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A Gift Before Dying
Listening Length: 9 hours and 13 minutes
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.
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.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 20, 2026
94 people are currently reading
13172 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Kempt
3 books51 followersMalcolm 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.
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January 26, 2026
A Gift Before Dying
Malcolm Kempt
01/20/2025
Crown
A Gift Before Dying is a debut novel set in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, where the environment shapes every breath and decision. From the opening pages, Malcolm Kempt drops the reader into a world of extreme cold, endless snow, punishing wind, and long stretches of darkness. Elderick Cole, a disgraced law enforcement officer, has been reassigned to this remote Inuit community after a botched investigation and the collapse of his marriage. When the death of a young Inuit girl is ruled a suicide, Cole cannot let it rest. What begins as a quiet, isolated posting becomes a deeply personal investigation that forces him to confront not only the truth behind her death, but his own failures and need for redemption.
About two chapters in, I paused my reading to learn more about Cape Dorset and the Inuit community, and I am glad I did. This book is far more than a murder mystery. Kempt explores the realities faced by the community Cole is serving, including suicide, alcoholism, the erosion of native traditions, and the alarming rates of crime among young people. These issues are not presented as background noise. They are integral to the story and to Cole’s growing understanding of the place and the people he is meant to protect. Cole is deeply flawed, but his moral compass remains pointed toward justice, even when the cost is high and the answers are uncomfortable.
What makes this novel especially compelling is how seamlessly it weaves mystery, paranormal, and subtle horror elements into the narrative in a way that feels organic to Inuit culture and storytelling. The result is an engaging slow burn mystery with real emotional weight. Kempt’s writing is immersive and thoughtful, allowing the setting to function almost as a character in its own right. Readers looking for a straightforward procedural may be surprised, but those willing to lean into atmosphere, complexity, and moral tension will find a powerful and memorable read.
Malcolm Kempt
01/20/2025
Crown
A Gift Before Dying is a debut novel set in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, where the environment shapes every breath and decision. From the opening pages, Malcolm Kempt drops the reader into a world of extreme cold, endless snow, punishing wind, and long stretches of darkness. Elderick Cole, a disgraced law enforcement officer, has been reassigned to this remote Inuit community after a botched investigation and the collapse of his marriage. When the death of a young Inuit girl is ruled a suicide, Cole cannot let it rest. What begins as a quiet, isolated posting becomes a deeply personal investigation that forces him to confront not only the truth behind her death, but his own failures and need for redemption.
About two chapters in, I paused my reading to learn more about Cape Dorset and the Inuit community, and I am glad I did. This book is far more than a murder mystery. Kempt explores the realities faced by the community Cole is serving, including suicide, alcoholism, the erosion of native traditions, and the alarming rates of crime among young people. These issues are not presented as background noise. They are integral to the story and to Cole’s growing understanding of the place and the people he is meant to protect. Cole is deeply flawed, but his moral compass remains pointed toward justice, even when the cost is high and the answers are uncomfortable.
What makes this novel especially compelling is how seamlessly it weaves mystery, paranormal, and subtle horror elements into the narrative in a way that feels organic to Inuit culture and storytelling. The result is an engaging slow burn mystery with real emotional weight. Kempt’s writing is immersive and thoughtful, allowing the setting to function almost as a character in its own right. Readers looking for a straightforward procedural may be surprised, but those willing to lean into atmosphere, complexity, and moral tension will find a powerful and memorable read.
January 31, 2026
A Gift Before Dying was the perfect dark and moody book to snuggle up with on a cold day. The setting in the Arctic Circle along with haunting lore of the Inuit people made for an enthralling, atmospheric dive into the minds of souls in anguish. This has the feel of a Nordic Noir police procedural mixed with some paranormal and horror elements. The main character, Corporal Elderick Cole, is one I won’t forget. He’s deeply troubled and doesn’t take care of himself but remains focused on the truth. Excellent debut! I combo read and listened to this one-great narration!
Thank you @Crownpublishing & @prhaudio for the gifted books!
Thank you @Crownpublishing & @prhaudio for the gifted books!
December 11, 2025
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!
