A Gift Before Dying

by Malcolm Kempt

In a hauntingly atmospheric novel set against the unforgiving landscape of the Arctic Circle, a disgraced police investigator discovers that his path to redemption is paved with ice—and blood.

After a botched high-profile murder investigation, Corporal Elderick Cole is exiled to the remote, rugged landscape of Nunavut, a vast territory in the Arctic Circle known for its untamed beauty, frigid temperatures, and endless winter nights. With his family having severed all ties, Cole waits out the result of a civil lawsuit alone—the wrong verdict could end what’s left of his flailing career.

His bleak existence takes a sinister turn when he discovers the hanging body of Pitseolala, a troubled Inuit girl whom he had sworn to protect. Her death dredges up demons he thought he’d buried along with the scars of a fractured marriage and the aching divide between him and his estranged daughter.

As Cole’s life unravels—and with it, the fragile thread of his investigation, he turns to Pitseolala’s younger brother, Maliktu, a fellow outsider. It’s then that Cole uncovers what binds them—a singular mission to find her killer.

Against fierce backlash, Cole’s overriding desire to redeem just one aspect of his otherwise failed life becomes an obsession—and he’s willing to break every rule in his unyielding pursuit of justice and the smallest shred of redemption.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Adult, Canada, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Malcolm Kempt spent seventeen years working as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic before leaving to write full-time. He won the Percy Janes Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript in 2023. He now lives on the island of Newfoundland. A Gift Before Dying is his debut novel.

Reviews

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an average sized book for a debut. Which is a really nice palette cleanser from the much longer books that the established authors are putting out.

I would label the genre for this book a little differently than it is labeled. I show it labeled as General Fiction / Mystery and Thriller. With the Lee Child's blurb on the front, I was assuming either a straight mystery or a mystery/action mashup. This is instead a mystery/horror mashup. There are ghosts. Lots of ghosts and unexplained phenomena. So, that's something to be aware of going in because satisfaction often depends on the difference between what is expected and what is delivered.

The arctic setting is extremely well done in this book. The arctic setting changes everything about living and investigating and dovetails nicely with what I knew about arctic living. (For example, 9 out of every 10 crimes in Alaska is either alcohol or drug related.) It's cold and bleak and enhances the horror and mystery elements nicely.

I did not guess the ending, which I like. However, I did not like the way the book ended. Opinions on that will differ, of course, and I'm not going to give the ending away by describing what I didn't care for.

This is a solid debut that will be enjoyed by fans of horror/mystery mashups.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark (literally and figuratively), bleak and relentlessly cheerless thriller – and I couldn’t put it down. Sergeant Elderick Cole has been demoted to a Canadian Arctic island following a botched investigation in Northern Alberta, a penance he performs dutifully and somberly. The Inuit population of the island, having had their ancient way of survival mostly obliterated by early fur traders, has spiraled into poverty, substance abuse and violence. Lawlessness reigns. As one of the town’s two law officers, Cole tries to foster a shred of social civility, and is not so easily convinced that a young woman’s cause of death was suicide. There is an element of the paranormal here, too, adding to the surreal setting of endlessly dark and cold winter days. Hard to believe this is a debut novel, as Kempt’s writing is so sharp and powerful. Highly recommended.

[Nicole W. Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A Gift Before Dying* really surprised me — in the best way. It’s a mix of mystery, dark humor, and some unexpectedly heartfelt moments that stick with you. Kempt has a great way of writing characters who feel real — a little messy, a little flawed, but totally believable.

The story moves at a good pace, though it drags just a bit in the middle. Still, the ending ties everything together beautifully, and I found myself thinking about the moral twists long after I finished.

If you like stories that make you think but still keep you entertained, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @prhaudio @crownpublishing #partner for the gifted copies of this book!

❄️A Gift Before Dying ❄️
Author: Malcolm Kempt
Pub Date: January 20, 2026

I am an absolute sucker for snowy covers in the winter and this one was calling my name. ❄️ A Gift Before Dying is a new to me author and a first Malcolm Kempt book that I've read and I’m happy to report I really enjoyed this one.

