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Dead of Winter
Discover the BRAND NEW chilling psychological thriller from the INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING author of The House Sitter, Keri Beevis. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Claire McGowan and Lisa Jewell!A sister looking for answers.
A brother with secrets to hide...
Three days before Christmas, I travel to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the brother I never knew existed. He has reluctantly granted me an hour of his precious time.
The welcome I receive is frosty. Daniel is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment I step through the door of this imposing manor house, I sense I’m not welcome.
When I go to leave, the snowy blizzard prevents me. Then there’s a power cut and I can’t let anyone know where I am. I realise I am trapped.
Something feels wrong in this house. The way Daniel and Rose speak in whispers behind closed doors suggests something’s amiss. As cracks start to form in their stories, I wonder what it is they are hiding.
Midwinter Manor is a house full of secrets, and some of them are dangerously deadly.
The thrilling new listen for fans of Freida McFadden, Claire McGowan and Lisa Jewell.
A brother with secrets to hide...
Three days before Christmas, I travel to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the brother I never knew existed. He has reluctantly granted me an hour of his precious time.
The welcome I receive is frosty. Daniel is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment I step through the door of this imposing manor house, I sense I’m not welcome.
When I go to leave, the snowy blizzard prevents me. Then there’s a power cut and I can’t let anyone know where I am. I realise I am trapped.
Something feels wrong in this house. The way Daniel and Rose speak in whispers behind closed doors suggests something’s amiss. As cracks start to form in their stories, I wonder what it is they are hiding.
Midwinter Manor is a house full of secrets, and some of them are dangerously deadly.
The thrilling new listen for fans of Freida McFadden, Claire McGowan and Lisa Jewell.
Audible Audio
First published October 10, 2025
955 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Keri Beevis
24 books1,796 followersHi, I'm Keri Beevis, and I'm the author of the bestselling psychological suspense thrillers, Deep Dark Secrets, Dying To Tell, The Sleepover, and The Summer House.
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
August 31, 2025
Chilling, mysterious, atmospheric, secret filled, and gripping, Keri Beevis delivers once again with Dead of Winter! The snow if falling and Christmas is days away when Lola travels to Norfolk to meet Daniel, the brother she never knew she had! Lola has an uncomfortable first meeting with Daniel who is distant and not too friendly and his on-edge wife, Rose.
After their meeting, Lola attempts to leave but as I mentioned the snow has been falling and she is unable to leave. She is welcomed inside and once the power goes out, things go from chilly to downright cold inside!
PSA- Always make sure more than one person knows where you are going at any point in time! Just putting it out there. Also - check the weather reports! Seriously, if the weather report calls for a blizzard - STAY HOME, that long lost relative isn't going anywhere! Also make sure you phone is charged. Did I miss anything??? Because when you are trapped in an old manor home with unfriendly and cold relatives you just met, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle.
Keri Beevis has crafted a well thought out, secret filled thrillers! Dead of Winter kept me on my toes and turning the pages. This book is filled with secrets, lies, atmosphere, tension, and that trapped feeling that I love in books. Pair that trapped feeling with a blizzard and I am all a happy reader! I love the combination of the blizzard the trapped feeling of not being able to leave.
This proved to be a fast and thrilling read. This is the 10th book that I have read by Keri Beevis, and I have enjoyed every one of them. I look forward to reading more books by Beevis in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
After their meeting, Lola attempts to leave but as I mentioned the snow has been falling and she is unable to leave. She is welcomed inside and once the power goes out, things go from chilly to downright cold inside!
PSA- Always make sure more than one person knows where you are going at any point in time! Just putting it out there. Also - check the weather reports! Seriously, if the weather report calls for a blizzard - STAY HOME, that long lost relative isn't going anywhere! Also make sure you phone is charged. Did I miss anything??? Because when you are trapped in an old manor home with unfriendly and cold relatives you just met, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle.
Keri Beevis has crafted a well thought out, secret filled thrillers! Dead of Winter kept me on my toes and turning the pages. This book is filled with secrets, lies, atmosphere, tension, and that trapped feeling that I love in books. Pair that trapped feeling with a blizzard and I am all a happy reader! I love the combination of the blizzard the trapped feeling of not being able to leave.
This proved to be a fast and thrilling read. This is the 10th book that I have read by Keri Beevis, and I have enjoyed every one of them. I look forward to reading more books by Beevis in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 30, 2025
Chilling, suspenseful, and atmospheric describe this nail-biting mystery. There is a constant sense of foreboding as secrets are revealed. This is the perfect book to read as winter approaches. Numerous twists kept me guessing. Character-driven and perfectly paced describe this haunting story. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
September 14, 2025
Lola travels to Midwinter Manor during a snowstorm to meet her brother Daniel. She gets snowed in there with her unwelcoming brother and his wife. The power goes out in the creepy manor and things start to take a turn for the worse. Only one person knows where she is and she can’t message them. Deadly secrets are revealed and she fights for her life.
This was an exciting thriller that kept me flipping the pages.
It was well written and the characters really came to life.
It’s a great winter read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released October 10, 2025!
This was an exciting thriller that kept me flipping the pages.
It was well written and the characters really came to life.
It’s a great winter read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released October 10, 2025!
September 28, 2025
Another good read from Keri Beevis.. Lola only relative left is her brother Daniel, who she's never met and visited him and his wife Rose during a storm. When she arrives, it's not the welcome she expected they are hiding secrets she discovers there's more that they are hiding... a good storyline, my rating 3.5 rounded to four...looking forward to reading more of her books.
October 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Dead of Winter by Keri Beevis. This author has been on my TBR list for a while and this is the first book of hers that I have read. I will definitely look forward to reading some of her other books. This one had a good storyline. It drew me in right from the beginning. There was a creepy vibe and it was full of fear. Filled with secrets and lies it kept me glued. A fast paced book and very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I gave it a 4 star rating. #Boldwoodbooks #KeriBeevis
September 15, 2025
Ooh how I love snowy thrillers, and this one was no exception! We have the story of a family with strange dynamics and a lot of secrets, and now Lola is entering the mix. She was adopted, but the parents who raised her have passed away. When her mom died, she left Lola information on her biological family, in case she wanted to contact them. When Lola found out that her biological parents are also dead, but she has a brother, she immediately wanted to meet him and try to build a relationship.
Daniel’s reply to her Facebook message was cold and terse. He wanted nothing to do with meeting Lola, and he asked that she never contact him again. Despite his rudeness, Lola pushed it a bit further and asked him just for one hour of his time, to learn more about her biological family. What were her parents like? Does she look like her brother? He’d been paralyzed in a skiing accident and was bound to a wheelchair - is what why he’s acting so poorly, or is he scared she is coming to take some of his inheritance?
