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The Ice Angels
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100 copies available
U.S. only
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 15, 2026
32 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
41 books2,163 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 26, 2025
A great read.Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later, young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband...Will they find out who took the girls? one girl managed to escape, holding evidence, something that could have been her daughters.is her daughter alive after all those years? I enjoyed the main characters and could make a great series..very engaging read...looking forward to reading more of her books.
November 19, 2025
Caroline Mitchell writes such amazing police procedurals, she knows her stuff does this ex copper!
The Ice Angels was so compelling I just didn’t want to stop reading it. It is dark, emotional and atmospheric. I loved the dual settings of Lincoln in the UK and Finland . The cold and the snow added another level to the story for sure. Not always an easy read when you are talking about crimes against young girls, but it was written so well and sensitively.
Detective Elea Baker was a great character, broken, determined and exhausted. She just wants to find her daughter and stop this happening to anyone else. She has great compassion although she comes across as blunt and not caring, she really does. Her relationship with Swann was interesting and I do hope this is the start of a new series.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone for access to read this book early. Absolutely loved it. Published on January 15th.
The Ice Angels was so compelling I just didn’t want to stop reading it. It is dark, emotional and atmospheric. I loved the dual settings of Lincoln in the UK and Finland . The cold and the snow added another level to the story for sure. Not always an easy read when you are talking about crimes against young girls, but it was written so well and sensitively.
Detective Elea Baker was a great character, broken, determined and exhausted. She just wants to find her daughter and stop this happening to anyone else. She has great compassion although she comes across as blunt and not caring, she really does. Her relationship with Swann was interesting and I do hope this is the start of a new series.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone for access to read this book early. Absolutely loved it. Published on January 15th.
September 5, 2025
Dark and disturbing police procedural that is absolutely laden with humanity and love…
If you like a police procedural that doesn’t flinch when delving into dark and disturbing crime, but is also deeply emotional and heart-wrenchingly affecting, then I have a recommendation for you that will need to jump straight to the top of your TBR when it’s released in Jan 2026! Caroline Mitchell’s THE ICE ANGELS centres around Finnish detective Elea Baker, whose daughter was kidnapped 10 years ago whilst walking home from school. Elea has never given up hope of finding Liisa, so when a series of disappearances occur in the UK that are remarkably similar, she is asked to act as a special advisor to the British force investigating. Adding complexity to proceedings is the fact this investigation is being headed up by DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance. I was absolutely gripped by the plot, but it was the relationship between the characters and the evolution of Liisa’s story that really had me turning these pages as quickly as possible. I loved how the narrative unfolded from the perspective of the present day investigation, as well as chapters told from Liisa’s historic perspective. This really generated tension and an impending sense of dread. In fact, the final line of Chapter 62 had me gasping and swallowing a HUGE lump in my throat! Mitchell has perfectly combined the sense of anticipation and suspense with genuine emotions and connections to her characters, which I couldn’t get enough of.
Elea is a tour de force of a main character. She has experienced the worst thing a parent ever could and yet she carries on, relentless in her search for the truth. She never gives up on finding Liisa and that eternal sense of hope drives her - and the narrative - forward at an exceptional pace. Given her experiences, Elea could be a troubled and unreadable character, but despite her toughness and occasionally unorthodox approaches, she is so devoutly dedicated in her mission that she is instantly likeable and relatable. I was rooting for her from the offset and absolutely desperate for her to succeed in discovering what had happened to her daughter. The course of this investigation delivers some unforgettable blows, some off-the-chart tension, some perfectly executed wit, and some genuine displays of love and affection. As much as this is the story of Liisa’s disappearance, it’s also the story of Elea and Swann’s relationship. This additional dynamic was equally engaging and added a whole other layer to the story to be invested in. I turned the final page of this book with a true sense of satisfaction and an ache to return to these characters. If that doesn’t demonstrate how fantastic this book is, I’m not sure what else will!
If you like a police procedural that doesn’t flinch when delving into dark and disturbing crime, but is also deeply emotional and heart-wrenchingly affecting, then I have a recommendation for you that will need to jump straight to the top of your TBR when it’s released in Jan 2026! Caroline Mitchell’s THE ICE ANGELS centres around Finnish detective Elea Baker, whose daughter was kidnapped 10 years ago whilst walking home from school. Elea has never given up hope of finding Liisa, so when a series of disappearances occur in the UK that are remarkably similar, she is asked to act as a special advisor to the British force investigating. Adding complexity to proceedings is the fact this investigation is being headed up by DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance. I was absolutely gripped by the plot, but it was the relationship between the characters and the evolution of Liisa’s story that really had me turning these pages as quickly as possible. I loved how the narrative unfolded from the perspective of the present day investigation, as well as chapters told from Liisa’s historic perspective. This really generated tension and an impending sense of dread. In fact, the final line of Chapter 62 had me gasping and swallowing a HUGE lump in my throat! Mitchell has perfectly combined the sense of anticipation and suspense with genuine emotions and connections to her characters, which I couldn’t get enough of.
Elea is a tour de force of a main character. She has experienced the worst thing a parent ever could and yet she carries on, relentless in her search for the truth. She never gives up on finding Liisa and that eternal sense of hope drives her - and the narrative - forward at an exceptional pace. Given her experiences, Elea could be a troubled and unreadable character, but despite her toughness and occasionally unorthodox approaches, she is so devoutly dedicated in her mission that she is instantly likeable and relatable. I was rooting for her from the offset and absolutely desperate for her to succeed in discovering what had happened to her daughter. The course of this investigation delivers some unforgettable blows, some off-the-chart tension, some perfectly executed wit, and some genuine displays of love and affection. As much as this is the story of Liisa’s disappearance, it’s also the story of Elea and Swann’s relationship. This additional dynamic was equally engaging and added a whole other layer to the story to be invested in. I turned the final page of this book with a true sense of satisfaction and an ache to return to these characters. If that doesn’t demonstrate how fantastic this book is, I’m not sure what else will!
September 13, 2025
Children have been vanishing in Lincoln for several years, and Detective Swann is determined to crack the case. He gets a break when one of them escapes and comes home, but she's too traumatized to talk. Good thing he thought to ask Elea Baker to consult on this case. She's from Finland and has experience with missing children. Not only because she investigates their cases but because her daughter has been missing for a decade. She disappeared in oddly similar circumstances, and her case brought Swann and Baker together originally. There are high hopes that the cases will finally be solved, but will that truly bring the closure they've been looking for?
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. I unfortunately didn't like Elea's character; she's one of those rogue, 'I do what I want' type of people. Just leaves the station whenever she pleases, intimidates and threatens witnesses, etc. Her character will say that she doesn't want to break up Swann's family, then she'll monopolize his time and call him at all hours, etc. But I didn't need to like her, and I appreciated that. Most of the time, unlikeable characters keep me from enjoying a book, but not in this case.
