective, focus on the HR men, assuming that Kendra’s attacker is a man who wanted to rape her. It’s not long before another resident, Lynn, goes missing and is found the next day in the forest, not far from HR; she was naked and frozen to death. Or was she? Hmmm…
There is also the secondary storyline of Casey’s impending childbirth that is complicated with a bout of false labor concerns. Because of the complications that could arise and her doctor’s concern for her and the baby’s health, Casey and Erik are going to fly into Whitehorse (where the closest medical facility is), but are grounded because of a huge blizzard that has blown in. This also makes it more difficult to investigate the case.
The end comes fast and in a wild and crazy flurry of freaking scary and intense scenes and passages. It had me both on the edge of my seat as well as cracking up. OMG!!! All #%!! breaks loose and Casey is a total bad@$$!!! LOVED the final ending too!!!
The continuing character development of Casey and Erik along with a couple of other staff members was well done. I like how Armstrong revealed more about the backgrounds of some of the staff members and residents. The pace was steady to fast with a very interesting storyline. The writing was on par for the series, which is to say that there are still the comparisons of HR to Rockton. Three installments in and those comparisons should be getting less and less. HR is its own location and is different than Rockton. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #ColdAsHell
January 19, 2025
4.0 Stars
This was another fantastic entry in this addictive thriller series. It was the perfect escapist read I needed this week. I enjoyed the snowstorm setting. I found the pregnancy stuff quite triggering so be warned if anyone else has labour and delivery trauma.
I really hold this spin off series to continue so I already want another book. I recommend starting at the beginning of this series. I personally don't feel the original series needs to be read first.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was another fantastic entry in this addictive thriller series. It was the perfect escapist read I needed this week. I enjoyed the snowstorm setting. I found the pregnancy stuff quite triggering so be warned if anyone else has labour and delivery trauma.
I really hold this spin off series to continue so I already want another book. I recommend starting at the beginning of this series. I personally don't feel the original series needs to be read first.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 18, 2025
Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong
Haven’s Rock series #3. Spin off from the Rockton / Casey Duncan series. Thriller. Police procedural. Best read in series order but can be read as a stand-alone.
In the hidden small town in the Yukon, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton are the main police force. They’ve had some harrowing close calls and when one of the women in town is drugged and dragged into the forest, they immediately lock down and find out where all residents were at the time. Snow storms and limited resources don’t stop the investigation, nor does the pregnancy slow Casey down. Much. There are only seventy residents. They need to figure it out before someone else dies.
🎧 I alternate between an ecopy and an audiobook. The narration is performed by Therese Plummer who does a fantastic job with voices, emotions, and keeping the suspense intense when appropriate. This narrator does the full series and it’s like being with Casey each time and following her life and cases.
Too cold for me up on that isolated frozen tundra. And because of the frozen land, they plan out exactly how many toilets there are per person as well as having to ship in almost all supplies. And no internet! What would I do without new books every week?
Thrilling and intense.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
Haven’s Rock series #3. Spin off from the Rockton / Casey Duncan series. Thriller. Police procedural. Best read in series order but can be read as a stand-alone.
In the hidden small town in the Yukon, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton are the main police force. They’ve had some harrowing close calls and when one of the women in town is drugged and dragged into the forest, they immediately lock down and find out where all residents were at the time. Snow storms and limited resources don’t stop the investigation, nor does the pregnancy slow Casey down. Much. There are only seventy residents. They need to figure it out before someone else dies.
🎧 I alternate between an ecopy and an audiobook. The narration is performed by Therese Plummer who does a fantastic job with voices, emotions, and keeping the suspense intense when appropriate. This narrator does the full series and it’s like being with Casey each time and following her life and cases.
Too cold for me up on that isolated frozen tundra. And because of the frozen land, they plan out exactly how many toilets there are per person as well as having to ship in almost all supplies. And no internet! What would I do without new books every week?
Thrilling and intense.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
November 25, 2024
This is the third book in the Haven’s Rock Mystery series. It’s a spinoff of the Rockton/Casey Duncan series that follows a police detective who moves to an isolated haven community off the grid in the Yukon. This story picks up with Casey 8 months pregnant as a woman in the community is rescued during a suspected roofie/assault situation. This leads the women and men in the new town to consider situations that they hadn’t planned on before, but a lot of the women unfortunately have experience with from their prior lives down south.