The story kicks off with a woman found dead in the Arctic Circle and it was initially ruled a suicide. However as the detective starts digging into the details little things just don’t add up. It quickly becomes clear to Cole, the detective that there’s more going on in this small town.

This book is SUCH a mood. It’s extremely atmospheric and Malcolm absolutely nailed it making me feel trapped in this brutally cold and isolated town. I felt like I was trucking right alongside Detective Cole freezing my booty off. I personally could practically feel the frostbite and exhaustion pouring off this man. Cole was a fascinating character to me. He was a little unlikeable because of his habits but also I felt deeply sympathetic towards him. I couldn't decide if I loved him or loathed him. I'm kind of a softy though... so leaned more towards love. I couldn't help but feel for him as he spiraled a bit mentally under the pressure of being a part of a small police force, all the lack of sleep he didn't get and just the general environment he was forced to work in. Woof. It was tough!

If you love stories dripping in desperation, isolation with a touch of insanity, then look no further friends...this one is for you. The entire book is oozing with a dark sense of dread that never let up for the entire book. AAAAAAND I loved every second of it.

⚠️ Quick note for animal lovers: there is one scene involving an animal that doesn’t make it — read with caution.

All in all, this was the perfect read for the gray, cold days of a Chicago winter.

❄️

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable debut! I pushed this up on my TBR because it was snowy and icy outside, and I figured it would mesh well with the Arctic Circle atmosphere. Speaking of the atmosphere, Malcolm Kempt does a fantastic job of making this book feel visceral. He doesn’t just describe, he makes you really feel like you’re there, experiencing everything that is happening right alongside the characters.

A Gift Before Dying is about Elderick Cole, a man exiled to the Arctic due to a past investigation gone wrong. Completely alone, dealing with a new job, new home, a pending civil suit, and a career hanging on by a thread, Cole comes across the body of a local girl. While it appears to be suicide, Cole doesn’t believe that. Joining forces with the girl’s brother, they are bound together with a singular goal: find her killer. With nothing else to lose, and with absolutely no problem breaking the rules, Cole is steadfast in his pursuit for justice, redemption, and atonement.

If I hadn’t known prior to starting this book, I would have assumed Malcolm Kempt had released numerous books. The fact this is a debut is mind blowing. The writing is sharp and powerful, and this is such an atmospheric, chilling book. It also has the perfect sprinkle of the paranormal which makes this book even more haunting. Absolutely recommend checking this out!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this eARC!

[Laura Pritchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sergeant Cole has been reassigned to the Arctic Circle after mishandling a previous murder investigation. When he attends what first appears to be the suicide of a young girl, he soon begins to suspect that not everything is as it seems…

This is the author’s debut novel, and I found the pacing steady for most of the book. The narrative takes time to immerse the reader in the setting, vividly portraying life in the Arctic Circle—the harsh realities of the environment—and weaving in details of Inuit culture, which I found both unique and enriching.

The final ten or so chapters shift gears into a faster pace, delivering an action-packed and bittersweet conclusion. While a few questions remain unanswered, this is a distinctive read that balances atmosphere, cultural depth, and suspense.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GIFT BEFORE DYING is an atmospheric mystery about Pitseolala Kullu’s death in a remote Arctic hamlet, Kinngait (formerly known as Cape Dorset). A place that’s brutally cold, isolated, and perpetually night, and addiction is rampant and violence is frequently occurring. Sergeant Elderick Cole is convinced her death wasn’t a suicide and turns to Maliktu, Pitseolala’s younger brother, for help. A GIFT BEFORE DYING is a captivating glance into searching for justice in a cold, relentless place.

✨Thank you @crownpublishing for the #gifted copy. #partner

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was so well written, and I really became immersed in the cold, Arctic world. It was so atmospheric and gripping. I loved the Inuit culture that was depicted throughout, and really felt for the characters.

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect read for this time of year, this book literally gave me chills reading it. A new author for me and I am excited to read more from this author.

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazingly well done debut. This is not exactly an enjoyable book, considering the harshness of the setting, but it is one that is hard to put down. The setting is amazingly well done and even though the mystery could have been a bit tighter, I was still enthralled by the story as a whole.