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!
September 29, 2025
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.
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.
January 21, 2026
#ad much love for my advance copy @crownpublishing #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
🅰 🅶🅸🅵🆃 🅱🅴🅵🅾🆁🅴 🅳🆈🅸🅽🅶
< @malcolmkempt >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨
“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.”
What a crime thriller this one was! Atmospheric with a solid mystery, I enjoyed this one. I think this is one of those books that you’re either going to love or not.
The writing really pulled me in, but the setting kept me hooked. You can’t beat an isolated location with frigid temperatures - one of my most fav settings. And this book delivered.
This was also a complex crime thriller with some supernatural elements. I thought the investigation was genius.
🎧: Also listened to the audio while following along and enjoyed the audio too. Stephen Mendel was the perfect person for this book. A fab listen.
Loved how the story explored grief, guilt, and redemption - I only wish it had been a little more fast-paced, but it was still a fab read.
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
🅰 🅶🅸🅵🆃 🅱🅴🅵🅾🆁🅴 🅳🆈🅸🅽🅶
< @malcolmkempt >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨
“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.”
What a crime thriller this one was! Atmospheric with a solid mystery, I enjoyed this one. I think this is one of those books that you’re either going to love or not.
The writing really pulled me in, but the setting kept me hooked. You can’t beat an isolated location with frigid temperatures - one of my most fav settings. And this book delivered.
This was also a complex crime thriller with some supernatural elements. I thought the investigation was genius.
🎧: Also listened to the audio while following along and enjoyed the audio too. Stephen Mendel was the perfect person for this book. A fab listen.
Loved how the story explored grief, guilt, and redemption - I only wish it had been a little more fast-paced, but it was still a fab read.
December 8, 2025
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.
November 4, 2025
*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.
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.
January 26, 2026
Dark, haunting, propulsive, with a hefty dose of scary supernatural-this book is not at all my typical read but I couldn’t put it down. It’s also an unflinching look at the poverty and brokenness in tiny native Arctic communities.
December 12, 2025
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.
January 25, 2026
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.
❄️
❄️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.
❄️
January 21, 2026
I read this in one sitting. It’s clear, heartfelt, and one of the most captivating thrillers I’ve read in a long time. From the plot to the writing style, it’s a moving and thoughtful read that will stay with me. 10/10 I couldn’t recommend it enough!
December 18, 2025
There are a books I’ve read recently where I felt the author had a death-grip on the narrative from the very first page. One was Samantha Harvey’s Orbital, another was Olga Ravn’s The Wax Child, but it’s Kempt’s debut that felt seismic. His storytelling is so confident and assured, and his main protagonist is one of the more memorable detectives in literature. I saw one review that had a line like ‘there’s never been a police protagonist more disheveled and out of sorts than Cole.” I normally reject superlatives, but in this case, the reviewer was right. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to receive an early copy of this novel, as it is one I will not soon forget.
January 23, 2026
★★★★
Corporal Elderick Cole (Cole) has had a few tough years. Overworked, on the brink of divorce, he botched a high-profile case and landed himself in exile. In a way, quite literally, because his new home in the unforgiving landscape of Nunavut, deep in the Arctic Circle, feels very much like a punishment.
Now divorced and struggling with his health, Cole is more overworked than ever. Resources are scarce in the Inuit village. Crime is high, as is substance abuse, and deaths are frequent, whether accidental, self-inflicted, or otherwise. When the hanging body of Pitseolala is found, everyone accepts the narrative of suicide except Cole. Pitseolala was known to police, and Cole never picked her as suicidal. There is also evidence suggesting things may not be as they seem. Determined to get to the truth, Cole forms an unexpected alliance with Maliktu, Pitseolala’s brother, but his attempt to redeem himself professionally may cost him everything he has left…
I did not realize this was a debut, wow! The atmosphere is incredible. The descriptions are so vivid that I genuinely felt the temperature drop along with the daylight. It was incredibly immersive! Throughout the story, we learn a lot about Inuit history, culture, and the challenges these communities face. The circumstances many children are born into and grow up in are disheartening, and there were a few parts that were hard to read. Even knowing this is fiction, it does not feel far off the mark. A sense of loss, of both identity and hope, runs through the story. While you might judge certain choices as an outsider, it is impossible not to relate to the daily struggles behind them.