When another woman in the community goes missing, Casey and company must figure out if the situation is related to the prior assault, simply a woman trying to avoid her own domestic situation or possibly a connection to what she was running from when she came to Haven’s Rock. To add more complication to the matter, Casey’s pregnancy has not been smooth sailing with various snags and scares along the way.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I had wished for more Sebastian in my last review, and I was rewarded in this one as well as given a side of the creepy Mathias that I love. With so many beloved characters now in this town, it’s hard to keep all of them prominent in each mystery storyline, so I appreciate that the author is rotating them through in an equal manner. As with a few of the Rockton mysteries, the crimes in this one were quite jaw-dropping. I admit that I had my suspicions as to the culprit though I loved the way the details were revealed. While I’m not a fan of the pregnancy storyline, it certainly made for an exciting climax.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
When another woman in the community goes missing, Casey and company must figure out if the situation is related to the prior assault, simply a woman trying to avoid her own domestic situation or possibly a connection to what she was running from when she came to Haven’s Rock. To add more complication to the matter, Casey’s pregnancy has not been smooth sailing with various snags and scares along the way.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I had wished for more Sebastian in my last review, and I was rewarded in this one as well as given a side of the creepy Mathias that I love. With so many beloved characters now in this town, it’s hard to keep all of them prominent in each mystery storyline, so I appreciate that the author is rotating them through in an equal manner. As with a few of the Rockton mysteries, the crimes in this one were quite jaw-dropping. I admit that I had my suspicions as to the culprit though I loved the way the details were revealed. While I’m not a fan of the pregnancy storyline, it certainly made for an exciting climax.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
September 18, 2024
As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating the things that are keeping Haven's Rock from being the sanctuary it's supposed to be. Casey and her husband, who just happens to be the sheriff, don't know who they can trust ... and who they should not trust for even a minute.
I'm sad to say that I didn't like Cold as Hell as much as I did the first two books. For one thing, I dislike it when characters sometimes go by their first names and other times go by their last names. There were a lot of characters in Cold as Hell, which made it more of a challenge to keep up with everyone. But one of my bigger complaints was with Casey thinking she's totally indispensable.
Now I get to share my biggest complaint because Goodreads allows for hidden spoilers. (I really wish NetGalley would do the same!)
Does this mean I'm not going to read any additional books in the series? Oh, heck no!! I've enjoyed the first two books - especially the one right before this, The Boy Who Cried Bear! I find Casey's sister, April, to be fascinating, and Casey and Eric make a fabulous couple. And then there is the Newfie, Storm. I love her so much!! Bring on book #4!
Many thanks to both #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Cold as Hell. This book is #3 in the #HavensRockSeries, and has an expected publication date of February 18, 2025.
I'm sad to say that I didn't like Cold as Hell as much as I did the first two books. For one thing, I dislike it when characters sometimes go by their first names and other times go by their last names. There were a lot of characters in Cold as Hell, which made it more of a challenge to keep up with everyone. But one of my bigger complaints was with Casey thinking she's totally indispensable.
Now I get to share my biggest complaint because Goodreads allows for hidden spoilers. (I really wish NetGalley would do the same!)
Does this mean I'm not going to read any additional books in the series? Oh, heck no!! I've enjoyed the first two books - especially the one right before this, The Boy Who Cried Bear! I find Casey's sister, April, to be fascinating, and Casey and Eric make a fabulous couple. And then there is the Newfie, Storm. I love her so much!! Bring on book #4!
Many thanks to both #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Cold as Hell. This book is #3 in the #HavensRockSeries, and has an expected publication date of February 18, 2025.
June 25, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a spinoff from/continuation of Kelley Armstrong’s excellent Rockton series. This could be read as a standalone, although as with any good series, you would have a richer reading experience if you’ve read the previous books. Armstrong provides some backstory without weighing down the current story.
As with the other books, the story is narrated by the female main character, Casey. Casey is a detective and her husband Eric serves as the sheriff of their new town, set in the midst of the Yukon wilderness in Canada. The location is purposeful, as they are trying to be a sanctuary of sorts for people who really need sanctuary. Currently there are fewer than 100 residents, so it’s quite small. Armstrong writes such great suspense stories, with very individual and interesting characters. The townspeople all have different capabilities and personalities and it’s not hard at all to keep them straight. One of my favorite recurring characters is Casey’s sister April, who is the town’s doctor and is “on the spectrum.” Another favorite is Will, Eric’s deputy. Both of those characters can be found in the Rockton series. Among the new to Haven’s Rock characters (they are in the previous HR books) are Yolanda and Gunnar and they are both fascinating people. I love the diversity in the Haven's Rock population.