Cole is a man who is haunted by many demons. He struggles with not only his job in this remote town full of crime, but with his past mistakes. I liked Cole and I felt for him. He doesn’t give up on trying to find the young girl’s murderer even when everyone is trying to convince him that it is a suicide. He is your typical detective, he drinks too much, doesn’t sleep and self medicates for an old injury, but there is something about him that makes you like him and want him to get better. His desire to catch the killer sends him on a heartbreaking journey of self discovery and resilience.

Maliktu was also a character that is haunted by things. He is only ten years old, but reads much older, mostly because he has gone through so much at such a young age. He lost both his parents in a fire, and was grievously injured during that incident. Now he has lost his sister. His fragile mental state is being pushed over the edge. But he too goes on that journey of self discovery and healing.

The setting is very well written and is almost a character in the story. You really feel the bleakness of the Arctic during winter and how hard it is to survive there. As one would expect there is rampant alcoholism, drugs and crime in this small town. The children pretty much are feral and left to fend for themselves most of the day and night. The government doesn’t do enough to help these people. There are no social services to speak of, and the few that are available are constantly changing as no one wants to live there for long. The Inuit culture also plays into the story and while we don’t learn everything about them, we do get enough to understand them within the context of the story.

The mystery itself was a bit on the uncomplicated side of things. I kind of pegged the killer as soon as they were introduced. But watching both Cole and Maliktu figure it out was gratifying. There is an overlying supernatural feel to the mystery and the story as a whole, but many of the things that happen to both Cole and Maliktu can be put down to mental illness. Cole drinks and self medicates and his constant lack of sleep allows for hallucinations. Maliktu has a diagnosis of psychosis, and admits that he has stopped taking his medication. He also has many hallucinations throughout the book. However the way these events are written it could very well by spirits guiding them. It is up to the reader to decide which.

The ending is very good and fits with the story as a whole, although I wasn’t very happy with it. I wanted something better for both characters.

I don’t usually do trigger warnings, but this book does warrant some. There is rampant abuse of both drugs and alcohol which includes children. Physical abuse and neglect of children. Domestic abuse, mostly of the physical kind. There is also animal cruelty and a dog is killed on page.

A well written debut that I recommend to those of you looking for a mystery with a unique setting that is part of the story itself. But be aware that this is a very dark book, see warnings above, but an honest one. I look forward to seeing what else this author might write next.

https://elnadesbookchat.com

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of A Gift Before Dying.

This is the author's debut novel and it's better than I expected, which is always a happy surprise.

** TW include: domestic violence, animal cruelty, despair, and violence so readers should be aware. **

This is one of the novels where the setting is as much a character as the characters.

The Arctic Circle is a cold, unforgiving and brutal place to live where only the strong survive and endure.

At the same time, you wonder, how do they?

** Minor frigid non-spoilers ahead **

The stark landscape mirrors the struggle of the main character, detective Elderick Cole, who has been banished to the godforsaken place after a botched investigation ended a promising career and his marriage.

Cole is saddened when he discovers the body of a teenage girl he once knew, thinking it was suicide, but his instincts are raised when the scene doesn't make sense.

Because it's a crime scene.

His desire to catch the killer, despite his partner's insistence to let it go, sets him on a journey of self discovery and redemption.

At the same time, the victim's younger brother makes a discovery of his own when he realizes his sister's spiritual presence remains with him and seeks vengeance.

These supernatural, almost horror elements set against the backdrop of a setting that feels other-wordly at times sheds some light on the Inuit culture and offers context and background to their spiritual and cultural beliefs.

Cole is a typical cliche detective; no family, no friends, he doesn't eat properly, he drinks too much and sleeps too little.

He self medicates due to an injury and has been exiled to a remote, desolate location, struggling to maintain a connection with his ex-wife and troubled daughter, but lacks the motivation and desire to do better.

The author does a great job describing the vivid beauty of the Arctic as well as how bleak it is to live there.

The Inuit barely scrape by, the population suffers from poverty, alcoholism, abuse, and lack of federal and state resources.

And the children are practically feral.

No one seems to care about the Inuit, not even themselves.