The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, which makes you realize you had assumptions from the start about certain aspects of the case. I guess it's not a reach that it wouldn't have been disclosed earlier in the book, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it would have been mentioned in one of the numerous briefings. But again, it technically could have been, just not the ones the reader was privy to. Devious storytelling! I love when I'm struck with the reaction of 'wait, what??' Well played, Caroline Mitchell! This is why you're one of my favorite authors.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. I unfortunately didn't like Elea's character; she's one of those rogue, 'I do what I want' type of people. Just leaves the station whenever she pleases, intimidates and threatens witnesses, etc. Her character will say that she doesn't want to break up Swann's family, then she'll monopolize his time and call him at all hours, etc. But I didn't need to like her, and I appreciated that. Most of the time, unlikeable characters keep me from enjoying a book, but not in this case.
The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, which makes you realize you had assumptions from the start about certain aspects of the case. I guess it's not a reach that it wouldn't have been disclosed earlier in the book, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it would have been mentioned in one of the numerous briefings. But again, it technically could have been, just not the ones the reader was privy to. Devious storytelling! I love when I'm struck with the reaction of 'wait, what??' Well played, Caroline Mitchell! This is why you're one of my favorite authors.
November 16, 2025
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken in Finland and never found. Now, in present-day Lincoln, girls are disappearing again — and it appears the two cases may be linked.
Caroline Mitchell is one of my favourite authors. She knows how to craft a great detective novel, and this one did not disappoint.
It was dark and disturbing, and the character dynamics were well fleshed out. I had mixed feelings about several of the characters, which added an extra layer to the reading experience.
I cannot wait for more books in this series to be released!
Caroline Mitchell is one of my favourite authors. She knows how to craft a great detective novel, and this one did not disappoint.
It was dark and disturbing, and the character dynamics were well fleshed out. I had mixed feelings about several of the characters, which added an extra layer to the reading experience.
I cannot wait for more books in this series to be released!
January 9, 2026
3.5⭐️s
January 5, 2026
I wanted to read this firstly for the simple reason that it is set in Lincoln where I live. It was my first read of 2026 and a brilliant start to my reading year.
The story moves between Lincoln and Finland, as police services in both countries explore the deaths of several young girls in both countries. Elea Baker is a vital link between the two investigations. Not only is she a detective, with experience of the Finish investigations, she is also the mother of a 12 year old girl who was abducted 10 years ago. Added to which, she is the estranged wife of Swann the detective investigating the case in Lincoln. Interspersed between the police procedural we follow Liisa’s account of her captivity…
This is a cracker! Compelling, well plotted, with some excellent characters and some fascinating police procedural. Elea is fabulous. Feisty, opinionated, intuitive and deeply traumatised by the disappearance of her daughter. She is a loose wire and Swann, who still has a thing for her, is desperately trying to hold onto his investigation! I am always nervous of books dealing with child abduction, but this was sensitively and carefully written, and, although it deals with some dark subjects, is a book which engross rather than disturbs. I loved the interaction between Elea and Swann. There is real chemistry here!
As a Lincoln local, I absolutely loved how much the city’s geography featured. This was reading on a different level. The story felt particularly vivid as I could picture where events were taking place. At times it was so real I wanted to jump in the car and go and hunt for the killer! When the story feels this real, it’s testament to the power of the writing! I will definitely be reading more by this author and really look forward to seeing more of Elea!
The story moves between Lincoln and Finland, as police services in both countries explore the deaths of several young girls in both countries. Elea Baker is a vital link between the two investigations. Not only is she a detective, with experience of the Finish investigations, she is also the mother of a 12 year old girl who was abducted 10 years ago. Added to which, she is the estranged wife of Swann the detective investigating the case in Lincoln. Interspersed between the police procedural we follow Liisa’s account of her captivity…
This is a cracker! Compelling, well plotted, with some excellent characters and some fascinating police procedural. Elea is fabulous. Feisty, opinionated, intuitive and deeply traumatised by the disappearance of her daughter. She is a loose wire and Swann, who still has a thing for her, is desperately trying to hold onto his investigation! I am always nervous of books dealing with child abduction, but this was sensitively and carefully written, and, although it deals with some dark subjects, is a book which engross rather than disturbs. I loved the interaction between Elea and Swann. There is real chemistry here!
As a Lincoln local, I absolutely loved how much the city’s geography featured. This was reading on a different level. The story felt particularly vivid as I could picture where events were taking place. At times it was so real I wanted to jump in the car and go and hunt for the killer! When the story feels this real, it’s testament to the power of the writing! I will definitely be reading more by this author and really look forward to seeing more of Elea!
January 9, 2026
Ten years ago in Finland, two 12-year-old girls were abducted and never found. Now, in a small town in the UK, another 12-year-old girl is abducted. When she is found, she's holding a toy carving that belonged to one of the Finnish girls who went missing. Detective Elea Baker of Finland, the mother of one of the abducted girls, is called in as a consultant...not that anyone could keep her away. Elea is a bull in a china shop when it comes to interviewing suspects.
Numerous personal relationships complicate this mystery, not to mention the idea of a potential abductor/serial killer who crosses international borders.
It's an intriguing and tension-filled story, with Elea well-developed; the others around her are a bit less so. 4.2 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheIceAngels for review purposes. Publication date: 13 January 2026.
Numerous personal relationships complicate this mystery, not to mention the idea of a potential abductor/serial killer who crosses international borders.
It's an intriguing and tension-filled story, with Elea well-developed; the others around her are a bit less so. 4.2 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheIceAngels for review purposes. Publication date: 13 January 2026.
January 5, 2026
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell is a gripping story about a mother’s unwavering determination to find her kidnapped daughter. Mitchell does a great job capturing the raw emotions of a parent in crisis.
While the premise is compelling, the pacing slows in the middle, which made parts of the book feel drawn out. However, the tension builds again toward the end, delivering a stronger and more engaging conclusion.
Overall, this is an emotional and suspenseful read that will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers, despite its slower middle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell is a gripping story about a mother’s unwavering determination to find her kidnapped daughter. Mitchell does a great job capturing the raw emotions of a parent in crisis.
While the premise is compelling, the pacing slows in the middle, which made parts of the book feel drawn out. However, the tension builds again toward the end, delivering a stronger and more engaging conclusion.
Overall, this is an emotional and suspenseful read that will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers, despite its slower middle.
October 1, 2025
A completely new character and hopefully series for Caroline Mitchell. Elea is a Finnish detective who has been seconded to Lincoln to investigate a case of missing girls similar to the one in Finland 10 years ago that involved her daughter who has never been found. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions of Finland are amazing. I really want to visit in winter after reading The Ice Angels. The storyline is complex and held my attention throughout. There are some brilliant twists and the ending is well worth waiting for. I do hope this isn't the last we've seen of Elea Baker and her colleagues as I'd love to read more about them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Well played Caroline Mitchell, well played indeed. Once again the author delivers a masterclass in the art of storytelling. Beautifully descriptive, formidable characters and Caroline's time as a serving police officer give this story more than a touch of reality. The twist had me like 'what?' - absolute genius. The dual timeline adds so much depth to the plot. It's gripping, it's dark, it's emotional and it's quite simply brilliant. One of her best pieces of work and I do hope she will turn this into a series. 5 massive ⭐️ for this outstanding and flawless book.