Specific to this book, Casey is almost at the end of her pregnancy, which, for various reasons, is a precarious one. She is trying to continue being an active detective but is naturally hampered physically, as she nears term. Of course, things can’t stay quiet in Haven’s Rock, just for Casey’s convenience! One of the residents, Kendra, is drugged and dragged off into the forest right outside of town. Luckily she is rescued before anything horrible can happen, but the whole town is on edge, especially the women. During a late winter/early spring snowstorm, Casey and Eric find another resident dead in unusual circumstances and the investigation moves into even higher gear.
I was really intrigued by the story and tried hard to figure out who the culprit would be! And I was so nervous for Casey and her soon-to-be-born baby!
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient and helped me speed through this book in just two days. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Thérèse Plummer, as for past books in this series.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a spinoff from/continuation of Kelley Armstrong’s excellent Rockton series. This could be read as a standalone, although as with any good series, you would have a richer reading experience if you’ve read the previous books. Armstrong provides some backstory without weighing down the current story.
As with the other books, the story is narrated by the female main character, Casey. Casey is a detective and her husband Eric serves as the sheriff of their new town, set in the midst of the Yukon wilderness in Canada. The location is purposeful, as they are trying to be a sanctuary of sorts for people who really need sanctuary. Currently there are fewer than 100 residents, so it’s quite small. Armstrong writes such great suspense stories, with very individual and interesting characters. The townspeople all have different capabilities and personalities and it’s not hard at all to keep them straight. One of my favorite recurring characters is Casey’s sister April, who is the town’s doctor and is “on the spectrum.” Another favorite is Will, Eric’s deputy. Both of those characters can be found in the Rockton series. Among the new to Haven’s Rock characters (they are in the previous HR books) are Yolanda and Gunnar and they are both fascinating people. I love the diversity in the Haven's Rock population.
Specific to this book, Casey is almost at the end of her pregnancy, which, for various reasons, is a precarious one. She is trying to continue being an active detective but is naturally hampered physically, as she nears term. Of course, things can’t stay quiet in Haven’s Rock, just for Casey’s convenience! One of the residents, Kendra, is drugged and dragged off into the forest right outside of town. Luckily she is rescued before anything horrible can happen, but the whole town is on edge, especially the women. During a late winter/early spring snowstorm, Casey and Eric find another resident dead in unusual circumstances and the investigation moves into even higher gear.
I was really intrigued by the story and tried hard to figure out who the culprit would be! And I was so nervous for Casey and her soon-to-be-born baby!
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient and helped me speed through this book in just two days. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Thérèse Plummer, as for past books in this series.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2025
Cold as Hell is the third book in the Haven’s Rock series that’s best read in order. Better yet, go back and start with the original series: Rockton. Like Rockton was (or claimed to be) Haven’s Rock is a place of refuge for those on the run. A community off the grid and under the radar. A place for someone trying to escape a whole range of situations: a stalker, abusive partner, or an unjust conviction. Applicants are vetted for violence risk, meaning someone who poses a threat to others will not be admitted.
In this installment, Eric and Casey are getting ready for the birth of their baby, excited and nervous as the due date approaches when one of their members is drugged and narrowly escapes abduction. They’re both shocked and relieved, because it could’ve turned out so much worse, yet now they know there’s a predator in their midst. Their vetting process is better than Rockton’s, so they wonder how this could be. While investigating another woman goes missing with deadlier results.
Cold as Hell is one you want to make some time for because you’re not going to want to put it down! I love the methodical way Casey and Eric go over each mystery, checking and re-checking the facts and witness accounts. The devil is in the details! With this case the murderer is a special kind of evil and I was so worried for everyone involved! The ending was a nail-biter, and I stayed up late to finish! That last bit, how everything finally resolved was gratifying! Maybe that makes me a bit ruthless, but that needed to be done!
I’ve alternately read and listened to the entire series (and bought the hardcovers to keep on my shelf!) and I recommend either version. Thérèse Plummer narrates the audios and they are fantastic! She seamlessly performs both male and female characters and infuses them with just the right emotions bringing the story to life!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
In this installment, Eric and Casey are getting ready for the birth of their baby, excited and nervous as the due date approaches when one of their members is drugged and narrowly escapes abduction. They’re both shocked and relieved, because it could’ve turned out so much worse, yet now they know there’s a predator in their midst. Their vetting process is better than Rockton’s, so they wonder how this could be. While investigating another woman goes missing with deadlier results.