I didn't know anything about the Inuit and what I learned is dark and grim, but not surprising, given how the indigenous are treated by the government and everyone else.

I guessed whodunit easily; it's not hard since there aren't that many suspects.

The ending was respectful and beautifully poignant, staying true to Cole's personality and beliefs.

This is about loss, redemption, but also a reminder about how resilient people are, their spirit, their mind, body and souls.

I look forward to the author's next book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Nunavut, this debut novel is extremely dark, depressing, atmospheric, and riveting. Its slow burning intensity is almost painful and took me back to a time when I worked in Northern Saskatchewan in similar conditions, though not to the degree of Nunavut. I felt the hopelessness, isolation, and constricting blackness immediately. Not only is the Arctic Circle climate brutal but so are limited housing, sky high unemployment, substance abuse, violent crimes, and suicide rates. Kinship is challenging. Yet it has a unique allure and stark beauty which is irresistible to some who call it home. What a backdrop for a mystery thriller!

Corporal Elderick Cole was exiled to Nunavut after a questionable crime investigation in Northern Alberta. Estranged from his family including his daughter, he was alone. He also suffered from physical pain which added another element of anguish to his suffering. Yet throughout the story, his dark humour (out of necessity) and glimmers of hope occasionally shine through. He discovers the hanging body of teenager Pitseolala which many think (would rather believe) is suicide but there are reasons to think otherwise. Pitseolala's death adds further layers to her ten-year-old brother's trauma. He isn't living; he's existing. And Cole sees it all.

The mystery is beautifully written but what grabbed my heart the most is the sinking despair which I saw in my job with my own eyes. This book is the real deal. The characters are convincingly flawed yet resilient and their situations are heartbreaking. Supernatural bits, though part of the culture, are not my wheelhouse but I understand their inclusion. My hope is that this author writes more. He spent many years as a criminal lawyer living in the remote Arctic so has much wisdom and experience to share.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know we talk a lot about atmospheric reads, but seriously, this one had me adding layers and reaching for a hot drink, with its chilling descriptions of the frozen, barren Arctic.

The story is dark, bleak, even unnerving - one of isolation and desperation, and so much suffering. Elderick Cole, an investigator exiled to a remote Arctic village, is spiraling and searching for redemption. He forms an unlikely partnership with a dead girl’s brother to search for the truth about her death. But both become obsessed and haunted by the case. I felt Cole slipping. He didn’t always make the best decisions, but I could see that his endgame was justice.

While I found this to be a solid debut mystery, not overly twisty, the author earns high marks for the immersive narrative. The brutal landscape and climate are not just described but become characters that deepen the mystery, making readers feel the unforgiving environment's role in the plot. The details of the Inuit People, their culture, and their connection to the land added much eye-opening authenticity to this story, as well.

A note of caution, this book explores heavy topics like alcoholism, domestic abuse, and possible suicide. Scenes of animal abuse and death are included, all relevant to the story but potentially disturbing for some readers.

🎧Pairing my reading with the audiobook narrated by Stephen Mendel greatly enhanced the experience. His voice conveyed Cole's tension and desperation vividly, immersing me further into the story's brutal atmosphere.

Thank you @crownpublishing for this gifted book. Thank you @PRHaudio for the gifted audiobook. #PRHAInfluencer

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newfoundland author Malcolm Kempt immerses readers in the harshness of Arctic landscapes, and the lives lived among them, in his terrific debut A Gift Before Dying.

Sergeant Elderick Cole is enduring a frigid exile in Cape Dorset, a tiny hamlet perched among the vast, rugged expanses of Nunavut, after botching a high-profile murder investigation on mainland Canada. His tough, haunted existence becomes even tougher after he discovers the hanged body of Pitseolala, a troubled Inuit girl that he knew. Seemingly just another suicide in a bitter, desolate place; Cole thinks something more my be going on, though is he just fooling himself, or trying to atone for past mistakes, professional and personal ?