Finally, Daniel relented, and invited her to his house for one hour. She had business in his area, so it worked out perfectly…at first. Lola rented a car and headed to the middle of nowhere, looking for Midwinter Manor. It was snowing when she left, and the storm kept getting worse as she drove. Finally she found the manor, and Daniel’s wife, Rose, let her in and introduced her to her brother, who is just as cold in person as he was while messaging. Rose isn’t much better, and Lola could tell that they really didn’t want her there, especially after the power went out. Despite the snow, she left, but didn’t make it far before crashing her car at the end of their driveway. Begrudgingly, they tell her she can stay for the night - and that’s when she REALLY gets to find out who these people are.
This book had four or five major twists, and somehow I figured out all of them but one, pretty much from the beginning. I don’t know if that was lucky, or if the book was feeding me subliminal hints, but it was still fun reading everything fall into place (or fall apart, as the case may be). This got pretty suspenseful, especially towards the end, and I loved the epilogue! This is a cozy little book that I definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Keri Beevis and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on October 10, 2025.)
Daniel’s reply to her Facebook message was cold and terse. He wanted nothing to do with meeting Lola, and he asked that she never contact him again. Despite his rudeness, Lola pushed it a bit further and asked him just for one hour of his time, to learn more about her biological family. What were her parents like? Does she look like her brother? He’d been paralyzed in a skiing accident and was bound to a wheelchair - is what why he’s acting so poorly, or is he scared she is coming to take some of his inheritance?
Finally, Daniel relented, and invited her to his house for one hour. She had business in his area, so it worked out perfectly…at first. Lola rented a car and headed to the middle of nowhere, looking for Midwinter Manor. It was snowing when she left, and the storm kept getting worse as she drove. Finally she found the manor, and Daniel’s wife, Rose, let her in and introduced her to her brother, who is just as cold in person as he was while messaging. Rose isn’t much better, and Lola could tell that they really didn’t want her there, especially after the power went out. Despite the snow, she left, but didn’t make it far before crashing her car at the end of their driveway. Begrudgingly, they tell her she can stay for the night - and that’s when she REALLY gets to find out who these people are.
This book had four or five major twists, and somehow I figured out all of them but one, pretty much from the beginning. I don’t know if that was lucky, or if the book was feeding me subliminal hints, but it was still fun reading everything fall into place (or fall apart, as the case may be). This got pretty suspenseful, especially towards the end, and I loved the epilogue! This is a cozy little book that I definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Keri Beevis and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on October 10, 2025.)
November 1, 2025
Chilling read that I would consider a slow burn, but when the story picked up and it never lost its momentum! This well paced twisty story was filled with so many secrets that I simply didn’t see coming! This story keeps you guessing who to trust and what really happened until the final reveal. These maniacal characters would stop at nothing to keep their deadly secrets hidden.
I loved Lola’s character, even though she made questionable decisions sometimes. She was resilient, and her heart was in the right place when she tried to meet her long, lost brother. She had no idea what awaited her.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and will read more by Keri Beevis. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
I loved Lola’s character, even though she made questionable decisions sometimes. She was resilient, and her heart was in the right place when she tried to meet her long, lost brother. She had no idea what awaited her.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and will read more by Keri Beevis. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
September 29, 2025
Keri Beevis is one of my go-to authors—when she has a new book coming out, I don’t hesitate in picking it up and reading it as soon as I can! So receiving the ARC for DEAD OF WINTER was as exciting as things can get for this reader!!
The synopsis for this one was fantastic—we have a foreboding manor and an unanticipated winter storm. I absolutely love scenarios like this one, because it often alludes to our protagonist(s) getting trapped in dire circumstances with no way to escape. Well, DEAD OF WINTER did not disappoint on this front! We are introduced to the incredibly likable Lola, who travels to the creepy estate of her long-lost brother Daniel and his wife Rose. This is just the beginning of a suspenseful and twisty ride, where nothing is quite what it seems. And as the snow storm worsens and the power eventually goes out, Lola learns that there are secrets within the walls of Midwinter Manor, and Daniel and Rose will do anything to protect those secrets.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down, and it kept me guessing until the very end. In true Keri Beevis style, we have wonderful character development, perfect pacing, and lovable fur baby companions. And how I loved the many twists and the subtle clues she left for her readers, almost like little breadcrumbs, leading to incredible reveals and an oh-so satisfying conclusion! Loved it!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Keri Beevis, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of DEAD OF WINTER! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
The synopsis for this one was fantastic—we have a foreboding manor and an unanticipated winter storm. I absolutely love scenarios like this one, because it often alludes to our protagonist(s) getting trapped in dire circumstances with no way to escape. Well, DEAD OF WINTER did not disappoint on this front! We are introduced to the incredibly likable Lola, who travels to the creepy estate of her long-lost brother Daniel and his wife Rose. This is just the beginning of a suspenseful and twisty ride, where nothing is quite what it seems. And as the snow storm worsens and the power eventually goes out, Lola learns that there are secrets within the walls of Midwinter Manor, and Daniel and Rose will do anything to protect those secrets.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down, and it kept me guessing until the very end. In true Keri Beevis style, we have wonderful character development, perfect pacing, and lovable fur baby companions. And how I loved the many twists and the subtle clues she left for her readers, almost like little breadcrumbs, leading to incredible reveals and an oh-so satisfying conclusion! Loved it!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Keri Beevis, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of DEAD OF WINTER! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
September 26, 2025
So my idea of watching the 2nd series of ‘The Accused’ were scuppered today as I started this and couldn’t stop until had finished it, it was that good
This is a ‘snowed in claustrophobic family drama mystery’ set at Christmas….but don’t let that fool you, it is as dark as night..
I don’t want to give much away but just looked at the blurb and so it is not giving anything away to say the book is based around siblings who have been unknown to each other for a long time now meeting, and what happens once they do
A completely addictive read that I was very invested in, a great mansion house setting, truly vile characters ( except Lola and Quinn ) plus hurrah for a lovable doggy and a couole of kittens and a mystery that doubles in size every few chapters
My favourite book by this author although may have said this before, it is a powerful and emotive stirring read
This is a ‘snowed in claustrophobic family drama mystery’ set at Christmas….but don’t let that fool you, it is as dark as night..