Cold as Hell is one you want to make some time for because you’re not going to want to put it down! I love the methodical way Casey and Eric go over each mystery, checking and re-checking the facts and witness accounts. The devil is in the details! With this case the murderer is a special kind of evil and I was so worried for everyone involved! The ending was a nail-biter, and I stayed up late to finish! That last bit, how everything finally resolved was gratifying! Maybe that makes me a bit ruthless, but that needed to be done!
I’ve alternately read and listened to the entire series (and bought the hardcovers to keep on my shelf!) and I recommend either version. Thérèse Plummer narrates the audios and they are fantastic! She seamlessly performs both male and female characters and infuses them with just the right emotions bringing the story to life!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 18, 2025
The Haven’s Rock series is a spinoff of her Rockton series featuring Detective Casey Duncan. While each book offers a standalone mystery, I recommend reading the series in order.
Set in a remote location, the town of Haven’s Rock lives entirely off the grid. The town is hidden deep in the Yukon and offers sanctuary for its residents. Until one of the woman is attacked and dragged into the woods before being rescued.
A riveting mystery and relationship growth had me flipping the pages late into the night. Armstrong is a favorite author of mine, and she created a good mystery with plenty of suspense, suspects, and twists. All the residents have secrets, some Casey and Eric know others are – need to know.
The climate of their remote town is almost a character in itself with winter blizzards, dangers in the surrounding forest and their isolation from society. The police team comprises three and they will all need to work together as a suspect becomes clear, but doubts are raised. When a second victim is found, it becomes clear they are dealing with something darker.
Casey’s pregnancy adds another complication. She is due any day, and April is concerned. She wants Casey to travel down the mountain to deliver. Weather and Casey’s own stubbornness have Eric pulling out his hair. I love seeing their relationship evolve and having the townsfolk come to their aid.
Cold As Hell was a gripping edition to the Haven’s Rock mystery series. I am not sure I will ever grow tired of these characters and cases they tackle. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Set in a remote location, the town of Haven’s Rock lives entirely off the grid. The town is hidden deep in the Yukon and offers sanctuary for its residents. Until one of the woman is attacked and dragged into the woods before being rescued.
A riveting mystery and relationship growth had me flipping the pages late into the night. Armstrong is a favorite author of mine, and she created a good mystery with plenty of suspense, suspects, and twists. All the residents have secrets, some Casey and Eric know others are – need to know.
The climate of their remote town is almost a character in itself with winter blizzards, dangers in the surrounding forest and their isolation from society. The police team comprises three and they will all need to work together as a suspect becomes clear, but doubts are raised. When a second victim is found, it becomes clear they are dealing with something darker.
Casey’s pregnancy adds another complication. She is due any day, and April is concerned. She wants Casey to travel down the mountain to deliver. Weather and Casey’s own stubbornness have Eric pulling out his hair. I love seeing their relationship evolve and having the townsfolk come to their aid.
Cold As Hell was a gripping edition to the Haven’s Rock mystery series. I am not sure I will ever grow tired of these characters and cases they tackle. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 21, 2024
Oh My Gosh!!! I am so excited that I was approved for this book! I am 3 chapters in and this is so good! Love this series!!!
Rounded up to 4.5 Stars!!!
Kelley Armstrong writes another atmospheric tale in the latest installment of the Havens Rock series! Casey and Eric continue to police and manage the new town of Havens Rock. They are expecting their first child, and Casey has had some scares in her pregnancy. One night, the social worker for the town, Kendra, is drugged and attacked. However, she gets away, and soon Casey and the team are investigating and trying to figure out who would do this. The citizenship in Havens Rock is small, so they begin looking into some of the locals. As the investigation begins, a huge blizzard is heading their way- and another local woman- Lynn goes missing. When they discover her- it is one of the most horrifying scenes they have experienced. And it is at this point that Casey starts having issues with her pregnancy, and she and Eric must fly out after the storm to go see her doctor/specialist. However, during this trips, Casey discovers a suspect that is close to everyone in the community. As she and Eric try to call on the Sat phone, there is no answer. They become frantic with worry, and as the situation with the pregnancy calms down, they head back- only to walk into another nightmare.
Whew! I absolutely loved the Rockton series, and this spin-off (so to speak!), is a continuation of the fantastic series. Armstrong is a master at atmospheric reads. I was completely enveloped in the bitter cold and isolation of Havens Rock. My adrenaline was rushing when they were tracking the killer, and I found myself wrapping up in two blankets as I read about the blizzard and the white out! Havens Rock is as much a main character as Casey, Eric, Storm and Anders. I absolutely love when authors include the setting as a way to propel the story and add atmosphere and tone, and Armstrong continues to excel in this as is also evident in the Rockton, Cainesville, and A Rip Through Time series. She also continues to be a master of world building, paying attention to the big and little details of her worlds!