Meanwhile, Pitseolala’s adolescent brother Maliktu, often bullied due to his appearance, believes he’s being visited by her ghost. Can the damaged duo find a killer, if one even exists? Kempt, who reportedly worked as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic for seventeen years, dealing with violent crime in a violent place, draws readers in with his vivid, authentic storytelling. He marches in to places others my avoid, from bloodstained circle of life to the trauma and weight carried by those whose careers accept violence and death as commonplace. Excellent.

[This review was first written for publication in a January 2026 issue of the New Zealand Listener magazine]

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the stark, unforgiving beauty of Nunavut’s frozen expanse, this novel delivers a slow-burning, emotionally charged mystery that lingers like frostbite. At its heart is Corporal Elderick Cole—a man exiled by failure, haunted by loss, and quietly unraveling in a landscape that mirrors his inner desolation.

The discovery of Pitseolala’s body is the novel’s chilling pivot, and from that moment, the narrative tightens like ice around a wound. What follows is not just a murder investigation, but a reckoning—with grief, guilt, and the fragile threads of human connection. Cole’s reluctant alliance with Maliktu, the victim’s younger brother, adds depth and tenderness to a story otherwise steeped in silence and snow.

The prose is spare and evocative, with a rhythm that feels carved from the land itself—windswept, mournful, and resolute. The Arctic isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, shaping every decision, every breath, every buried truth. And through it all, Cole’s pursuit of justice becomes something more—a desperate grasp at redemption, a final act of defiance against the cold.

This is a novel for readers who crave atmosphere, emotional complexity, and the kind of mystery that doesn’t just ask whodunnit, but why we keep going when everything falls apart.

With thanks to Malcolm Kempt, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC,

[Maine Colonial · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Sergeant Elderick Cole became one of the couple of hundred non-Inuit residents of a town in Canada’s far north Cape Dorset. He exiled himself there after his promising career smashed up when he botched the investigation into a missing boy. He was left with a broken family and a pending lawsuit from the boy’s family.

Cape Dorset can be beautiful, with the northern lights and landscape of snow and sea. But it’s a brutal and unforgiving land, and many, maybe most, of its inhabitants live in poverty and abuse drugs, alcohol, animals, and each other. The murder and suicide rates are high, and now there is another one for Cole to check out. It’s Pitseolala, a young alcoholic woman whom Cole had been trying to help. He finds her hanging in a townhouse belonging to a local teacher who was away on holiday. While everyone assumes Pitseolala’s death is a suicide, Cole quickly becomes convinced she was murdered. He is determined to find her killer, as is her little brother, Maliktu.

This is a redemption story playing out in a singularly challenging setting, one that lends itself well to the many magical/horror elements of the story. It’s a tough read, with its relentlessly bleak mood and many cruel and violent episodes. It’s well done, though depressing.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @malcolmkempt and @crownpublishing for the #gifted book and @PRHAudio #PRHAudioPartner for the #gifted accompanying audiobook.

This debut novel is an enthralling, slow-burning thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.

Elderick Cole, an investigator banished to a remote Arctic village after a failed case, finds himself spiraling as he seeks redemption. His quest takes a gripping turn as he investigates the death of a young girl, forging an unlikely alliance with her brother. Together, they become consumed by the quest for truth, haunted by the shadows of the past.

The author masterfully captures the harsh reality of the Arctic setting, immersing readers in the isolation of the village. It's not just a backdrop; it's a visceral experience that makes you feel every chill and every heartbeat alongside the characters. The story unfolds beautifully, leading to an emotionally charged conclusion that lingers long after the last page is turned.

The narrator's performance elevates the experience, perfectly conveying Cole's tension and desperation, further drawing you into the brutal atmosphere of the story.

If you appreciate thrillers featuring deeply flawed, relatable characters, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars for January 20, 2026, you won't want to miss this compelling debut.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sad to say that I DNF this book. I found the author's writing style hard to follow.

He did an excellent job of setting the atmosphere in the cold, harsh Arctic. Also- he described the very sad plight of the Inuit people and the difficulty of their lives. Unfortunately, there was not enough dialog which could have lead to greater character development. I didn't feel invested in any of the characters.

Based on the description I expected this to be a straightforward murder mystery. It spiraled off into ghosts and supernatural events, which given the setting, I guess I should have expected. But I didn't, and didn't particularly care for it. Supernatural/ghosts, etc is not my genre.