I don’t want to give much away but just looked at the blurb and so it is not giving anything away to say the book is based around siblings who have been unknown to each other for a long time now meeting, and what happens once they do
A completely addictive read that I was very invested in, a great mansion house setting, truly vile characters ( except Lola and Quinn ) plus hurrah for a lovable doggy and a couole of kittens and a mystery that doubles in size every few chapters
My favourite book by this author although may have said this before, it is a powerful and emotive stirring read
November 15, 2025
The premise of the story sounded original and interesting but that’s where the interesting ended. Works of fiction deserve a slack because it’s not real but there has to be rationality. It’s OK if one character goes AWOL because that can happen but not five and their actions fuel the plot.
A 37 year-old woman that four years earlier had her romantic life end abruptly for reasons out of her control. She’s adopted and realizes that has a brother and wants desperately to make the connection with him. I can’t even remember the explanation for it to happened then and not when she was 18 and don’t care to go back to find out. I’m happy it’s over.
The meeting goes horribly wrong and it becomes a snowball effect, literary trapped due to a blizzard with no power. That’s when it unraveled for me. Reasons why that encountered came to fruition are due to poor decisions by each of the five main characters. Therefore it all is based on all those factors coexisting, if any was not present then there would be no climax.
I won’t give any spoilers but just one example of the stupidity given to the characters. The protagonist goes to great lengths to discover a hidden photo that shed light on what’s occurring. She puts it in her back pocket then reaches the living room and places the photo on the table and leaves the room. The others see the photo and now they know that she knows. Irrationality:
1- Why was the photo not destroyed by the bad guys?
2- Why did the good guy not keep it hidden but decides to leave it on the table?
There’s many other examples of stupidity that made listening to this audiobook excruciating but I hung on.
A Hollywood happy ending doesn’t even save it. Should it be a two star rating? Probably, but there were some elements of suspense that kept me listening so it wasn’t all that bad.
A 37 year-old woman that four years earlier had her romantic life end abruptly for reasons out of her control. She’s adopted and realizes that has a brother and wants desperately to make the connection with him. I can’t even remember the explanation for it to happened then and not when she was 18 and don’t care to go back to find out. I’m happy it’s over.
The meeting goes horribly wrong and it becomes a snowball effect, literary trapped due to a blizzard with no power. That’s when it unraveled for me. Reasons why that encountered came to fruition are due to poor decisions by each of the five main characters. Therefore it all is based on all those factors coexisting, if any was not present then there would be no climax.
I won’t give any spoilers but just one example of the stupidity given to the characters. The protagonist goes to great lengths to discover a hidden photo that shed light on what’s occurring. She puts it in her back pocket then reaches the living room and places the photo on the table and leaves the room. The others see the photo and now they know that she knows. Irrationality:
1- Why was the photo not destroyed by the bad guys?
2- Why did the good guy not keep it hidden but decides to leave it on the table?
There’s many other examples of stupidity that made listening to this audiobook excruciating but I hung on.
A Hollywood happy ending doesn’t even save it. Should it be a two star rating? Probably, but there were some elements of suspense that kept me listening so it wasn’t all that bad.
November 12, 2025
"A sister looking for answers. A brother with secrets to hide..."
Three days before Christmas, Lola, who was adopted at birth, travels from Manchester to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the blood brother she only recently discovered existed. As she has contacted him several times, he has reluctantly granted her an hour of his precious time, although he makes it perfectly clear that he has no interest in forming a relationship with her.
Her trip is combined with a work meeting in neighbouring Suffolk, necessary to keep the contract business of one of her most demanding clients. She has chosen to make the first leg of her journey travelling by train and it is with huge surprise and deep trepidation that she finds herself seated in the same carriage as Quinn, a police sergeant and her ex-lover. Their relationship had ended some four years previously in distressing circumstances, however, both decide that they can rise above the past and enjoy a civil journey getting re-acquainted. In fact, so well do they reconnect, they make a date to travel back to Manchester together on Christmas Eve.
The welcome Lola receives at Midwinter Manor, is frosty and it is very apparent that Daniel considers that she may be a threat to his inherited wealth. His manner is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment Lola steps through the door of this imposing manor house, she senses she is not welcome, but when Daniel indicates that her time is up and he has answered all the questions he is going to, she finds that a snowy, white-out blizzard prevents her leaving. Desperate to escape she crashes her rental car attempting to negotiate the mansion's slippery driveway, then there’s a power cut and she can’t let anyone know where she is. She soon realises she is trapped in a house where something definitely feels wrong and secrets are being hidden.
Lola just doesn't realise until it is almost too late, the danger she is in, and she can only hope that she still means as much to Quinn, as he does to her!
…
Author, Keri Beevis has an impressive catalogue of stand-alone psychological thrillers to her name and whilst this is only the second book of hers I have read, I am truly invested in her page-turning writing style. Whilst this storyline was perhaps a little more formulaic and predictable than that of my previous read, it was satisfying to follow exactly how she built out the plot, incorporating multiple layers and intriguing nuanced twists and turns to keep me guessing about some things, whilst often less than desirable characters vied for position in an outcome which was far from certain in some aspects.
The relatively small cast of characters narrated this story in multiple voices, with the switchovers not always clearly indicated but becoming more obvious as the plotline was revealed. The action was also broken down into various timelines, switching back and forth between the present and different periods beginning some five years in the past, all of which were well-signposted and easy to follow.
As an avid 'armchair traveller', it was satisfying to know that the place names mentioned were real and easy to track, with the author writing about an area which she knows pretty well only adding to the authenticity of the journey. However, the wider location was of little consequence in the claustrophobic, highly toxic and downright dangerous environs of Midwinter Manor, where the majority of the action took place. Comfort was definitely in short supply, in an isolated place which Lola hadn't been able to wait to visit to meet her long lost brother, only to be eager to leave when she realised that his intentions for a family reunion fell far short of her own expectations and desires.
The characters of Lola and Quinn were probably the most credible given their past connection, the emotional rollercoaster journey they had endured, which had eventually pushed them apart and the still obvious attraction they felt for one another now that time had helped to heal some of the wounds which had defined their relationship. The remainder of the cast were, to a person, almost all totally self-centred, divisive and dangerous to cross. They had all travelled so far down the road of greed, avarice, revenge and retribution that there would almost certainly have been no way back, so the outcome for them was almost inevitable and totally justified.
In short, a solid, well conceived plot, with plenty of intrigue and suspense, even if the end-game was no real surprise!
Three days before Christmas, Lola, who was adopted at birth, travels from Manchester to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the blood brother she only recently discovered existed. As she has contacted him several times, he has reluctantly granted her an hour of his precious time, although he makes it perfectly clear that he has no interest in forming a relationship with her.