Casey is a very good investigator, and with her dog, Storm- she is becoming quite good at tracking. I love the community and how they work together and help each other. The police team is tight knit, and knows the community well. I also love how they are "minimal" in Havens Rock, with very little electronics. It is a very "organic" and human place, and it is fast paced. While they rely on computer searches and information- it is still old fashioned police work and wilderness training that gets the job done!
I will warn that the deaths are brutal and I was a bit horrified at what the victims went through. However, the weakness in the system that is in place to filter applicants to live in Havens Rock was revealed, and now the team needs to refine this issue.
Highly recommend to people looking for an atmospheric, dark, read that takes place in secluded locations!!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Rounded up to 4.5 Stars!!!
Kelley Armstrong writes another atmospheric tale in the latest installment of the Havens Rock series! Casey and Eric continue to police and manage the new town of Havens Rock. They are expecting their first child, and Casey has had some scares in her pregnancy. One night, the social worker for the town, Kendra, is drugged and attacked. However, she gets away, and soon Casey and the team are investigating and trying to figure out who would do this. The citizenship in Havens Rock is small, so they begin looking into some of the locals. As the investigation begins, a huge blizzard is heading their way- and another local woman- Lynn goes missing. When they discover her- it is one of the most horrifying scenes they have experienced. And it is at this point that Casey starts having issues with her pregnancy, and she and Eric must fly out after the storm to go see her doctor/specialist. However, during this trips, Casey discovers a suspect that is close to everyone in the community. As she and Eric try to call on the Sat phone, there is no answer. They become frantic with worry, and as the situation with the pregnancy calms down, they head back- only to walk into another nightmare.
Whew! I absolutely loved the Rockton series, and this spin-off (so to speak!), is a continuation of the fantastic series. Armstrong is a master at atmospheric reads. I was completely enveloped in the bitter cold and isolation of Havens Rock. My adrenaline was rushing when they were tracking the killer, and I found myself wrapping up in two blankets as I read about the blizzard and the white out! Havens Rock is as much a main character as Casey, Eric, Storm and Anders. I absolutely love when authors include the setting as a way to propel the story and add atmosphere and tone, and Armstrong continues to excel in this as is also evident in the Rockton, Cainesville, and A Rip Through Time series. She also continues to be a master of world building, paying attention to the big and little details of her worlds!
Casey is a very good investigator, and with her dog, Storm- she is becoming quite good at tracking. I love the community and how they work together and help each other. The police team is tight knit, and knows the community well. I also love how they are "minimal" in Havens Rock, with very little electronics. It is a very "organic" and human place, and it is fast paced. While they rely on computer searches and information- it is still old fashioned police work and wilderness training that gets the job done!
I will warn that the deaths are brutal and I was a bit horrified at what the victims went through. However, the weakness in the system that is in place to filter applicants to live in Havens Rock was revealed, and now the team needs to refine this issue.
Highly recommend to people looking for an atmospheric, dark, read that takes place in secluded locations!!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 7, 2024
The Rockton series has to be one of my favorite series by Armstrong, which is why I was so excited that the series continued with a spin-off, Haven's Rock. And, if possible, I love this series even more and the latest, Cold As Hell, is definitely my favorite to date of said series. I absolutely adored this read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was completely stumped as to who-dunn'it and was excited each time a new twist and turn showed up to throw me even more off the trail.
I loved watching Casey and Eric's relationship grow even more with each new surprise that came their way and with the upcoming arrival of their baby. I have loved these two as a couple from the beginning and their love for one another and their quirky little town just gets stronger and better each new installment.
This is a series you don't want to miss out on. Quirky, original, and so much fun, it really is one that stands out, and I drop everything to start right away. It is so worth the read, I can't recommend it enough.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved watching Casey and Eric's relationship grow even more with each new surprise that came their way and with the upcoming arrival of their baby. I have loved these two as a couple from the beginning and their love for one another and their quirky little town just gets stronger and better each new installment.
This is a series you don't want to miss out on. Quirky, original, and so much fun, it really is one that stands out, and I drop everything to start right away. It is so worth the read, I can't recommend it enough.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 14, 2025
Finished Reading
DNF @ 19%
Pre-Read notes
I picked this book because I'm a huge fan of a cold weather setting, especially in thrillers and horror. It can really ratchet up the tension!