I realize I am an outlier here. I would encourage anyone who is interested an Arctic setting or enjoys "ghosty" books to give this book a try. Many other reviewers seemed to enjoy it. I wish the author success with this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity.

[books_by_vickib · Rating 3 out of 5]

After blowing a major murder case, Sergeant Elderick Cole is shipped off to Nunavut, a harsh Arctic territory of brutal cold and endless nights. His isolation turns darker when he finds Pitseolala, a troubled Inuit girl he promised to protect, hanging dead.

Her death drags up his past failures and as his case falls apart, Cole teams up with her younger brother, Maliktu, to find her killer.

I enjoyed the setting of this book but I did struggle with some of the names and the middle section lacked pace. The book picked up towards the end but if am honest I feel like it left some things unanswered and I like my thrillers all wrapped up.

I enjoyed Cole's character but would have liked more into his background. I also enjoyed the short chapters as it was easy to read.

Overall this was a good debut and I hope the author does well with the launch. This book is perfect for fans of artic thrillers!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of A Gift Before Dying at the Heartland Fall Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pitseolala Kullu, an Inuit teen from Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada, appears to have died by suicide, but her younger brother, Maliktu, keeps seeing her. She appears to Sergeant Elderick Cole as well, and it becomes clear to both that her death was no suicide. In a place where early deaths are frequent and where it would be easier to let an indigenous teen’s death fall by the wayside, Maliktu and Cole form an unlikely partnership to reveal the true circumstances of her death. Equal parts suspense thriller, ghost story, and mystery, and written with the authority of someone who lived 17 years beyond the Arctic Circle, Malcolm Kempt’s debut is unique and thrilling as its remote setting.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ REVIEW ❄️

A Gift Before Dying by Malcolm Kempt
Publication date: January 20, 2026

Thank you @crownpublishing for the gifted book!

Disgraced officer Elderick Cole is exiled to a remote village in the Arctic. When he finds the body of a young Inuit woman Pitseolala, her death is written off as another suicide. With the help of her younger brother and visions of the victim, he will stop at nothing to find the truth.

The isolation, constant darkness, and unrelenting cold of this Arctic village really set the tone for this crime thriller, where poverty and violence has taken over and death is so frequent. The paranormal aspect adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Cole’s determination to get justice for the victim despite all the adversity is inspiring.

Rating 4⭐️

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Crown Publishing | Crown, for providing the copy of A Gift Before Dying by Malcolm Kempt. I loved Cole and how he struggled with his flaws. The other characters all kind of blended together, and it took some time to figure out who everyone was. I had a problem with the writing style. There were endless blocks of text describing what people did and thought, and more dialogue would have given me more insight into the characters and made the book easier to stay engaged in the story. The last part was exciting, and I loved how fast it moved. When the story started to make sense, I really enjoyed it, but I still think this book wasn’t really for me. 3 stars.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5

Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the ARC in return for a review.

I’m not gonna lie, this book was so difficult for me to get through. It’s set in a community of Inuit people and the names are pretty difficult. There’s also little dialog, which is probably why I struggled getting through it. AND there’s dog violence. Which made me extremely sad.
The last 15% is fast and heated, so I did appreciate that.
I truly think for some this could be a very enjoyable book, it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

[Patricia Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

think I needed to wear an extra sweater while reading this book. such coldness in the blowing snow and bone chilling wind. Cole, a somewhat disgraced detective, is investigating the "suicide" of a young girl, Pits. he does not believe she committed suicide. was surprised by the turn of events at the end of the book. parkas off to a good book.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girls body has been found and it looks like she hanged herself.
Police Officer Cole who is in charge of the investigation is not sure that it is suicide and decides to find out more about the events leading up to this incident.
A slow burn mystery set in Artic Circle.
Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Venkatesan · Rating 3 out of 5]

great book

[Cianka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
Wasn’t my favorite thriller because of the slow start. It took me a while to get into, but the end result was thrilling and unexpected.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

hauntingly atmospheric and effective murder mystery set in Nunavut in a book focused on the Inuit community. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Katie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

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