August 19, 2025
Caroline Mitchell is a prolific murder mystery author and her former career with the police adds an air of authenticity to her police procedurals. ‘The Ice Angels’ also has the benefit of strong characterisation and the electricity crackles whenever Elea and Swann are together. The facts that they’re both working on a child abduction case, were previously in a relationship and Elda’s own daughter was snatched many years ago serve to ratchet the tension up further. It makes a pleasant change to have a woman playing the role of the maverick detective and the reader understands Swann’s anxiety that Elda’s unorthodox approach could derail the investigation and sabotage her career. Unusually for a police procedural, the resolution is simultaneously credible, tense and emotionally charged. All in all, an excellent detective novel and hopefully not the last Caroline Mitchell book to feature Elea and Swann.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This one was a real punch in the gut…
Elea Baker is a Finnish Detective. And, she’s good at her job. Very good!
We open up with a 12 year old walking home from school. It’s snowing. Her grandma is picking her up from school. Her Mom is a detective, so she knows to be very careful and aware of her surroundings…. But, no teaching can prevent an abduction. Especially when it is well planned. And so, Elea’s daughter (Lisa) is taken… and she is counting down the minutes until her Mom breaks down the door to come get her…
But that moment never comes. And, time goes on…
And other girls are being abducted…
Until one day, one of them escapes! And, she brings with her something that just shatters Elea… because she knows exactly what it is! 😮
So, now Elea is called to England, in the hopes of finding who is behind these abductions… and maybe (hopefully in her mind) she’ll be able to find Lisa.
It’s a heartbreaking story surrounding many girls whose own lives, and the lives of all their families, are obviously impacted. And it’s even sadder to know that things like this truly do happen. 😢
But, Elea is a hero in her own right. Never giving up on finding her daughter…even after so many years.
But, through the years, her life has fallen apart in so many other ways….
I LOVED the main characters and the energy and chemistry they had throughout. I love how Elea is such a badass, and nothing will stop her from getting info she is out to get… however she has to get it! (Being a Mom, I can’t even imagine what this would do to you… but then being a cop, a detective on top of that… well, it had to totally destroy her. So I can understand WHY she does what she does….even though it is unorthodox.)
I’m hoping that this is the setup for a new series with these characters, but I’m not sure. I guess time will tell. But if you like police dramas that are a bit out of the ordinary… definitely keep this one on your radar!
OH…I just saw on NetGalley that this is book #1 of the new Elea Baker series… so, yay!!!
#IceAngels by @CarolineMitchell and narrated beautifully by @AryanaRamkhalawon.
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
5 raging, devoted, motherly aka ‘badass cop’ stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Elea Baker is a Finnish Detective. And, she’s good at her job. Very good!
We open up with a 12 year old walking home from school. It’s snowing. Her grandma is picking her up from school. Her Mom is a detective, so she knows to be very careful and aware of her surroundings…. But, no teaching can prevent an abduction. Especially when it is well planned. And so, Elea’s daughter (Lisa) is taken… and she is counting down the minutes until her Mom breaks down the door to come get her…
But that moment never comes. And, time goes on…
And other girls are being abducted…
Until one day, one of them escapes! And, she brings with her something that just shatters Elea… because she knows exactly what it is! 😮
So, now Elea is called to England, in the hopes of finding who is behind these abductions… and maybe (hopefully in her mind) she’ll be able to find Lisa.
It’s a heartbreaking story surrounding many girls whose own lives, and the lives of all their families, are obviously impacted. And it’s even sadder to know that things like this truly do happen. 😢
But, Elea is a hero in her own right. Never giving up on finding her daughter…even after so many years.
But, through the years, her life has fallen apart in so many other ways….
I LOVED the main characters and the energy and chemistry they had throughout. I love how Elea is such a badass, and nothing will stop her from getting info she is out to get… however she has to get it! (Being a Mom, I can’t even imagine what this would do to you… but then being a cop, a detective on top of that… well, it had to totally destroy her. So I can understand WHY she does what she does….even though it is unorthodox.)
I’m hoping that this is the setup for a new series with these characters, but I’m not sure. I guess time will tell. But if you like police dramas that are a bit out of the ordinary… definitely keep this one on your radar!
OH…I just saw on NetGalley that this is book #1 of the new Elea Baker series… so, yay!!!
#IceAngels by @CarolineMitchell and narrated beautifully by @AryanaRamkhalawon.
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
5 raging, devoted, motherly aka ‘badass cop’ stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
August 20, 2025
4* Elea is a maverick by British policing standards, but boy, does she get the job done efficiently.
For me, what helped this book's storyline are the Norwegian names, which I didn't google and which gave me a whodathunk moment when the ending came. That aspect of concealment/obfuscation was done pretty well, and the final reveal right at the very end, once the baddie/s were gone, felt believable.
The tale goes back and forth into Elea's life and job, and between Lincoln and Porvoo, without losing me or my interest. The darker aspects were more unpleasant than horrifying - a lot of stuff happened off-page - and sadly, Porvoo kind of permitted them to happen, with its location, population and climate.
Elea was literally a woman and a cop on a mission. It wasn't clear where one ended and the other started in the 2025 part of the story, but it was very obvious which took precedence in the past. I liked this aspect of her 'policing', putting the pressure on when the circumstances demanded (not just allowed), without worrying about lying and getting found out. Even her underhandedness was kind of admirable, though it showed up Swann, the lead detective and her soon-to-be-ex husband. I'm not sure that the collaboration between the UK and Finland could actually have happened because of Elea's clear conflict of interest, but the tale was engrossing enough for me to suspend disbelief. Swann was a very weak detective and male kead, however - almost an afterthought.
But, did the author stereotype her, a la Ulrika, making a modern European woman out to be a bit of a man eater, just because she could have her cake/man and eat it? Compartmentalise sex/ biological needs / pleasing herself with total unemotional efficiency? I think so. It didn't show her as a warm character, unfortunately, just made her come across even more as if she were as frozen as Finland.
Still, the tale had enough skilled writing and twists and concealment to keep me glued to it. I kind of was hoping-thinking that maybe Alice might turn out to be a bunny boiler, or that Swann might find his gonads and realised that a potential marriage based on deception and coercion - hers - isn't a recipe for success. As the book ended, it felt like he'd once again be railroaded by a woman more determined and forceful than he could ever be. I pitied his twin 6yo sons.
It's a decent if stone-cold-emotionally, tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for my reading pleasure.
For me, what helped this book's storyline are the Norwegian names, which I didn't google and which gave me a whodathunk moment when the ending came. That aspect of concealment/obfuscation was done pretty well, and the final reveal right at the very end, once the baddie/s were gone, felt believable.
The tale goes back and forth into Elea's life and job, and between Lincoln and Porvoo, without losing me or my interest. The darker aspects were more unpleasant than horrifying - a lot of stuff happened off-page - and sadly, Porvoo kind of permitted them to happen, with its location, population and climate.
Elea was literally a woman and a cop on a mission. It wasn't clear where one ended and the other started in the 2025 part of the story, but it was very obvious which took precedence in the past. I liked this aspect of her 'policing', putting the pressure on when the circumstances demanded (not just allowed), without worrying about lying and getting found out. Even her underhandedness was kind of admirable, though it showed up Swann, the lead detective and her soon-to-be-ex husband. I'm not sure that the collaboration between the UK and Finland could actually have happened because of Elea's clear conflict of interest, but the tale was engrossing enough for me to suspend disbelief. Swann was a very weak detective and male kead, however - almost an afterthought.