Her trip is combined with a work meeting in neighbouring Suffolk, necessary to keep the contract business of one of her most demanding clients. She has chosen to make the first leg of her journey travelling by train and it is with huge surprise and deep trepidation that she finds herself seated in the same carriage as Quinn, a police sergeant and her ex-lover. Their relationship had ended some four years previously in distressing circumstances, however, both decide that they can rise above the past and enjoy a civil journey getting re-acquainted. In fact, so well do they reconnect, they make a date to travel back to Manchester together on Christmas Eve.
The welcome Lola receives at Midwinter Manor, is frosty and it is very apparent that Daniel considers that she may be a threat to his inherited wealth. His manner is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment Lola steps through the door of this imposing manor house, she senses she is not welcome, but when Daniel indicates that her time is up and he has answered all the questions he is going to, she finds that a snowy, white-out blizzard prevents her leaving. Desperate to escape she crashes her rental car attempting to negotiate the mansion's slippery driveway, then there’s a power cut and she can’t let anyone know where she is. She soon realises she is trapped in a house where something definitely feels wrong and secrets are being hidden.
Lola just doesn't realise until it is almost too late, the danger she is in, and she can only hope that she still means as much to Quinn, as he does to her!
…
Author, Keri Beevis has an impressive catalogue of stand-alone psychological thrillers to her name and whilst this is only the second book of hers I have read, I am truly invested in her page-turning writing style. Whilst this storyline was perhaps a little more formulaic and predictable than that of my previous read, it was satisfying to follow exactly how she built out the plot, incorporating multiple layers and intriguing nuanced twists and turns to keep me guessing about some things, whilst often less than desirable characters vied for position in an outcome which was far from certain in some aspects.
The relatively small cast of characters narrated this story in multiple voices, with the switchovers not always clearly indicated but becoming more obvious as the plotline was revealed. The action was also broken down into various timelines, switching back and forth between the present and different periods beginning some five years in the past, all of which were well-signposted and easy to follow.
As an avid 'armchair traveller', it was satisfying to know that the place names mentioned were real and easy to track, with the author writing about an area which she knows pretty well only adding to the authenticity of the journey. However, the wider location was of little consequence in the claustrophobic, highly toxic and downright dangerous environs of Midwinter Manor, where the majority of the action took place. Comfort was definitely in short supply, in an isolated place which Lola hadn't been able to wait to visit to meet her long lost brother, only to be eager to leave when she realised that his intentions for a family reunion fell far short of her own expectations and desires.
The characters of Lola and Quinn were probably the most credible given their past connection, the emotional rollercoaster journey they had endured, which had eventually pushed them apart and the still obvious attraction they felt for one another now that time had helped to heal some of the wounds which had defined their relationship. The remainder of the cast were, to a person, almost all totally self-centred, divisive and dangerous to cross. They had all travelled so far down the road of greed, avarice, revenge and retribution that there would almost certainly have been no way back, so the outcome for them was almost inevitable and totally justified.
In short, a solid, well conceived plot, with plenty of intrigue and suspense, even if the end-game was no real surprise!
September 2, 2025
Dead of Winter
By: Keri Beevis
Pub Date: October 10, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
I am a huge fan of Beevis and her novels always keep me glued to the pages. This cover and story invited me in for a few hours with a hot cocoa. Add to your winter books and lock the doors.
A snowstorm, and feeling trapped while trying to reconcile the past when you are not wanted will have you gripping things around you.
Sometimes you know YOU should not be here.
To make matters worse, the cell reception is unavailable and the roads are not passable.
OH my, Beevis never disappoints.
By: Keri Beevis
Pub Date: October 10, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
I am a huge fan of Beevis and her novels always keep me glued to the pages. This cover and story invited me in for a few hours with a hot cocoa. Add to your winter books and lock the doors.
A snowstorm, and feeling trapped while trying to reconcile the past when you are not wanted will have you gripping things around you.
Sometimes you know YOU should not be here.
To make matters worse, the cell reception is unavailable and the roads are not passable.
OH my, Beevis never disappoints.
November 14, 2025
A brilliant and twisty story which grabbed my attention straight away. It was so engrossing that I really didn't know how it would turn out. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
Easy read for a thriller keeps you guessing for sure.
September 29, 2025
Location suburbs of England. Kay knows she was adopted and does a DNA test to find out she has a brother she wants to meet him and learn about her parents. She decides while she’s away on business she can stay at a nearby hotel and drive an hour to his secluded home. She’s learned he was in an accident and is now wheelchair bound so he asks her to come to him. Of course there’s a snow storm and car trouble which only leaves her stuck at his home throughout the night twist after twist reveals secrets that make Kay wonder if she’ll make it out alive. Great story, suspenseful and a crazy wild ride.
September 8, 2025
Oh wow!! Fast pace psychological thriller.
Some secret's are best left alone, a sister looking for answers, a brother with secret's to hide.
Midwinter manor Saham Toney Norfolk, a big secluded house for a reason as you read on.
Lola Henderson wants answers to her real family, and the only one to give her them is her brother Daniel Whitlock, she needs to know more about her birth parents and why they gave her up for adoption.
With only a few days to Christmas she gets her chance through work, she sets out to the manor even though the weather forecast isn't looking good, and finds herself stranded with a family that neither want her there and are certainly not normal. She wished she hadn't come here and with no WiFi at the house she couldn't contact anyone , and Quinn Mallory is the only one who knows where she was heading would he save her before it's too late?
Oh my word what a twisted evil turn out this book has become. So many many twists that brings out the saying you can pick your friends but not your family.
I didn't think for one minute Dead Winter wouldn't be enjoyed, but I truly did not expect this.
The author has got this one in the book.
Absolutely mind-blowing brilliant story.
It's got big thumbs up from me right through.
Some secret's are best left alone, a sister looking for answers, a brother with secret's to hide.
Midwinter manor Saham Toney Norfolk, a big secluded house for a reason as you read on.
Lola Henderson wants answers to her real family, and the only one to give her them is her brother Daniel Whitlock, she needs to know more about her birth parents and why they gave her up for adoption.
With only a few days to Christmas she gets her chance through work, she sets out to the manor even though the weather forecast isn't looking good, and finds herself stranded with a family that neither want her there and are certainly not normal. She wished she hadn't come here and with no WiFi at the house she couldn't contact anyone , and Quinn Mallory is the only one who knows where she was heading would he save her before it's too late?
Oh my word what a twisted evil turn out this book has become. So many many twists that brings out the saying you can pick your friends but not your family.