I'm 60 pages in and it's not going well. Why are so many writers of thrillers so relentlessly ableist?
Final Review (partial):
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. This book has a really interesting setting. Sort of an old west town in Yukon Territory but that doesn't officially exist. It's cool and interesting. I feel like I need more information about this setting though, given how different it is from ordinary towns.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I am really not a fan of the numerous rhetorical questions the narrator asks. They only mean something if they inform something and they don't.
2. A construction company whose payroll is 75% female. That seems so unrealistic to me, but It's because it's introduced so off-handedly, when such a business would be a really special thing.
3. I do not appreciate the narrator's treatment of tough topics like SA and violence against women.
4. The book is repetitious. Two pages after the opening scene, there are several paragraphs dedicated to describing this scene. This is only helpful or interesting if sufficient time elapses between the first and second iterations.
5. Hero mom narratives are not my cup of tea. Sometimes I don't mind subjects like miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or birth. They can work well into plots containing pregnant characters. But when pregnancy and related topics are written into the character's development and identity, I often find the amount of this material overwhelming.
6.“I’m pregnant,” I say. “Not an invalid." p53 Yeah, but she's ableist. There is nothing wrong with being "an invalid" except the anochrism and viciousness of that term. Also, pregnancy can for sure be a qualifying condition for taking disability. This author really needs to educate herself about disability.
Rating: DNF @ 19%
Recommend? no
Finished: Feb 7 '25
Format: digital arc, NetGalley
Thank you to the author Kelley Armstrong, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of COLD AS HELL. All views are mine.
---------------
DNF @ 19%
Pre-Read notes
I picked this book because I'm a huge fan of a cold weather setting, especially in thrillers and horror. It can really ratchet up the tension!
I'm 60 pages in and it's not going well. Why are so many writers of thrillers so relentlessly ableist?
Final Review (partial):
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. This book has a really interesting setting. Sort of an old west town in Yukon Territory but that doesn't officially exist. It's cool and interesting. I feel like I need more information about this setting though, given how different it is from ordinary towns.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I am really not a fan of the numerous rhetorical questions the narrator asks. They only mean something if they inform something and they don't.
2. A construction company whose payroll is 75% female. That seems so unrealistic to me, but It's because it's introduced so off-handedly, when such a business would be a really special thing.
3. I do not appreciate the narrator's treatment of tough topics like SA and violence against women.
4. The book is repetitious. Two pages after the opening scene, there are several paragraphs dedicated to describing this scene. This is only helpful or interesting if sufficient time elapses between the first and second iterations.
5. Hero mom narratives are not my cup of tea. Sometimes I don't mind subjects like miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or birth. They can work well into plots containing pregnant characters. But when pregnancy and related topics are written into the character's development and identity, I often find the amount of this material overwhelming.
6.“I’m pregnant,” I say. “Not an invalid." p53 Yeah, but she's ableist. There is nothing wrong with being "an invalid" except the anochrism and viciousness of that term. Also, pregnancy can for sure be a qualifying condition for taking disability. This author really needs to educate herself about disability.
Rating: DNF @ 19%
Recommend? no
Finished: Feb 7 '25
Format: digital arc, NetGalley
Thank you to the author Kelley Armstrong, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of COLD AS HELL. All views are mine.
---------------
December 17, 2024
This was an excellent mystery set in the Yukon. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton created a secret town so they could provide sanctuary for people who need it. In this third installment Casey is eight months pregnant but that does not slow her down when a local resident is abducted. The resident gets away but the abductor strikes again and this time the victim is not as lucky. With the weather against them and premature labor a possibility, the reader is left guessing as to what will happen next.
I love all of Kelley Armstrong's books no matter what genre she is writing in and this one did not disappoint. What I loved most about this mystery is that I thought I had it figured out but I was completely wrong. An action packed mystery set against really bad weather that will have you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
I love all of Kelley Armstrong's books no matter what genre she is writing in and this one did not disappoint. What I loved most about this mystery is that I thought I had it figured out but I was completely wrong. An action packed mystery set against really bad weather that will have you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 25, 2025
Love this series as much as I did Armstrong’s Rockton books. Eric and Casey are a great team and an adorable couple. There are a cast of super support characters as well: Will Anders, their charismatic and hunky deputy; Yolanda, the construction manager with an attitude; Mathias, the butcher/psychiatrist with a checkered past; Sebastian, the handsome young sociopath.