But, did the author stereotype her, a la Ulrika, making a modern European woman out to be a bit of a man eater, just because she could have her cake/man and eat it? Compartmentalise sex/ biological needs / pleasing herself with total unemotional efficiency? I think so. It didn't show her as a warm character, unfortunately, just made her come across even more as if she were as frozen as Finland.
Still, the tale had enough skilled writing and twists and concealment to keep me glued to it. I kind of was hoping-thinking that maybe Alice might turn out to be a bunny boiler, or that Swann might find his gonads and realised that a potential marriage based on deception and coercion - hers - isn't a recipe for success. As the book ended, it felt like he'd once again be railroaded by a woman more determined and forceful than he could ever be. I pitied his twin 6yo sons.
It's a decent if stone-cold-emotionally, tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is my honest feedback based on my reading the story.
It is always nice to read a 5 star book but rounding up the year with one at almost the last day is an exquisite feeling.
I devoured the story and honestly, this book left me emotionally wrung out in the best possible way. Caroline knows exactly how to drag a reader into the dark and keep them there, heart racing, nerves shredded, unable to look away. From the opening pages there is a sense of unease that never lets up, the kind that seeps under your skin and stays with you long after you close the book.
Detective Elea Baker is a phenomenal lead, Raw, Damaged, Driven and painfully Human. Ten years after her daughter vanished, Elea is still living in the aftermath of that harrowing loss and Caroline captures that grief with devastating authenticity. When echoes of the past begin to surface in a new investigation, the case becomes deeply personal, blurring the line between duty and obsession. Watching Elea navigate that emotional minefield while trying to stay sharp as a detective was gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The atmosphere in this novel is outstanding. The cold is almost a supporting character, mirroring the isolation, fear and silence surrounding missing children. The pacing is sharp, switching perspectives at the right moments to keep the tension high. Every chapter ends with a sense of dread or urgency that makes it impossible to stop reading. This is the kind of book where you tell yourself just one more chapter and suddenly it is dawn.
And then there are the twists. Every time, I had a handle on where the story was going, Caroline managed to pull another fast one. Each reveal is earned, unsettling and emotionally charged, forcing you to reassess everything you thought you understood about the case and the characters involved.
This is a five star read for me without hesitation. Dark, tense and deeply emotional, The Ice Angels delivers both a chilling mystery and a powerful exploration of loss, hope, and the lengths a mother will go to for the truth. Caroline Mitchell has absolutely cemented herself in my fav author list. and I cannot wait to see where Detective Elea Baker goes next.
It is always nice to read a 5 star book but rounding up the year with one at almost the last day is an exquisite feeling.
I devoured the story and honestly, this book left me emotionally wrung out in the best possible way. Caroline knows exactly how to drag a reader into the dark and keep them there, heart racing, nerves shredded, unable to look away. From the opening pages there is a sense of unease that never lets up, the kind that seeps under your skin and stays with you long after you close the book.
Detective Elea Baker is a phenomenal lead, Raw, Damaged, Driven and painfully Human. Ten years after her daughter vanished, Elea is still living in the aftermath of that harrowing loss and Caroline captures that grief with devastating authenticity. When echoes of the past begin to surface in a new investigation, the case becomes deeply personal, blurring the line between duty and obsession. Watching Elea navigate that emotional minefield while trying to stay sharp as a detective was gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The atmosphere in this novel is outstanding. The cold is almost a supporting character, mirroring the isolation, fear and silence surrounding missing children. The pacing is sharp, switching perspectives at the right moments to keep the tension high. Every chapter ends with a sense of dread or urgency that makes it impossible to stop reading. This is the kind of book where you tell yourself just one more chapter and suddenly it is dawn.
And then there are the twists. Every time, I had a handle on where the story was going, Caroline managed to pull another fast one. Each reveal is earned, unsettling and emotionally charged, forcing you to reassess everything you thought you understood about the case and the characters involved.
This is a five star read for me without hesitation. Dark, tense and deeply emotional, The Ice Angels delivers both a chilling mystery and a powerful exploration of loss, hope, and the lengths a mother will go to for the truth. Caroline Mitchell has absolutely cemented herself in my fav author list. and I cannot wait to see where Detective Elea Baker goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely love to read books that are set in places that are familiar to me. I've lived around twenty minutes away from Lincoln for my entire life and was really excited to discover that Caroline Mitchell's new crime series was set there. It really adds a depth when you recognise the settings, being able to actually picture the place as you read. Don't worry if you've never been to Lincoln though, I can promise you that it's a great read and the author conjures up the places so well.
There’s something immediately arresting about The Ice Angels, and it is not just the biting cold that seeps from the page. From the opening chapters, this is a story that looks at grief, loss and the kind of emotional scars that never quite heal.
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter vanished in Finland. Now, in Lincoln, Elea has been called by her former partner Swann to help with an investigation as history appears to be repeating itself. Girls are disappearing, and when one is discovered on the cathedral steps with a chilling link to the past, Elea is forced to confront the nightmare that has been her life for years.
This is a dark, atmospheric thriller, beautifully layered with emotional depth. The author excels at characterisation, Elea is flawed, raw and utterly believable, driven as much by guilt and grief as by justice. Her pain feels real.
The Finnish scenes are particularly striking. The cold is almost a character in its own right, creeping under your skin and tightening the tension with every page. I could practically feel the frost forming as the narrative moves between past and present, slowly knitting together the mystery.
The pacing does occasionally ease, and this allows the emotional threads to sink in. However, the story never loses its grip. There are twists, dark turns and moments that really unsettled me, with a strong sense of place and a feeling of dread that keeps you reading 'just one more chapter'.
The Ice Angels is an impressive start to a new series. Chilling, emotional and thoughtfully constructed, it is both a gripping mystery and a haunting exploration of a mother’s love. Dark crime readers are in very safe hands here, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
There’s something immediately arresting about The Ice Angels, and it is not just the biting cold that seeps from the page. From the opening chapters, this is a story that looks at grief, loss and the kind of emotional scars that never quite heal.
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter vanished in Finland. Now, in Lincoln, Elea has been called by her former partner Swann to help with an investigation as history appears to be repeating itself. Girls are disappearing, and when one is discovered on the cathedral steps with a chilling link to the past, Elea is forced to confront the nightmare that has been her life for years.
This is a dark, atmospheric thriller, beautifully layered with emotional depth. The author excels at characterisation, Elea is flawed, raw and utterly believable, driven as much by guilt and grief as by justice. Her pain feels real.
The Finnish scenes are particularly striking. The cold is almost a character in its own right, creeping under your skin and tightening the tension with every page. I could practically feel the frost forming as the narrative moves between past and present, slowly knitting together the mystery.
The pacing does occasionally ease, and this allows the emotional threads to sink in. However, the story never loses its grip. There are twists, dark turns and moments that really unsettled me, with a strong sense of place and a feeling of dread that keeps you reading 'just one more chapter'.
The Ice Angels is an impressive start to a new series. Chilling, emotional and thoughtfully constructed, it is both a gripping mystery and a haunting exploration of a mother’s love. Dark crime readers are in very safe hands here, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nordic noir atmospheric tension in this twisty crime thriller.