One of the most unexpected elements of the story were the supernatural aspects described by Cole and Maliktu. They enhanced the atmosphere and underlined Inuit culture and beliefs, while still feeling plausible (admittedly Cole is exhausted and Maliktu carries a lot of unresolved trauma).
Cole, our protagonist, is deeply flawed and full of regrets, yet clearly committed to serving and helping his community, even knowing he will always be an outsider to them. Maliktu broke my heart over and over. He is sweet and sensitive, and I had to remind myself more than once just how young he is. His tragic life has forced him to grow up far too fast.
The mystery itself was well done. While I was fully with Cole in questioning the ruling of suicide, I also understood the difficult position he was in, trying to respect the culture while making sure Pitseolala got justice. I did develop a strong suspicion about the culprit at one point, but that in no way lessened the experience. There were a few unresolved questions, but I do not think that hurts the story. Just like in real life, we rarely get perfect conclusions.
If you enjoy an atmospheric slow burn with just the right amount of supernatural elements, I highly recommend checking this out!
Corporal Elderick Cole (Cole) has had a few tough years. Overworked, on the brink of divorce, he botched a high-profile case and landed himself in exile. In a way, quite literally, because his new home in the unforgiving landscape of Nunavut, deep in the Arctic Circle, feels very much like a punishment.
Now divorced and struggling with his health, Cole is more overworked than ever. Resources are scarce in the Inuit village. Crime is high, as is substance abuse, and deaths are frequent, whether accidental, self-inflicted, or otherwise. When the hanging body of Pitseolala is found, everyone accepts the narrative of suicide except Cole. Pitseolala was known to police, and Cole never picked her as suicidal. There is also evidence suggesting things may not be as they seem. Determined to get to the truth, Cole forms an unexpected alliance with Maliktu, Pitseolala’s brother, but his attempt to redeem himself professionally may cost him everything he has left…
I did not realize this was a debut, wow! The atmosphere is incredible. The descriptions are so vivid that I genuinely felt the temperature drop along with the daylight. It was incredibly immersive! Throughout the story, we learn a lot about Inuit history, culture, and the challenges these communities face. The circumstances many children are born into and grow up in are disheartening, and there were a few parts that were hard to read. Even knowing this is fiction, it does not feel far off the mark. A sense of loss, of both identity and hope, runs through the story. While you might judge certain choices as an outsider, it is impossible not to relate to the daily struggles behind them.
One of the most unexpected elements of the story were the supernatural aspects described by Cole and Maliktu. They enhanced the atmosphere and underlined Inuit culture and beliefs, while still feeling plausible (admittedly Cole is exhausted and Maliktu carries a lot of unresolved trauma).
Cole, our protagonist, is deeply flawed and full of regrets, yet clearly committed to serving and helping his community, even knowing he will always be an outsider to them. Maliktu broke my heart over and over. He is sweet and sensitive, and I had to remind myself more than once just how young he is. His tragic life has forced him to grow up far too fast.
The mystery itself was well done. While I was fully with Cole in questioning the ruling of suicide, I also understood the difficult position he was in, trying to respect the culture while making sure Pitseolala got justice. I did develop a strong suspicion about the culprit at one point, but that in no way lessened the experience. There were a few unresolved questions, but I do not think that hurts the story. Just like in real life, we rarely get perfect conclusions.
If you enjoy an atmospheric slow burn with just the right amount of supernatural elements, I highly recommend checking this out!
January 25, 2026
I received this book from Goodreads for an honest review.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were things I liked; however, they were often paired with something that just wasn’t quite so great for me. First, let me say I had a hard time deciding what classification of I would give book. It wavered between mystery, literary fiction, and travelogue/documentary and never really seemed to get to the status of either suspense or thriller. I don’t mind bending genres, but I just found the book hard to classify and I wasn’t always sure how to take it.