I didn't think for one minute Dead Winter wouldn't be enjoyed, but I truly did not expect this.
The author has got this one in the book.
Absolutely mind-blowing brilliant story.
It's got big thumbs up from me right through.
September 22, 2025
This book was all tell, no show. Everything was spoon fed to the reader. The twist was both predictable and cliche and the only thing that surprised me was how long it took Lola to figure out what was literally staring her in the face. I found myself losing interest a lot and thinking that surely the twist couldn’t be as obvious as it seemed. I was ultimately disappointed to learn that it was…
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
September 3, 2025
Lola is finally meeting her biological brother, Daniel, but the timing couldn’t be worse. There’s a snowstorm on the horizon, and he lives in an isolated wooded estate. She believes she’ll have time because he has allotted one hour to meet with her, answer any questions, and then never see her again. Nice, right? But sure, not everyone is excited to hear they have a long-lost sister later in life. Lola fears it’s because Daniel is obscenely wealthy, but that doesn’t matter to her. She has no other family and just wants to know more about the ones she has never met.
He's just as charming as expected, and as she leaves, she crashes her car in the worsening snow and becomes stuck there for the foreseeable future. At least Daniel’s wife, Rose, seems nice enough, so one or two nights won’t be too bad, right? What could go wrong?
Perfect set-up for a murder mystery because you know everything’s going to go wrong. Strange noises, worsening weather, and relatives that can’t wait for her to leave. The secrets run deep, the biggest of which you might see coming like I did. Still a fun story because you know it’s not going to end well. You can’t help rooting for Lola because she’s a genuinely good person who just wants a family. But by the time the blizzard ends and the roads clear, will there be any family left?
He's just as charming as expected, and as she leaves, she crashes her car in the worsening snow and becomes stuck there for the foreseeable future. At least Daniel’s wife, Rose, seems nice enough, so one or two nights won’t be too bad, right? What could go wrong?
Perfect set-up for a murder mystery because you know everything’s going to go wrong. Strange noises, worsening weather, and relatives that can’t wait for her to leave. The secrets run deep, the biggest of which you might see coming like I did. Still a fun story because you know it’s not going to end well. You can’t help rooting for Lola because she’s a genuinely good person who just wants a family. But by the time the blizzard ends and the roads clear, will there be any family left?
October 20, 2025
This was a real page turner! Set in the middle of a blizzard, in an old house with secrets, a young woman get more than she bargained for when she tries to find out more about her birth family. It is a few days before Christmas and Lola is taking a train to Norfolk for business and is hoping to connect with her birth brother named Daniel. It has been a difficult time for Lola, her adoptive mother has died, she lost a baby and broke up with her partner She has written to Daniel asking to see him but he has turned her down a few times before finally inviting her to his home in a remote location. Lola works as a freelance account manager and plans to see her difficult client then head to Daniel's house. She suspects Daniel's reluctance to see her has to do with the wealth he inherited. She also found out he is in a wheelchair due to a accident and is married to a woman named Rose. While on the train, Lola runs into her ex-partner Quinn who is headed to visit family. Quinn tells her that a huge snowstorm is forecast and he asks to go with her on the visit but she needs to do this alone.
The author did a good job of portraying the isolated mansion deep in the woods and the heavy snow that causes Lola (with her rental car) to slip and slide everywhere. When she arrives, Daniel is not what she expected. He and his wife Rose are chilly and unwelcoming and Rose's brother is also visiting and appears sinister as well. When Lola tries to leave, she has an accident with her car and is forced to stay the night . With no cell service and the power out, Lola feels trapped in some sort of game with Daniel and Rose and she has to use her wits to survive the night. Some of the twists were easy to guess but I still enjoyed this one and like the fact Beevis writes her heroines to be smart women. Thank you to Boldwood Books and the NetGalley for a copy of this ARC to review.
The author did a good job of portraying the isolated mansion deep in the woods and the heavy snow that causes Lola (with her rental car) to slip and slide everywhere. When she arrives, Daniel is not what she expected. He and his wife Rose are chilly and unwelcoming and Rose's brother is also visiting and appears sinister as well. When Lola tries to leave, she has an accident with her car and is forced to stay the night . With no cell service and the power out, Lola feels trapped in some sort of game with Daniel and Rose and she has to use her wits to survive the night. Some of the twists were easy to guess but I still enjoyed this one and like the fact Beevis writes her heroines to be smart women. Thank you to Boldwood Books and the NetGalley for a copy of this ARC to review.
October 10, 2025
4 stars for me.My first book by this author, and it will not be the last.
Lola travels to Midwinter Manor to meet for the first time her brother Daniel.On the way there she see her ex Quinn Mallory , and they travel together for a while.When Lola arrives at Midwinter Manor, she is quite surprised by frosty and unwelcome meeting with her brother and his wife Rose,but before she could leave,the snowstorm and broken car, made it imposible,so she's to stay in the Manor for the night.
At late dinner she also meet Rose's brother Jimmy ,who had few drinks to many,and made a bad joke,which they fast dismiss ,but it made Lola curious is there some truth to this.
Starting her questions,and digging secrets may be just the case for her to never leave Manor alive. She have no one who will know if something happened to her, only Quinn know where she was going,but as ex will he care enough?
Will Lola find out what Daniel and Rose is hiding?
I could not put this book down,was reading well to the night.While I figure out quite early on some secrets,the tension was great and I have to know how it will end.Author get to the point with the story, we have few POV from past and now, they were interesting and didn't drag unnecessary. I hope to read again books by this author,it was a pleasure.
If you like full of tension and suspense thriller this book is for you.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for my arc copy,the review is honest and my own.
Lola travels to Midwinter Manor to meet for the first time her brother Daniel.On the way there she see her ex Quinn Mallory , and they travel together for a while.When Lola arrives at Midwinter Manor, she is quite surprised by frosty and unwelcome meeting with her brother and his wife Rose,but before she could leave,the snowstorm and broken car, made it imposible,so she's to stay in the Manor for the night.
At late dinner she also meet Rose's brother Jimmy ,who had few drinks to many,and made a bad joke,which they fast dismiss ,but it made Lola curious is there some truth to this.
Starting her questions,and digging secrets may be just the case for her to never leave Manor alive. She have no one who will know if something happened to her, only Quinn know where she was going,but as ex will he care enough?
Will Lola find out what Daniel and Rose is hiding?
I could not put this book down,was reading well to the night.While I figure out quite early on some secrets,the tension was great and I have to know how it will end.Author get to the point with the story, we have few POV from past and now, they were interesting and didn't drag unnecessary. I hope to read again books by this author,it was a pleasure.