This start to a new series introduces Finnish crime inspector Elea Baker. Ten years after her 12 year old daughter Liisa vanished in Provoo, Elea is called to Lincoln, England, to consult on a series of chilling child abductions. The new kidnappings seem to mirror what happened in Finland and Elea has high hopes that she might actually find her missing daughter. Then, a surviving girl emerges and clues indicate that these disappearances might be related to the “Ice Angels” case. Elea has to work alongside her estranged husband as they try to piece together what might have happened during these long years.
This was incredibly enjoyable as the police procedural describes realistic investigative methods. The narrative moves through different points of view and time jumps. Although this is a cold case from Elea’s perspective, the current events in Lincoln rachet up the tension as the reader wonders if her daughter is dead or alive. There is also a bit of focus on the emotional as the mother and daughter bond is explored. I liked the setting and the writing style and honestly, I wasn’t sure how I hoped it would end but the author did a decent job of wrapping it all up. I assume that there were be future books featuring these characters though I could be done with all that angsty stuff with her soon to be ex husband Swann. He’s moved on and has a family and I’m sick of messy domestics. And of course she has the rogue cop trope going on and I hope this series doesn’t fall down that hole. I’ve mixed emotions about continuing. So many authors go down this same path and I’m hoping this doesn’t go there.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Aryana Ramkhalawon, did a really good job of handling the various characters and their accents. Her pronunciation of the places and phrases was good. Also appreciated how she didn’t overact the voice of the 12 year old. Definitely captured the atmospheric tension. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it created an appropriate immersive experience.
This start to a new series introduces Finnish crime inspector Elea Baker. Ten years after her 12 year old daughter Liisa vanished in Provoo, Elea is called to Lincoln, England, to consult on a series of chilling child abductions. The new kidnappings seem to mirror what happened in Finland and Elea has high hopes that she might actually find her missing daughter. Then, a surviving girl emerges and clues indicate that these disappearances might be related to the “Ice Angels” case. Elea has to work alongside her estranged husband as they try to piece together what might have happened during these long years.
This was incredibly enjoyable as the police procedural describes realistic investigative methods. The narrative moves through different points of view and time jumps. Although this is a cold case from Elea’s perspective, the current events in Lincoln rachet up the tension as the reader wonders if her daughter is dead or alive. There is also a bit of focus on the emotional as the mother and daughter bond is explored. I liked the setting and the writing style and honestly, I wasn’t sure how I hoped it would end but the author did a decent job of wrapping it all up. I assume that there were be future books featuring these characters though I could be done with all that angsty stuff with her soon to be ex husband Swann. He’s moved on and has a family and I’m sick of messy domestics. And of course she has the rogue cop trope going on and I hope this series doesn’t fall down that hole. I’ve mixed emotions about continuing. So many authors go down this same path and I’m hoping this doesn’t go there.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Aryana Ramkhalawon, did a really good job of handling the various characters and their accents. Her pronunciation of the places and phrases was good. Also appreciated how she didn’t overact the voice of the 12 year old. Definitely captured the atmospheric tension. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it created an appropriate immersive experience.
November 15, 2025
📚The Ice Angels
✍🏻Caroline Mitchell
Blurb:
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
My Thoughts:
The Ice Angels, I read it in one sitting, i't sure a page turner, addictive, dark and twisty. Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband. DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, I would recommend this to those that enjoy thriller and mystery. add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Diversion Books and Author Caroline Mitchell for the complimentary copy of "The Ice Angels" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DiversionBooks
#CarolineMitchell
#TheIceAngels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Caroline Mitchell
Blurb:
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
My Thoughts:
The Ice Angels, I read it in one sitting, i't sure a page turner, addictive, dark and twisty. Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband. DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, I would recommend this to those that enjoy thriller and mystery. add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Diversion Books and Author Caroline Mitchell for the complimentary copy of "The Ice Angels" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DiversionBooks
#CarolineMitchell
#TheIceAngels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 18, 2025
In this book we meet Det Elea Baker who, ten years ago, was devastated when her daughter, Liisa, disappeared whilst walking home from school in Finland, never to be seen again, her case going cold.
Back in the present, we catch up with her as she has been co-opted to the Lincoln constabulary, once again teaming up with DI Robert Swann who worked with Elea back in Finland, is still married to her, and is now settled n the UK with a family of his own, even though he still has feelings for Elea, and they have yet to divorce. It's all a bit convoluted but it does all make sense...
Anyway, Elea is now in Lincoln, working on the investigation of the serial abduction of schoolgirls in ways that are eerily similar to the ones in Finland 10 years ago so she is there as a special adviser. Which does put the cat amongst the pigeons as far as Swann and his new partner are concerned.
And she is also pretty reckless as far as working the investigation is concerned. But, sadly for Swann, not enough for the powers that be to pull the plug and, instead, he is deemed to be wholly responsible for her. So, it's all going on and we haven't even touched on the actual case in question yet! And boy is that a doozy, and although I did have a bit of an inkling about something, I was never totally convinced... but I'll leave you to discover all that for yourself.
And I also didn't really like Elea if I'm honest. I do understand why she is assisting the Lincoln police but also I'm not sure about the personal involvement, especially when key evidence is found. But, it's all part of the overall story, and it also looks like it is the start of a new series. But I've been here before and learned to love a character I initially disliked so...
And, with the way the book eventually ended, there's a glimmer of hope...
All in all, a reasonably solid series opener which ticked most of my boxes and left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Back in the present, we catch up with her as she has been co-opted to the Lincoln constabulary, once again teaming up with DI Robert Swann who worked with Elea back in Finland, is still married to her, and is now settled n the UK with a family of his own, even though he still has feelings for Elea, and they have yet to divorce. It's all a bit convoluted but it does all make sense...
Anyway, Elea is now in Lincoln, working on the investigation of the serial abduction of schoolgirls in ways that are eerily similar to the ones in Finland 10 years ago so she is there as a special adviser. Which does put the cat amongst the pigeons as far as Swann and his new partner are concerned.
And she is also pretty reckless as far as working the investigation is concerned. But, sadly for Swann, not enough for the powers that be to pull the plug and, instead, he is deemed to be wholly responsible for her. So, it's all going on and we haven't even touched on the actual case in question yet! And boy is that a doozy, and although I did have a bit of an inkling about something, I was never totally convinced... but I'll leave you to discover all that for yourself.
And I also didn't really like Elea if I'm honest. I do understand why she is assisting the Lincoln police but also I'm not sure about the personal involvement, especially when key evidence is found. But, it's all part of the overall story, and it also looks like it is the start of a new series. But I've been here before and learned to love a character I initially disliked so...
And, with the way the book eventually ended, there's a glimmer of hope...
All in all, a reasonably solid series opener which ticked most of my boxes and left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 14, 2025
Three girls. Winter. Broad daylight.
From the desk of a former police detective comes The Ice Angels...
A masterful dark procedural novel that makes you flinch with intensity but also then spins around and hits you with a wave of deep emotions...then place this mystery/ thriller at the top of your to-be-read list in 2026, because this will hit every single thing that you want in a novel like this.
Elea's daughter was one that went missing. So, when children begin to disappear again in Lincoln in a similar fashion... she is called to head the special force that is in charge of investigating these appearances in the UK. However, an interesting touch is brought to the case when she finds out that this investigatory force is being headed up by none other than DI Robert Swann.... an ex-husband of hers who still harbors feelings for Elea....Caroline does a masterful job of revealing the details of this relationship, while also blending it into how it affects their work together during this investigation....