The atmosphere, the climate and conditions, and the people were so well defined, the background almost became the main character. I liked that for a change. However, the real characters were a little flat. This may be because they were so shaped by their environment they had to become secondary characters. (I’m still processing how I feel,about this and probably will be for a few weeks until I can find someone else who has read this I can argue it out with.)
Again because of the intended or unintended main character, the plot had many new twists and tricks I haven’t read in many other books. I really appreciated that freshness.
I probably spent more time reading this than I should have. I’d find I’d missed a detail and would go back and reread 2-3 chapters just to see what else I’d missed.
I’d be interested in knowing if anyone else thought the backdrop stole the show.
Now, I gotta add. This is a debut novel. Damn good for the first go!
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were things I liked; however, they were often paired with something that just wasn’t quite so great for me. First, let me say I had a hard time deciding what classification of I would give book. It wavered between mystery, literary fiction, and travelogue/documentary and never really seemed to get to the status of either suspense or thriller. I don’t mind bending genres, but I just found the book hard to classify and I wasn’t always sure how to take it.
The atmosphere, the climate and conditions, and the people were so well defined, the background almost became the main character. I liked that for a change. However, the real characters were a little flat. This may be because they were so shaped by their environment they had to become secondary characters. (I’m still processing how I feel,about this and probably will be for a few weeks until I can find someone else who has read this I can argue it out with.)
Again because of the intended or unintended main character, the plot had many new twists and tricks I haven’t read in many other books. I really appreciated that freshness.
I probably spent more time reading this than I should have. I’d find I’d missed a detail and would go back and reread 2-3 chapters just to see what else I’d missed.
I’d be interested in knowing if anyone else thought the backdrop stole the show.
Now, I gotta add. This is a debut novel. Damn good for the first go!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was seriously a great debut! I'm really excited to read more by this author!
Elderick Cole has been reassigned to a remote Arctic territory following his mishandling of a prominent murder investigation. Although he has been exonerated of any wrongdoing, he is currently awaiting the outcome of a civil lawsuit filed against him. Despite being burdened by shame, regret, and considerable physical discomfort, he endeavors to perform his duties to the best of his ability. However, upon discovering Pitseolala, an Inuit girl, hanged in an abandoned house, he is confronted by old demons. While everyone else presumes it to be a suicide, he is convinced otherwise and is resolute in his determination to prove it. With the assistance of Maliktu, Pitseolala's younger brother, he commences an investigation.
The Arctic setting truly made this book. It was dark, dreary, cold, and isolated. Told from the POVs of Cole and Maliktu, this was a great police procedural/crime thriller. It was incredibly atmospheric, gritty, and full of suspense. The mystery was intriguing, and my heart broke for both the MCs. Both did some very questionable things, and Cole wasn't the most likable, but I definitely felt for him. Veronica, his partner, on the other hand, irritated me to no end! I loved learning about the Inuit people; getting a glimpse into their lives with their language and culture was truly interesting. This book was very entertaining, and I really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR🩷
Elderick Cole has been reassigned to a remote Arctic territory following his mishandling of a prominent murder investigation. Although he has been exonerated of any wrongdoing, he is currently awaiting the outcome of a civil lawsuit filed against him. Despite being burdened by shame, regret, and considerable physical discomfort, he endeavors to perform his duties to the best of his ability. However, upon discovering Pitseolala, an Inuit girl, hanged in an abandoned house, he is confronted by old demons. While everyone else presumes it to be a suicide, he is convinced otherwise and is resolute in his determination to prove it. With the assistance of Maliktu, Pitseolala's younger brother, he commences an investigation.
The Arctic setting truly made this book. It was dark, dreary, cold, and isolated. Told from the POVs of Cole and Maliktu, this was a great police procedural/crime thriller. It was incredibly atmospheric, gritty, and full of suspense. The mystery was intriguing, and my heart broke for both the MCs. Both did some very questionable things, and Cole wasn't the most likable, but I definitely felt for him. Veronica, his partner, on the other hand, irritated me to no end! I loved learning about the Inuit people; getting a glimpse into their lives with their language and culture was truly interesting. This book was very entertaining, and I really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR🩷
February 1, 2026
Thank you to PRHAudio for the free audiobook.