If you like full of tension and suspense thriller this book is for you.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for my arc copy,the review is honest and my own.
September 30, 2025
It was a lot better than what I expected!!!
The story follows Lola, a woman who has recently discovered the identity of her birth parents, after her adopted mother dies. She realises that only her brother survives and she texts Daniel Whitlock to meet him. Lola wanted nothing more than to learn why her parents gave her up for adoption even when they took care of their elder son.
Daniel is reluctant to meet her but after her requests, he gives her one hour of his time. But the meeting would take place in Midwinter Manor, a place secluded from the outside world.
There Lola meets Daniel and his wife, Rose but ends up overstaying her welcome when her car breaks down and the road becomes treacherous due to snow. Now, Lola is trapped with a couple who were willing to kill to keep secrets!
This was a book where I was excited from the beginning. Daniel's reluctance to meet his sister, the secluded life he lived, and the isolated setting made me want to read this book badly. And when I did, I was so thrilled at how everything turned out to be.
If I'm honest, I was able to guess what the main twist was early on. But the curiosity to see it revealed pushed me to the ending. Also, the author has skillfully added another dimension that made me question whether what I thought was actually wrong.
This was such an interesting story with mysterious characters like Daniel, Rose and few others as well. It's also suspenseful that many times I was angry at myself for pausing from reading this.
Overall, it was a good mystery !!!
The story follows Lola, a woman who has recently discovered the identity of her birth parents, after her adopted mother dies. She realises that only her brother survives and she texts Daniel Whitlock to meet him. Lola wanted nothing more than to learn why her parents gave her up for adoption even when they took care of their elder son.
Daniel is reluctant to meet her but after her requests, he gives her one hour of his time. But the meeting would take place in Midwinter Manor, a place secluded from the outside world.
There Lola meets Daniel and his wife, Rose but ends up overstaying her welcome when her car breaks down and the road becomes treacherous due to snow. Now, Lola is trapped with a couple who were willing to kill to keep secrets!
This was a book where I was excited from the beginning. Daniel's reluctance to meet his sister, the secluded life he lived, and the isolated setting made me want to read this book badly. And when I did, I was so thrilled at how everything turned out to be.
If I'm honest, I was able to guess what the main twist was early on. But the curiosity to see it revealed pushed me to the ending. Also, the author has skillfully added another dimension that made me question whether what I thought was actually wrong.
This was such an interesting story with mysterious characters like Daniel, Rose and few others as well. It's also suspenseful that many times I was angry at myself for pausing from reading this.
Overall, it was a good mystery !!!
October 26, 2025
Torn between 2/3 stars. It was fine I suppose? I mistakenly bought the wrong book, I meant to buy a different one with the same title but by a different author. So I spent a long time confused about why the plot was different lol. However, I still tried to not let that affect my opinion.
I did enjoy the book, but there wasn’t anything special about it. I never felt any suspense at all, and it was very slow. The “twist”/reveal was obvious halfway through, and it was painful watching Lola not realising it. But even before that, when it wasn’t clear what was going on, I never felt suspense in trying to figure it out. And I didn’t feel like there was ever any true sense of danger.
I also got super annoyed at how she was like “I better hold on to this big heavy weapon so I’m not like those stupid people in films who leave my weapon”, then 1 page later she was like “if only I had something to break this window with!!”. What about that big heavy weapon??? And why didn’t she just scream out to Quinn when he was at the door?!
I also wish she didn’t give all the money away lol, she deserved a little bit of financial freedom outside of just buying a house.
I did enjoy the book, but there wasn’t anything special about it. I never felt any suspense at all, and it was very slow. The “twist”/reveal was obvious halfway through, and it was painful watching Lola not realising it. But even before that, when it wasn’t clear what was going on, I never felt suspense in trying to figure it out. And I didn’t feel like there was ever any true sense of danger.
I also got super annoyed at how she was like “I better hold on to this big heavy weapon so I’m not like those stupid people in films who leave my weapon”, then 1 page later she was like “if only I had something to break this window with!!”. What about that big heavy weapon??? And why didn’t she just scream out to Quinn when he was at the door?!
I also wish she didn’t give all the money away lol, she deserved a little bit of financial freedom outside of just buying a house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
This creepy, chilling thriller is one of those perfect reads to immerse yourself in while snugly bundled up in front of the fireplace in the middle of a snowstorm. While I didn't have that luxury as an early reader in September, the author's atmospheric prose did its job and transported me into that setting like a pro. I felt the cold deep in my bones, and the eerie isolation of the manor hovered over me like a dark cloud of impending doom. Lola's fear resonated with me like it was my own, sending shivers up and down my spine. I must admit that I was a little freaked out. With a cast of disturbing characters and secrets worth killing for, this story was extremely unsettling. And I loved every minute of it! It was fast-paced, captivating and unputdownable. A must read for fans of this author and the thriller genre! I highly recommend!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
September 13, 2025
Another fantastic read from the queen of twists—this book has everything: creepy, addictive, and full of surprises. Lola is on her own after her mother passed away, but before she died, she revealed that Lola has a brother. Knowing she was adopted, Lola had already reached out to Daniel, but he never responded. While on the train, she sends him another message, and this time Daniel agrees to meet her for an hour at Midwinter Manor. On the train, Lola spots her ex-boyfriend Quinn, and they sit together, chatting and realizing they still love each other. Quinn offers to accompany her to the manor since she has to drive, but she declines. When Lola finally meets her brother and sister-in-law, they are cold and distant. As she tries to leave, she discovers she’s trapped due to heavy snow. I won’t spoil anything more, but it’s absolutely gripping!
October 9, 2025
Y’all, Dead of Winter by Keri Beevis serves up frostbite, family secrets, and one seriously creepy manor. Our girl treks through a blizzard to meet the brother she never knew—Daniel, aka Mr. Frostbite himself—and his perfectly polite (and perfectly suspicious) wife, Rose. Then boom—power’s out, storm’s raging, and she’s trapped in a house that practically breathes secrets.
The pacing had me flipping pages faster than snowflakes in a blizzard, and while I guessed a few twists, I still gasped out loud more than once. Dead of Winter is the perfect mix of gothic chill and psychological thrill—sharp, atmospheric, and deliciously unnerving. 🌨️📖
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #DeadOfWinter
The pacing had me flipping pages faster than snowflakes in a blizzard, and while I guessed a few twists, I still gasped out loud more than once. Dead of Winter is the perfect mix of gothic chill and psychological thrill—sharp, atmospheric, and deliciously unnerving. 🌨️📖
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #DeadOfWinter
November 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️
Dead of Winter by Keri Beevis
Okay, so first off — it’s a quick read. I’ll give it that. The pacing is fine, the setting screams “classic thriller” with all the gloomy winter vibes and remote locations you’d expect. I could practically feel the frostbite on my nose and the hot cocoa in my hand… until I realized I’d read this story before. And before that. And maybe once more, but with different character names.