Armstrong’s descriptions of the Yukon make it sound like paradise, if a frozen version. And the plot lines are always convoluted and compelling. Casey and Eric are a terrific combination of police and detective work with a dash of intuition and perseverance that solves crimes.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Armstrong’s descriptions of the Yukon make it sound like paradise, if a frozen version. And the plot lines are always convoluted and compelling. Casey and Eric are a terrific combination of police and detective work with a dash of intuition and perseverance that solves crimes.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 27, 2025
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the pre-release copy of Cold as Hell. Below is my honest review.
I absolutely love this series. So much that I don't even know if I have words to express just how much I love it. The setting, the characters, the atmosphere, the mysteries... Armstrong is a master class author.
Highly recommend picking up this series (though be warned, this one is a few books into a followup series to the first series, Rockton, and as such, certain aspects of character/setting history are spoiled for those who haven't read the rest).
I absolutely love this series. So much that I don't even know if I have words to express just how much I love it. The setting, the characters, the atmosphere, the mysteries... Armstrong is a master class author.
Highly recommend picking up this series (though be warned, this one is a few books into a followup series to the first series, Rockton, and as such, certain aspects of character/setting history are spoiled for those who haven't read the rest).
January 27, 2025
Living through winter in Canada is no joke, and even less so when you're in the isolation of the Yukon Wilderness. Combine the frigid cold and whiteout snowstorms, not to mention the wildlife, with murder, mystery, and the horrors that humanity brings and you'll get the Rockton and Haven's Rock crime thrillers.
I love these series, so it comes as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment as well.
Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a continuation of the completed 7-book Rockton series. It has everything readers have come to love in these books. Tangled in with the murder mystery, we have lingering feelings of tension between the townsfolk - as you would likely expect when stuck in close proximity with your fellow refugees in a secret, off-the-grid town in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you throw in the suspicions of which of your neighbours is a dangerous criminal.
This is a hard review to write without giving away too much of the plot, so I'll leave it at this: Like it's predecessors, Cold As Hell does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes and guessing who the culprit may be!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
I love these series, so it comes as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment as well.
Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a continuation of the completed 7-book Rockton series. It has everything readers have come to love in these books. Tangled in with the murder mystery, we have lingering feelings of tension between the townsfolk - as you would likely expect when stuck in close proximity with your fellow refugees in a secret, off-the-grid town in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you throw in the suspicions of which of your neighbours is a dangerous criminal.
This is a hard review to write without giving away too much of the plot, so I'll leave it at this: Like it's predecessors, Cold As Hell does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes and guessing who the culprit may be!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
March 14, 2025
Alert: read the Rockton books first! While that series sets up this series, it is a bit more complicated to follow. In the Haven’s Rock books, I’m finding the storyline easier to follow with enough backstory revealed to understand those characters who return. Like the two previous novels, Armstrong gives a straight forward police procedural that recognizes the weaknesses the new community has to figure out. The relationship between Casey and Eric is a joy to watch and appeals to my romantic side. And the Yukon appeals to adventurers who would like to visit but not live there. I love these and hope the author will have many more storylines to keep this series alive! I look forward to every new title announced!
February 24, 2025
A very exciting spin on the usual locked room mystery: this time the mystery is set in a remote town in the Yukon which has been specifically created for people who need to 'disappear' from the world.
When one woman narrowly escapes being dragged into the woods by an attacker and another is later found dead, it is obvious the killer must be one of the 70 people living in remote Haven's Rock. Detective Eric Dalton and his wife Casey get right to work to solve the crime before anyone else gets attacked but there's one problem--Casey is expecting their first child and is hugely pregnant and experiencing problems so they are torn between these high priorities. Then throw in blizzard conditions and you have one heck of an exciting, atmospheric story.
I bravely jumped in on this series after being offered an arc by the author and publisher via NetGalley. At first I felt totally lost. Not only is this the third book in the Haven's Rock series, but it is a spin-off from an earlier series called Rockton about another such community, so there was a lot of backstory to unpack. But the current story really drew me in so I relaxed and enjoyed the ride. I appreciated the crazy scenario and liked these characters enough that I might go back and read the previous books when I get the chance.
When one woman narrowly escapes being dragged into the woods by an attacker and another is later found dead, it is obvious the killer must be one of the 70 people living in remote Haven's Rock. Detective Eric Dalton and his wife Casey get right to work to solve the crime before anyone else gets attacked but there's one problem--Casey is expecting their first child and is hugely pregnant and experiencing problems so they are torn between these high priorities. Then throw in blizzard conditions and you have one heck of an exciting, atmospheric story.