4.25 stars
Narrated my Stephen Mendel who did a terrific job of voicing both Cole, the law enforcement officer for Nunavut, and Maliktu, the younger brother of the dead girl, Pitseolala. The bleakness of both the situation and location was found in his narration.
Cole has been dispatched to the outer edges of the earth following a botched murder investigation that lead to his demotion and exile. His marriage and family have fallen apart and turned against him. When a teenager is found hanging, the quick assumption is suicide. But things aren't adding up to Cole. Maliktu, her brother, is having visions of his sister and attempts to connect with Cole at his vision's urging.
There are great side characters, representation by the original peoples, local town baddies, and residents that are just trying to get by. Into the mix, there might be an evil praying on desperate people. It is Cole's job to not only find out, but not lose yet another job or the young Maliktu in the process.
Highly recommend for those that enjoy a Noir Mystery.
The landscape is as bleak as the lives described. One can feel the chill and hopelessness.
4.25 stars
Narrated my Stephen Mendel who did a terrific job of voicing both Cole, the law enforcement officer for Nunavut, and Maliktu, the younger brother of the dead girl, Pitseolala. The bleakness of both the situation and location was found in his narration.
Cole has been dispatched to the outer edges of the earth following a botched murder investigation that lead to his demotion and exile. His marriage and family have fallen apart and turned against him. When a teenager is found hanging, the quick assumption is suicide. But things aren't adding up to Cole. Maliktu, her brother, is having visions of his sister and attempts to connect with Cole at his vision's urging.
There are great side characters, representation by the original peoples, local town baddies, and residents that are just trying to get by. Into the mix, there might be an evil praying on desperate people. It is Cole's job to not only find out, but not lose yet another job or the young Maliktu in the process.
Highly recommend for those that enjoy a Noir Mystery.
The landscape is as bleak as the lives described. One can feel the chill and hopelessness.
December 12, 2025
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.
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.
January 13, 2026
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
✨Thank you @crownpublishing for the #gifted copy. #partner
January 30, 2026
Great first novel. Great novel, all on its own. I felt like I was getting an education about Inuit culture and anthropology. "Cole", the protagonist is a complex and well-developed character, with numerous character flaws that increase his humanity. The story is fast moving and compelling. Mr. Kempt has a great future ahead of him if he can continue to write books like this one--hopefully in other settings. This is a worthy read.
February 1, 2026
Outstanding! I saw the author’s recent interview and read so many positive reviews that I bought the book. So glad I did! Great story and amazing sense of place. I truly felt I was living in the Arctic with this incredible cast of characters. Fabulous debut. Hoping for much more from this author. I’m also a big fan of Marc Cameron’s Arliss Cutter series so this book was right up my alley. Fans of Cameron should absolutely buy this book.
January 23, 2026
“A Gift Before Dying” is a dark, atmospheric crime novel set in the unforgiving landscape of Nunavut. The story follows a disgraced investigator haunted by past failures who becomes obsessed with solving the murder of a girl he swore to protect. Strong character development, a haunting setting, and themes of guilt, justice, and redemption make this a compelling and emotional read.
December 11, 2025
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.
January 25, 2026
Beautiful language on every page was only secondary to the thrilling story itself.
November 9, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this outstanding, chilling literary thriller. It is bleak, unnerving, and completely immersive in its harsh, northern atmosphere. We are drawn to its flawed and memorable characters, understanding and pitying them. This is an amazing debut by author Malcolm Kempt, who served as a criminal lawyer for seventeen years in the Arctic, giving the book an authentic, powerful, visceral feel. As I read, I felt the Arctic chill and was riveted by the characters and their despair.
Set in Cape Dorset (now called Kinngait) in Nunavut's remote landscape, the population is approximately 1,300, with about 200 being mostly temporary workers from southern Canada, and the remaining majority are Inuit. Since colonialism, the Inuit have lost much of their culture and have been reduced to poverty, substance abuse, crowded housing, suicide and violence. There is a feeling of desperation and dread among all residents. There is a deep-rooted lack of government attention and of the necessary services. The children roam freely during the day and night, committing housebreaks, theft, animal abuse, and vandalism. There are ghosts and other supernatural elements. It is unclear if these are real or the result of hallucinations due to grief and guilt haunting those affected.