Don’t get me wrong — it’s not bad, it’s just painfully predictable. You’ve got your mysterious deaths, your brooding main character running from a dark past, and that one person you know you shouldn’t trust from page ten (and guess what? You’re right). I kept waiting for the twist that would slap me across the face — but it never came. It just politely tapped my shoulder and said, “You’ve seen this movie.”
So yeah, fast-paced? Yes. Atmospheric? Sure. Original or mind-blowing? Not even close. I wanted Dead of Winter to chill me — instead, it just mildly annoyed me like a cold draft you can’t find the source of.
But ey that’s just me. 😅 I’m sure many will completely enjoy this!
⭐️⭐️
Dead of Winter van Keri Beevis
Oké, laten we eerlijk zijn — het leest lekker vlot. Tempo goed, winterse setting sfeervol, compleet met sneeuw, kou en dat afgelegen dorp waar natuurlijk iets niet klopt. Ik zag mezelf al zitten met een mok chocolademelk en een dekentje. Tot ik me halverwege besefte: dit verhaal heb ik al drie keer gelezen, alleen heetten de personages toen anders.
Het is niet slecht geschreven, maar gewoon… voorspelbaar. Je hebt de mysterieuze sterfgevallen, de hoofdpersoon met een duister verleden, en natuurlijk die ene persoon die vanaf pagina tien al verdacht is (en ja hoor, gelijk gehad). Ik zat te wachten op die plottwist die me van mijn stoel zou blazen — maar nee. Hooguit een beleefde tik op mijn schouder met de boodschap: “Je kent dit verhaal al.”
Dus ja, vlot? Zeker. Sfeervol? Absoluut. Origineel of verpletterend goed? Nope. Dead of Winter had me koude rillingen moeten bezorgen, maar het voelde meer als een tochtige kamer waar je raam nét niet goed sluit.
Maar ja, dat vind ik. 😅
Dead of Winter by Keri Beevis
Okay, so first off — it’s a quick read. I’ll give it that. The pacing is fine, the setting screams “classic thriller” with all the gloomy winter vibes and remote locations you’d expect. I could practically feel the frostbite on my nose and the hot cocoa in my hand… until I realized I’d read this story before. And before that. And maybe once more, but with different character names.
Don’t get me wrong — it’s not bad, it’s just painfully predictable. You’ve got your mysterious deaths, your brooding main character running from a dark past, and that one person you know you shouldn’t trust from page ten (and guess what? You’re right). I kept waiting for the twist that would slap me across the face — but it never came. It just politely tapped my shoulder and said, “You’ve seen this movie.”
So yeah, fast-paced? Yes. Atmospheric? Sure. Original or mind-blowing? Not even close. I wanted Dead of Winter to chill me — instead, it just mildly annoyed me like a cold draft you can’t find the source of.
But ey that’s just me. 😅 I’m sure many will completely enjoy this!
⭐️⭐️
Dead of Winter van Keri Beevis
Oké, laten we eerlijk zijn — het leest lekker vlot. Tempo goed, winterse setting sfeervol, compleet met sneeuw, kou en dat afgelegen dorp waar natuurlijk iets niet klopt. Ik zag mezelf al zitten met een mok chocolademelk en een dekentje. Tot ik me halverwege besefte: dit verhaal heb ik al drie keer gelezen, alleen heetten de personages toen anders.
Het is niet slecht geschreven, maar gewoon… voorspelbaar. Je hebt de mysterieuze sterfgevallen, de hoofdpersoon met een duister verleden, en natuurlijk die ene persoon die vanaf pagina tien al verdacht is (en ja hoor, gelijk gehad). Ik zat te wachten op die plottwist die me van mijn stoel zou blazen — maar nee. Hooguit een beleefde tik op mijn schouder met de boodschap: “Je kent dit verhaal al.”
Dus ja, vlot? Zeker. Sfeervol? Absoluut. Origineel of verpletterend goed? Nope. Dead of Winter had me koude rillingen moeten bezorgen, maar het voelde meer als een tochtige kamer waar je raam nét niet goed sluit.
Maar ja, dat vind ik. 😅
December 13, 2025
One of the best thriller I’ve read in a while! Got right into it & didn’t drag anything out
October 10, 2025
Lola found out she had a long lost brother. Having known she was adopted from a young age it was still quite a shock. Over the years she had so much heartache and loss, she really wanted some form of contact with Daniel.
Just before Christmas she arranged to visit Daniel and his wife to find out a bit more about her birth family. During her visit, to their manor house, in the middle of nowhere things turn sinister. Nothing was what it seemed.
Would she get the answers she needed?
Keri Beevis keeps you on your toes throughout the book.
Just before Christmas she arranged to visit Daniel and his wife to find out a bit more about her birth family. During her visit, to their manor house, in the middle of nowhere things turn sinister. Nothing was what it seemed.
Would she get the answers she needed?
Keri Beevis keeps you on your toes throughout the book.
September 6, 2025
If you enjoy Keri Beevis like I do you will want to grab this book quickly.
A keeps you reading and turning pages quickly to find out the mystery behind the doors of midwinter manor. So much speculation will keep you on your toes guessing who did what the why is pretty much in your face from the beginning.
Lola wanting to figure out where she came from after her adoptive mother dies and leaves a big whole in her world. She just wants to find out who her real family was and what they were like. Well she ends up getting more than she bargained for. But luckily her X boyfriend Quinn comes back to her life at just the right time.
A perfect fall/winter novel that you are going to want to grab a your favourite drink and blanket and curl up and let this murder mystery become your world for the next few hours or days. You won’t be disappointed
A keeps you reading and turning pages quickly to find out the mystery behind the doors of midwinter manor. So much speculation will keep you on your toes guessing who did what the why is pretty much in your face from the beginning.
Lola wanting to figure out where she came from after her adoptive mother dies and leaves a big whole in her world. She just wants to find out who her real family was and what they were like. Well she ends up getting more than she bargained for. But luckily her X boyfriend Quinn comes back to her life at just the right time.