Mitchell switches almost effortless from glimpses of the present, then glimpses of the past into Elea's daughter before her disappearance, blending trauma, past relationships, and raw human emotions into the suspense and mystery... only adding another layer of fantastic depth to this already amazing novel. The plot gripped me, but seeing the way the characters reacted, their relationships, their emotions... and things through their eyes was what really made this novel for me.
(We will not mention Chapter 62... because oh... my...)
The choosing of this novel in an icy area of Finland only added to the haunting, ethereal, and chilling vibes of this book that has me grasping fingers for the next...
Thank you to Netgalley, and Diversion Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
From the desk of a former police detective comes The Ice Angels...
A masterful dark procedural novel that makes you flinch with intensity but also then spins around and hits you with a wave of deep emotions...then place this mystery/ thriller at the top of your to-be-read list in 2026, because this will hit every single thing that you want in a novel like this.
Elea's daughter was one that went missing. So, when children begin to disappear again in Lincoln in a similar fashion... she is called to head the special force that is in charge of investigating these appearances in the UK. However, an interesting touch is brought to the case when she finds out that this investigatory force is being headed up by none other than DI Robert Swann.... an ex-husband of hers who still harbors feelings for Elea....Caroline does a masterful job of revealing the details of this relationship, while also blending it into how it affects their work together during this investigation....
Mitchell switches almost effortless from glimpses of the present, then glimpses of the past into Elea's daughter before her disappearance, blending trauma, past relationships, and raw human emotions into the suspense and mystery... only adding another layer of fantastic depth to this already amazing novel. The plot gripped me, but seeing the way the characters reacted, their relationships, their emotions... and things through their eyes was what really made this novel for me.
(We will not mention Chapter 62... because oh... my...)
The choosing of this novel in an icy area of Finland only added to the haunting, ethereal, and chilling vibes of this book that has me grasping fingers for the next...
Thank you to Netgalley, and Diversion Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
November 28, 2025
This is the first book in a new series featuring Detective Elea Baker and what a way to start! Elea finds herself coming over to the UK where young girls have been disappearing in Lincoln. She has experience with missing girls as not only has she worked on similar cases in her own country, but her daughter was also taken ten years ago. I had to applaud her determination to get up and function each day as sadly we see the effects it has had on the parents of the missing children and not all understandably cope very well. I mean who could? It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.
Not only does she have the case to contend with, the man in charge of it just happens to be her ex husband which opens a whole other can of worms. The link between her daughter’s own disappearance as well as the more recent ones makes it a lot more personal for Elea. All the way through I felt trepidation as to whether her daughter was still alive or not. I did, but also didn’t want to know as what has kept Elea going is the hope of her daughter still being alive. I loved her strength and that she isn’t scared of breaking rules to get to the truth.
The Ice Angels was a dark, tense and addictive read. I picked it up thinking I would read a few chapters and found myself being unable to put it down. Within no time at all I felt a strong connection to the main characters which isn’t always the case with the first novel in a new series. The storyline played on my emotions throughout and it felt like my heart was in my mouth many a time. The author had me racing through the pages and whilst I was desperate for the out come, I also didn’t want it to end. I am already counting down the days to the next book in the series! A pulse racing read that will keep you up well past your bedtime!
Not only does she have the case to contend with, the man in charge of it just happens to be her ex husband which opens a whole other can of worms. The link between her daughter’s own disappearance as well as the more recent ones makes it a lot more personal for Elea. All the way through I felt trepidation as to whether her daughter was still alive or not. I did, but also didn’t want to know as what has kept Elea going is the hope of her daughter still being alive. I loved her strength and that she isn’t scared of breaking rules to get to the truth.
The Ice Angels was a dark, tense and addictive read. I picked it up thinking I would read a few chapters and found myself being unable to put it down. Within no time at all I felt a strong connection to the main characters which isn’t always the case with the first novel in a new series. The storyline played on my emotions throughout and it felt like my heart was in my mouth many a time. The author had me racing through the pages and whilst I was desperate for the out come, I also didn’t want it to end. I am already counting down the days to the next book in the series! A pulse racing read that will keep you up well past your bedtime!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Ice Angels was my first book by Caroline Mitchell, but I'm now keen to read her other books as I enjoyed this one so much. This is a gripping, dark thriller that pulled me in from the very first pages and kept the tension high throughout.
The story is narrated by Elea Baker, a detective now living in Finland whose young daughter, Liisa, disappeared ten years earlier. When girls begin to vanish in Lincoln a decade later, chilling similarities emerge. Could these new abductions be connected to Liisa’s disappearance? Elea returns to the UK to assist with the investigation, but doing so forces her to confront the one question she has never been able to let go of: could her daughter still be alive?
I absolutely loved the dual narration between Elea and Liisa. The shifting timelines from the present-day investigation to Liisa’s abduction and captivity, are handled brilliantly and add real emotional weight to the story. Liisa’s chapters are especially harrowing; her fear, resilience, and quiet determination to survive are heartbreaking and gripping in equal measure. Elea, too, is a deeply believable character, and Mitchell captures a mother’s grief and desperation with real sensitivity. You can feel Elea’s hope battling against years of loss and uncertainty.
The suspense builds steadily as the story unfolds, with several genuinely effective twists along the way. I found myself completely invested in the characters and their fate. Overall, this is a compelling and atmospheric thriller with strong characterisation and an unsettling edge. As the first book in a series, it’s a great introduction, and I’m very much looking forward to returning to these characters in future instalments.
The story is narrated by Elea Baker, a detective now living in Finland whose young daughter, Liisa, disappeared ten years earlier. When girls begin to vanish in Lincoln a decade later, chilling similarities emerge. Could these new abductions be connected to Liisa’s disappearance? Elea returns to the UK to assist with the investigation, but doing so forces her to confront the one question she has never been able to let go of: could her daughter still be alive?
I absolutely loved the dual narration between Elea and Liisa. The shifting timelines from the present-day investigation to Liisa’s abduction and captivity, are handled brilliantly and add real emotional weight to the story. Liisa’s chapters are especially harrowing; her fear, resilience, and quiet determination to survive are heartbreaking and gripping in equal measure. Elea, too, is a deeply believable character, and Mitchell captures a mother’s grief and desperation with real sensitivity. You can feel Elea’s hope battling against years of loss and uncertainty.
The suspense builds steadily as the story unfolds, with several genuinely effective twists along the way. I found myself completely invested in the characters and their fate. Overall, this is a compelling and atmospheric thriller with strong characterisation and an unsettling edge. As the first book in a series, it’s a great introduction, and I’m very much looking forward to returning to these characters in future instalments.
Review of advance copy
🧊 Grief sharpened into a blade 🧊
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
“Hope is the most dangerous thing of all—it keeps you walking into the dark.”
Some thrillers hook you with the plot; The Ice Angels hooks you with pain—and then refuses to let go.
Caroline Mitchell drops us straight into Detective Elea Baker’s worst nightmare: her daughter stolen away in the Finnish winter, a decade of unanswered questions, and a grief that has never thawed.