Ederic Cole was a Corporal in a southern province. After being blamed for a botched murder investigation, he was demoted and exiled to Nunavut, with its frigid, long, dark winter nights. He is facing a civil lawsuit, and if he loses, what remains of his diminished career as a detective will end. He suffers from a painful leg injury and is estranged from his wife and daughter. He drinks, overmedicates, and sleeps poorly. Still, he's determined to find redemption and to atone for his disgrace. The body of an Inuit teenage girl, Pitseolala (Pits), has been found hanging in an empty house. She is regarded as one of the many suicides, but Cole has a nagging feeling that she was murdered. He intends to investigate, even if he must bypass police rules.
Maliktu is a ten-year-old native boy who is the younger brother of the dead girl. He was badly burned in a fire when very young and is obsessed with fire. The flames left deep scars on his body, and he has been isolated and bullied because of his appearance. Cole and Maliktu are anxious to solve Pits' death and cooperate work together. Was she murdered? Both are visited by her ghost, sometimes beautiful, but often ghastly and repulsive in appearance. Cole is slowed down and distracted by the pain in his leg, but after some brutal action scenes, he is going to have more pain and injury added. Both the older detective and the young boy confront the suspected killer in a frenzied, frightening action scene.
Highly recommended for a literary atmospheric story that emphasizes the snow and bitter cold. It is an immersive character study and mystery. Publication is scheduled for January 20/2026. I hope Malcolm Kempt writes more books, which I would definitely read.
Set in Cape Dorset (now called Kinngait) in Nunavut's remote landscape, the population is approximately 1,300, with about 200 being mostly temporary workers from southern Canada, and the remaining majority are Inuit. Since colonialism, the Inuit have lost much of their culture and have been reduced to poverty, substance abuse, crowded housing, suicide and violence. There is a feeling of desperation and dread among all residents. There is a deep-rooted lack of government attention and of the necessary services. The children roam freely during the day and night, committing housebreaks, theft, animal abuse, and vandalism. There are ghosts and other supernatural elements. It is unclear if these are real or the result of hallucinations due to grief and guilt haunting those affected.
Ederic Cole was a Corporal in a southern province. After being blamed for a botched murder investigation, he was demoted and exiled to Nunavut, with its frigid, long, dark winter nights. He is facing a civil lawsuit, and if he loses, what remains of his diminished career as a detective will end. He suffers from a painful leg injury and is estranged from his wife and daughter. He drinks, overmedicates, and sleeps poorly. Still, he's determined to find redemption and to atone for his disgrace. The body of an Inuit teenage girl, Pitseolala (Pits), has been found hanging in an empty house. She is regarded as one of the many suicides, but Cole has a nagging feeling that she was murdered. He intends to investigate, even if he must bypass police rules.
Maliktu is a ten-year-old native boy who is the younger brother of the dead girl. He was badly burned in a fire when very young and is obsessed with fire. The flames left deep scars on his body, and he has been isolated and bullied because of his appearance. Cole and Maliktu are anxious to solve Pits' death and cooperate work together. Was she murdered? Both are visited by her ghost, sometimes beautiful, but often ghastly and repulsive in appearance. Cole is slowed down and distracted by the pain in his leg, but after some brutal action scenes, he is going to have more pain and injury added. Both the older detective and the young boy confront the suspected killer in a frenzied, frightening action scene.
Highly recommended for a literary atmospheric story that emphasizes the snow and bitter cold. It is an immersive character study and mystery. Publication is scheduled for January 20/2026. I hope Malcolm Kempt writes more books, which I would definitely read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can this case be his redemption?