I bravely jumped in on this series after being offered an arc by the author and publisher via NetGalley. At first I felt totally lost. Not only is this the third book in the Haven's Rock series, but it is a spin-off from an earlier series called Rockton about another such community, so there was a lot of backstory to unpack. But the current story really drew me in so I relaxed and enjoyed the ride. I appreciated the crazy scenario and liked these characters enough that I might go back and read the previous books when I get the chance.
November 25, 2024
The publisher sent me the widget and I normally love her books so I loaded it. Totally my fault to not check, but it was part of a series and I haven't read the others. I think I definitely would have enjoyed this more if I read the others. It was still well written but I felt a bit lost with the backstory. I want to start the first one in the series now because I have heard such great things. I'll still be picking up her book in the future as I love her stories.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I'm going to start this review with a caveat. I was not (and I see I wasn't alone looking through other advanced reviews) aware this was part of a series when I requested this title. Therefore, I can only review this title honestly with that consideration in mind.
I found this book very difficult to get into. Partly because there was valuable back story and context that I had missed from the first two titles in the series. But, here is the first factor in my overall rating; there was absolutely no explanation as to why the characters (and there were a lot) found themselves in this closed settlement in the Yukon. I can't get my head around why there wasn't even a brief explanation for people who stumbled into the series (like myself.) Additionally, it took me the longest time to realize that Eric/Dalton was the same character. Again, I attribute this to missing the first two books. Moreover, it wasn't until 250 pages in that I learned Anders/Will were the same character.
I felt this could have been established and clarified for new readers very early on without much effort and avoided this unnecessary confusion.
As for the plot, it was mostly dialogue driven which I don't usually mind but a lot of the interactions were really mundane and it took me a while to work out the dynamics between the characters as there were about 20 of them in total. The climax to the story was very far fetched in my opinion with one shocking conclusion basically just ignored by the main character, which seemed at odds with the entire plot as they spent the entire story trying to solve a brutal crime.
If you're familiar with the series, I suspect you'll enjoy it. As a newbie, I didn't feel the same.
2/5.
I'm going to start this review with a caveat. I was not (and I see I wasn't alone looking through other advanced reviews) aware this was part of a series when I requested this title. Therefore, I can only review this title honestly with that consideration in mind.
I found this book very difficult to get into. Partly because there was valuable back story and context that I had missed from the first two titles in the series. But, here is the first factor in my overall rating; there was absolutely no explanation as to why the characters (and there were a lot) found themselves in this closed settlement in the Yukon. I can't get my head around why there wasn't even a brief explanation for people who stumbled into the series (like myself.) Additionally, it took me the longest time to realize that Eric/Dalton was the same character. Again, I attribute this to missing the first two books. Moreover, it wasn't until 250 pages in that I learned Anders/Will were the same character.
I felt this could have been established and clarified for new readers very early on without much effort and avoided this unnecessary confusion.
As for the plot, it was mostly dialogue driven which I don't usually mind but a lot of the interactions were really mundane and it took me a while to work out the dynamics between the characters as there were about 20 of them in total. The climax to the story was very far fetched in my opinion with one shocking conclusion basically just ignored by the main character, which seemed at odds with the entire plot as they spent the entire story trying to solve a brutal crime.
If you're familiar with the series, I suspect you'll enjoy it. As a newbie, I didn't feel the same.
2/5.
December 31, 2024
My last book read in 2024, and I'm pleased to have finished the year with a great book by a favorite author of mine. "Cold as Hell" is book 3 in Haven's Rock, the spin-off series from the Rockton series, where we first met Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton. I recommend reading the Rockton series before starting this one.
I had a bit of a problem getting into the book, but it was more me than the book. I started it and put it aside to read, or rather listen to, other books. It's much easier with audiobooks when I have a lot to do and not enough time and peace to sit down and read. However, when I got the time and the energy to focus on this book, I loved the story. It has one of the best storylines in both the Rockton and Haven's Rock series that I've read. The story was very brutal, and I have to admit that the twist to the story was unexpected and made the last part of the story one hell of a ride. The ending of the book? That's karma!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
I had a bit of a problem getting into the book, but it was more me than the book. I started it and put it aside to read, or rather listen to, other books. It's much easier with audiobooks when I have a lot to do and not enough time and peace to sit down and read. However, when I got the time and the energy to focus on this book, I loved the story. It has one of the best storylines in both the Rockton and Haven's Rock series that I've read. The story was very brutal, and I have to admit that the twist to the story was unexpected and made the last part of the story one hell of a ride. The ending of the book? That's karma!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
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