When girls begin to disappear in Lincoln with a chilling echo of Elea's past, the story tightens like a noose. Every chapter feels cold to the touch, edged with dread and unbearable hope. And I was powerless to look away.
What makes this novel soar so high is Elea. Her raw, relentless, and heartbreaking humanity is entirely believable. A mother first and detective second, she chases the truth with a ferocity born of love and loss. Mitchell doesn’t soften the cost of obsession; she lets it bruise and burn. The emotional stakes are as high as the suspense, and this combination is so devastatingly effective.
As ever, Mitchell's pacing is immaculate—short, sharp chapters that propel you forwards while gradually tightening the emotional screws. The icy, claustrophobic atmosphere seeps in slowly, heavy with words unspoken. And just when I thought I knew where the story was veering, Mitchell twisted the knife, forcing me to question everything.
Verdict: Haunting and emotionally charged, The Ice Angels is cold, compulsive, grief-driven crime fiction at its finest. Caroline Mitchell remains at the top of her game with this sharp thriller that cuts deep and stays there, rendering it impossible to forget.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
“Hope is the most dangerous thing of all—it keeps you walking into the dark.”
Some thrillers hook you with the plot; The Ice Angels hooks you with pain—and then refuses to let go.
Caroline Mitchell drops us straight into Detective Elea Baker’s worst nightmare: her daughter stolen away in the Finnish winter, a decade of unanswered questions, and a grief that has never thawed.
When girls begin to disappear in Lincoln with a chilling echo of Elea's past, the story tightens like a noose. Every chapter feels cold to the touch, edged with dread and unbearable hope. And I was powerless to look away.
What makes this novel soar so high is Elea. Her raw, relentless, and heartbreaking humanity is entirely believable. A mother first and detective second, she chases the truth with a ferocity born of love and loss. Mitchell doesn’t soften the cost of obsession; she lets it bruise and burn. The emotional stakes are as high as the suspense, and this combination is so devastatingly effective.
As ever, Mitchell's pacing is immaculate—short, sharp chapters that propel you forwards while gradually tightening the emotional screws. The icy, claustrophobic atmosphere seeps in slowly, heavy with words unspoken. And just when I thought I knew where the story was veering, Mitchell twisted the knife, forcing me to question everything.
Verdict: Haunting and emotionally charged, The Ice Angels is cold, compulsive, grief-driven crime fiction at its finest. Caroline Mitchell remains at the top of her game with this sharp thriller that cuts deep and stays there, rendering it impossible to forget.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books Media for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller and first in a new series by Caroline Mitchell, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Aryana Ramkhalawon. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter, Liisa, was taken—and never found. Elea has never been the same and holds onto the hope that her daughter is still alive. Now, in the UK, girls are disappearing again. When one is found alive but not speaking, detectives feel she may hold the answer if they can reach her. Detective Swann calls his almost ex-wife Elea to help, because she knows more about the so-called Ice Angels than anyone.
Wow - this was a gripping, atmospheric story. You will feel the bone cold weather as well as the chilling events. Told from the alternating perspectives of Elea in the present and Liisa in the past, I was emotionally pulled into these characters. Elea is such a broken person but determined that she will bring Liisa home and prevent this from happening again. The best part? This is going to be a new series! The interaction between Swann and Elea as well as the new detective on the scene was fabulous. Caroline Mitchell is always a must-read author for me, because as a former police officer, she writes such realistic yet sensitive police procedurals. Grab this one when it comes out! The audiobook narration and production were top notch and just added to the listening experience.
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter, Liisa, was taken—and never found. Elea has never been the same and holds onto the hope that her daughter is still alive. Now, in the UK, girls are disappearing again. When one is found alive but not speaking, detectives feel she may hold the answer if they can reach her. Detective Swann calls his almost ex-wife Elea to help, because she knows more about the so-called Ice Angels than anyone.
Wow - this was a gripping, atmospheric story. You will feel the bone cold weather as well as the chilling events. Told from the alternating perspectives of Elea in the present and Liisa in the past, I was emotionally pulled into these characters. Elea is such a broken person but determined that she will bring Liisa home and prevent this from happening again. The best part? This is going to be a new series! The interaction between Swann and Elea as well as the new detective on the scene was fabulous. Caroline Mitchell is always a must-read author for me, because as a former police officer, she writes such realistic yet sensitive police procedurals. Grab this one when it comes out! The audiobook narration and production were top notch and just added to the listening experience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is a worthy departure from my usual. Dark thrillers and police procedurals aren't my favorite genre, but every once in a while, I stray away from historical fiction, which is what I have done with The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell.
We're introduced to Elea Baker, a determined detective with her own very personal motivation to solve the case when girls start going missing again. Her own daughter went missing 10 years before and now the snatchers seem to be following the same modus operandi. She's been brought in to consult by her not-quite ex-husband. It creates an interesting personal dynamic.
This is a compelling and approachable book for both fans of the genre and those needing to branch out. Author Caroline Mitchell does a great job or building a believable cast of characters and a well-paced plot.
Narrator Aryana Ramkhalawon does a great job with narration, giving a good selection of voices for the different characters.
My only constructive feedback. I did have to speed the narration to 1.25. I tried at 1x and I just couldn't do it. It felt so slow that characters were starting to sound like they were slurring their words. I realize this may be a personal preference and not applicable to others.
Thank you RBMedia for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
We're introduced to Elea Baker, a determined detective with her own very personal motivation to solve the case when girls start going missing again. Her own daughter went missing 10 years before and now the snatchers seem to be following the same modus operandi. She's been brought in to consult by her not-quite ex-husband. It creates an interesting personal dynamic.
This is a compelling and approachable book for both fans of the genre and those needing to branch out. Author Caroline Mitchell does a great job or building a believable cast of characters and a well-paced plot.
Narrator Aryana Ramkhalawon does a great job with narration, giving a good selection of voices for the different characters.
My only constructive feedback. I did have to speed the narration to 1.25. I tried at 1x and I just couldn't do it. It felt so slow that characters were starting to sound like they were slurring their words. I realize this may be a personal preference and not applicable to others.
Thank you RBMedia for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ten years ago, detective Elea Baker’s daughter disappeared without a trace as she was walking home from school in her native Finland. She was never found and her disappearance was linked to other disappearances dubbed as the ice angels. Elea has never given up hope of her still being alive and that hope gives her strength and determination to get out of bed each day and work hard in whatever police investigation she is involved in. The loss, however, has also made her more daring and unpredictable as quite frankly, the worst has already happened to her so she isn’t afraid of anything or anyone.
When in the quiet streets of Lincoln, nearly 2,000 miles from Elea’s home, girls start disappearing again with important similarities to the ‘ice angels’ case, Elea is called in to help. Could the decade-old abduction finally be on the verge of being solved?
Well, what a book! I loved it from start to finish and just couldn’t put it down. If you fancy a great detective story, set partially in the wild, snowy landscape of Finland and partially the beautiful English cathedral town of Lincoln, then look no further. The setting is just so atmospheric!
Elea is a superb character and I also loved the flashback chapters from the viewpoint of her daughter. So so happy to have been able to read this and I now want to read the author’s back catalogue!
When in the quiet streets of Lincoln, nearly 2,000 miles from Elea’s home, girls start disappearing again with important similarities to the ‘ice angels’ case, Elea is called in to help. Could the decade-old abduction finally be on the verge of being solved?