Police sergeant Elderick Cole is marking time serving in the isolated Inuit community of Cape Dorset, a bleak and bitterly cold place in the Arctic Circle, as he waits for the outcome of a civil lawsuit levied against him. A young boy died when an investigation he led targeted the wrong person as a suspect (the father), and the death haunts him still. His marriage was already strained and has since ended, his daughter is an addict who repeatedly relapses...in short, Cole feels that he is a failure as a husband, a father, and now an investigator. Cape Dorset is an impoverished community with a high level of crime; alcoholism and drug abuse is rampant, and most if not all who live there have little in the way of a future to which to aspire. It is especially true for the young people, and children in the town pretty much run amok. When Cole finds the body of troubled teen Pitseolala hanging in an empty house, it seems like a clear cut case of suicide, a tragedy but hardly a surprise. Cole knew the girl, knew what a struggle her life was and that she frequently drank to excess, but is not convinced that she killed herself. The community, including his own partner, just want closure, but Cole is determined to ensure that she receives justice in death after the hand life had dealt her. Are his instincts again leading him astray? Or is there something more sinister at work?
Readers familiar with Nordic Noir should consider A Gift Before Dying a variant on the genre, Arctic Noir for want of a better term. Author Malcolm Kempt, a former criminal lawyer who spent close to two decades working in the remote Arctic areas, creates a vivid atmosphere against which the plot plays out. Bitter cold, bitterness and resignation infuse each page as the mystery slowly builds. Cole is a flawed protagonist whose life has spiraled out of control and who lives with too many regrets for him to count, and even he isn't sure if his doubts about Pits' apparent suicide are valid or a desperate attempt at salvation. Secondary characters are also well nuanced, the disfigured and possibly unstable younger brother of Pitseolala who swears she has appeared to him, Cole's young native partner, and others who add dimension to the story. The tone is as bleak as the setting, and the reader realizes early on that this is not a happily ever after sort of tale. It starts out slowly but those who are willing to stick with it are rewarded with a well-developed story. Readers of Marc Cameron, Jo Nesbø and Henning Mankell should give this debut a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for allowing me access to this haunting but gripping tale in exchange for my honest review.
Police sergeant Elderick Cole is marking time serving in the isolated Inuit community of Cape Dorset, a bleak and bitterly cold place in the Arctic Circle, as he waits for the outcome of a civil lawsuit levied against him. A young boy died when an investigation he led targeted the wrong person as a suspect (the father), and the death haunts him still. His marriage was already strained and has since ended, his daughter is an addict who repeatedly relapses...in short, Cole feels that he is a failure as a husband, a father, and now an investigator. Cape Dorset is an impoverished community with a high level of crime; alcoholism and drug abuse is rampant, and most if not all who live there have little in the way of a future to which to aspire. It is especially true for the young people, and children in the town pretty much run amok. When Cole finds the body of troubled teen Pitseolala hanging in an empty house, it seems like a clear cut case of suicide, a tragedy but hardly a surprise. Cole knew the girl, knew what a struggle her life was and that she frequently drank to excess, but is not convinced that she killed herself. The community, including his own partner, just want closure, but Cole is determined to ensure that she receives justice in death after the hand life had dealt her. Are his instincts again leading him astray? Or is there something more sinister at work?
Readers familiar with Nordic Noir should consider A Gift Before Dying a variant on the genre, Arctic Noir for want of a better term. Author Malcolm Kempt, a former criminal lawyer who spent close to two decades working in the remote Arctic areas, creates a vivid atmosphere against which the plot plays out. Bitter cold, bitterness and resignation infuse each page as the mystery slowly builds. Cole is a flawed protagonist whose life has spiraled out of control and who lives with too many regrets for him to count, and even he isn't sure if his doubts about Pits' apparent suicide are valid or a desperate attempt at salvation. Secondary characters are also well nuanced, the disfigured and possibly unstable younger brother of Pitseolala who swears she has appeared to him, Cole's young native partner, and others who add dimension to the story. The tone is as bleak as the setting, and the reader realizes early on that this is not a happily ever after sort of tale. It starts out slowly but those who are willing to stick with it are rewarded with a well-developed story. Readers of Marc Cameron, Jo Nesbø and Henning Mankell should give this debut a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for allowing me access to this haunting but gripping tale in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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]
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]
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