Well, what a book! I loved it from start to finish and just couldn’t put it down. If you fancy a great detective story, set partially in the wild, snowy landscape of Finland and partially the beautiful English cathedral town of Lincoln, then look no further. The setting is just so atmospheric!
Elea is a superb character and I also loved the flashback chapters from the viewpoint of her daughter. So so happy to have been able to read this and I now want to read the author’s back catalogue!
January 9, 2026
✨ eARC Review: The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I still can’t believe how lucky I was to receive early access to The Ice Angels through NetGalley—this was an absolutely incredible read.
At the heart of the novel is Elea Baker, a Finnish detective whose life has been shattered by the disappearance of her daughter. Her desperate search is raw, relentless, and deeply human. The grief, guilt, and determination she carries seep into every page, making her not just a detective on a case, but a mother fighting against time, doubt, and the slow erosion of hope. Watching Elea navigate her personal loss while continuing to work in law enforcement made her journey feel especially powerful and heartbreaking.
As years pass with no answers, relationships shift and intertwine in unexpected ways, and the case grows colder by the day. Just when it feels like the truth may be buried forever, new victims begin to surface—unharmed, yet unmistakably connected. What follows is a stunning unraveling of secrets, where the investigation is ripped wide open and plunged far deeper than any of the detectives could have imagined.
If you love dark Nordic crime fiction with complex characters and a mystery that keeps tightening its grip, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. ❄️📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I still can’t believe how lucky I was to receive early access to The Ice Angels through NetGalley—this was an absolutely incredible read.
At the heart of the novel is Elea Baker, a Finnish detective whose life has been shattered by the disappearance of her daughter. Her desperate search is raw, relentless, and deeply human. The grief, guilt, and determination she carries seep into every page, making her not just a detective on a case, but a mother fighting against time, doubt, and the slow erosion of hope. Watching Elea navigate her personal loss while continuing to work in law enforcement made her journey feel especially powerful and heartbreaking.
As years pass with no answers, relationships shift and intertwine in unexpected ways, and the case grows colder by the day. Just when it feels like the truth may be buried forever, new victims begin to surface—unharmed, yet unmistakably connected. What follows is a stunning unraveling of secrets, where the investigation is ripped wide open and plunged far deeper than any of the detectives could have imagined.
If you love dark Nordic crime fiction with complex characters and a mystery that keeps tightening its grip, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. ❄️📖
Review of advance copy
The first is a new series featuring Detective Elea Baker and what a cracking start it is. A powerful emotional story set in Finland and England following the story of Liisa, a missing 12 year old girl, and the persistence of her police detective mother to find her, dead or alive. Told mainly through the words of Elea and Liisa and in dual timelines, past and present.
Briefly, Elea Baker has never given up on finding her daughter Liisa who disappeared on her way home from school near Helsinki. Determined, to the point of being prepared to work outside normal protocol, Elea is sent as a special advisor to Lincoln in England to help her ex husband, DI Robert Swann, who has a case of missing children, with some remarkable similarities to Liisa’s disappearance.
Elea is a great character who, despite being flawed by her experience, is single minded in her determination which at times comes across as insensitive. The relationship between her and Swann was very well done and I was so invested in it. A somewhat sobering and upsetting storyline (non graphic) this is an amazing mystery thriller. A dark, emotional police procedural, tense and full of suspense. Great start to a new series.
Briefly, Elea Baker has never given up on finding her daughter Liisa who disappeared on her way home from school near Helsinki. Determined, to the point of being prepared to work outside normal protocol, Elea is sent as a special advisor to Lincoln in England to help her ex husband, DI Robert Swann, who has a case of missing children, with some remarkable similarities to Liisa’s disappearance.
Elea is a great character who, despite being flawed by her experience, is single minded in her determination which at times comes across as insensitive. The relationship between her and Swann was very well done and I was so invested in it. A somewhat sobering and upsetting storyline (non graphic) this is an amazing mystery thriller. A dark, emotional police procedural, tense and full of suspense. Great start to a new series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just brilliant. The Ice Angels is a chilling, bleak and layered thriller, with a strong sense of nordic noir.
The interplay between Elea and Swann was perfection. While Elea often went off script, and Swann the voice of reason, their characters had depth, and their actions were often unpredictable. It took me a few chapters to get into, but once I was, I was enthralled. Mitchell weaves together complex characters, twists, and moody and atmospheric settings making this a truly gripping read.
The audio narration was excellent, and I found following the various characters was effortless, due to the varied accents and characterisations. I was fully immersed in the story, and really felt the emotional intensity throughout all the twists and turns.
This was the perfect start to a series - addicting storytelling, nuanced characters. Most importantly, a self contained story with an exceptionally satisfying ending but plenty of potential for further stories and cases. I can't wait for book two, and am particularly intrigued with the development of Elea's character after the final events of book one.
Thank you to the publishers for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
The interplay between Elea and Swann was perfection. While Elea often went off script, and Swann the voice of reason, their characters had depth, and their actions were often unpredictable. It took me a few chapters to get into, but once I was, I was enthralled. Mitchell weaves together complex characters, twists, and moody and atmospheric settings making this a truly gripping read.
The audio narration was excellent, and I found following the various characters was effortless, due to the varied accents and characterisations. I was fully immersed in the story, and really felt the emotional intensity throughout all the twists and turns.
This was the perfect start to a series - addicting storytelling, nuanced characters. Most importantly, a self contained story with an exceptionally satisfying ending but plenty of potential for further stories and cases. I can't wait for book two, and am particularly intrigued with the development of Elea's character after the final events of book one.
Thank you to the publishers for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review is based on the audiobook edition.
The Nordic noir angle is what got me to try this book, and I'll say that the author delivered on the bleak tone I've come to expect from the genre, even though most of the action takes place in the UK. Unfortunately, the main character, Elea Baker, was kind of dull and not well developed, aside from her singleminded persistence in locating her missing daughter despite the minuscule chances that Liisa could still be found alive. Detective Swann was slightly more interesting, trapped in a marriage he clearly doesn't want to be in, but neither Elea nor Swann seems to really do that much detective work because the leads keep dropping into their laps. I might be interested in reading the next book in the series, but hopefully the characters and police work will be more fully developed going forward.
As for the narration, I wasn't a big fan of this narrator, whose delivery was rather staccato. It grated on me almost enough to stop listening, but I made it through by speeding up the playback.
Many thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
The Nordic noir angle is what got me to try this book, and I'll say that the author delivered on the bleak tone I've come to expect from the genre, even though most of the action takes place in the UK. Unfortunately, the main character, Elea Baker, was kind of dull and not well developed, aside from her singleminded persistence in locating her missing daughter despite the minuscule chances that Liisa could still be found alive. Detective Swann was slightly more interesting, trapped in a marriage he clearly doesn't want to be in, but neither Elea nor Swann seems to really do that much detective work because the leads keep dropping into their laps. I might be interested in reading the next book in the series, but hopefully the characters and police work will be more fully developed going forward.
As for the narration, I wasn't a big fan of this narrator, whose delivery was rather staccato. It grated on me almost enough to stop listening, but I made it through by speeding up the playback.
Many thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
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