A perfect fall/winter novel that you are going to want to grab a your favourite drink and blanket and curl up and let this murder mystery become your world for the next few hours or days. You won’t be disappointed
October 11, 2025
Keri Beevis makes her triumphant return with another signature spine-tingling locked-in psychological thriller, DEAD OF WINTER, which immerses readers in a suffocating atmosphere of tension and dread. In this chilling tale, just days before Christmas, a woman embarks on a journey to a secluded manor in a snowstorm, eager to connect with a long-lost biological brother she has never encountered.
However, her plans are quickly derailed as a merciless snowstorm descends, and everything tells her to turn around and leave. Then she arrives and is trapped within the formidable walls and iron gates of the estate. As she navigates the labyrinthine corridors, she uncovers a web of sinister secrets lurking within her newly discovered family, and ones they want to protect, shrouding her experience in layers of suspense and danger.
About..
A sister looking for answers. She only wants to know where she came from and a brother with secrets to hide…
Manchester, Three Days Before Christmas:
Just days before the festive cheer enveloped the city, Lola Henderson found herself grappling with a bittersweet revelation. After the passing of her adoptive mother, she had unearthed a fragile letter that contained details about her biological family—a long-lost connection. Her adoptive father had vanished from her life when she was just three, and her mother never remarried, leaving Lola to navigate her childhood in a world defined by absence.
As she delved deeper into her origins, Lola learns the somber truth: both of her biological parents were deceased. Her mother had succumbed to a brain hemorrhage, while her father had met a tragic end in a dreadful accident. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a glimmer of hope emerged—she had a brother named Daniel, a fact the adoption agency had tried to convey but failed to communicate successfully.
Why would they give her up for adoption? Why had they not wanted her? Was there an affair? Yet they had a son years earlier.
Intrigued, Lola begins sleuthing, revealing a shocking detail about her father's lineage: they were affluent, a stark contrast to her own upbringing. However, she is not interested in the money. She only wants to know about her family.
She discovers that Daniel had once been a celebrated chef, crafting culinary masterpieces in a renowned London restaurant until a catastrophic skiing accident had forever altered his life, rendering him paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. He was four years her senior. The notion of having a brother filled her with an exhilaration she had never anticipated.
Determined to bridge the gap between them, Lola reaches out via Facebook, her heart filled with hope. However, her excitement quickly dwindled as Daniel responded with cool detachment and an air of dismissiveness. His lack of interest in forging a relationship felt like an insurmountable barrier, but Lola was resolute—he was her only link to a past shrouded in mystery.
Desperate for answers to reclaim the pieces of her identity, she seized an opportunity to arrange a brief meeting during a business trip to the area, securing a fleeting hour at his manor home rather than some public venue.
Norfolk, England:
Midwinter Manor, a stunning relic of the 1700s, hidden amidst the sprawling countryside, accessible only via a narrow, winding dirt track framed by ancient stone pillars and iron gates. It was a place that seemed plucked from the pages of a fairy tale—imposing yet beautiful. To some, it was daunting, but to its owners, it served as a sanctuary, a refuge steeped in history and secrets.
With the winter winds howling and a snowstorm making it difficult to drive, while everything in her tells her to turn around, she has a sense of dread. She finally arrives at the manor in her rented car, only to be met at the door by Daniel's wife, Rose. Her icy demeanor was hardly welcoming, setting the tone for an encounter that felt more like a test than a reunion. Daniel himself exuded an air of cold detachment, mean-spirited, his demeanor as unyielding as the weather outside.
The house may be grand, but something was menacing here. As they attempted to navigate an awkward conversation, the power suddenly flickered and then plunged them into darkness. Daniel is not forthcoming with information, and she realizes there will be no relationship.
With car troubles before she could reach the main road, the couple extended an invitation for her to stay the night—a gesture that felt more like a trap than hospitality. Then, several other mystery visitors. Trapped within the manor, Lola sensed an unease brewing beneath the surface, a web of perilous secrets waiting to unravel.
What are they hiding? What dark truths lie concealed within the walls of Midwinter Manor? What lies are they withholding about her past? Is she safe? As the night deepens, Lola finds herself ensnared in a chilling revelation, with no means of escape and the shadows closing in around her.
My thoughts...
WOW! Dark and gripping, a perfect read for the upcoming creepy Halloween and holiday season.
Cleverly crafted, told from past to present, we learn about Brett, Jimmy, Rose, Daniel, Quinn, and more as the mysteries are unraveled. From the captivating front cover that instantly grips your attention, the blizzard, the creepy house, and the sinister characters, you know you are about to embark on a spine-chilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and thrilling escapades.
Readers familiar with Keri Beevis' work know she is a true virtuoso in crafting atmospheric settings that immerse you completely in her stories. A big fan, her characters often find themselves in precarious situations that evoke a sense of claustrophobic tension.
With every turn of the page, you’ll discover an intricate tapestry woven with unexpected twists, hidden agendas, and cleverly placed clues. The multi-layered plot compels you to read on, heart-pounding, leaving you eagerly flipping pages into the early hours of the morning as you race to unravel the tantalizing mystery that lies within.
Prepare to root for Lola as she plunges into a heart-stopping adventure brimming with mystery, shocking twists, and tantalizing intrigue. This compelling domestic suspense will grip your imagination and hold you captive until the very last page!
Recs...
A captivating read that will draw in dedicated fans of the author, as well as those who relish the psychological depth and intricate storytelling found in the works of Mary Kubica, Lisa Jewell, Carol Goodman, Gilly Macmillan, and Freida McFadden.
DEAD OF WINTER promises to immerse readers in a chilling atmosphere filled with suspense and unexpected twists, making it a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, thrilling narrative.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 10 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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However, her plans are quickly derailed as a merciless snowstorm descends, and everything tells her to turn around and leave. Then she arrives and is trapped within the formidable walls and iron gates of the estate. As she navigates the labyrinthine corridors, she uncovers a web of sinister secrets lurking within her newly discovered family, and ones they want to protect, shrouding her experience in layers of suspense and danger.
About..
A sister looking for answers. She only wants to know where she came from and a brother with secrets to hide…
Manchester, Three Days Before Christmas:
Just days before the festive cheer enveloped the city, Lola Henderson found herself grappling with a bittersweet revelation. After the passing of her adoptive mother, she had unearthed a fragile letter that contained details about her biological family—a long-lost connection. Her adoptive father had vanished from her life when she was just three, and her mother never remarried, leaving Lola to navigate her childhood in a world defined by absence.
As she delved deeper into her origins, Lola learns the somber truth: both of her biological parents were deceased. Her mother had succumbed to a brain hemorrhage, while her father had met a tragic end in a dreadful accident. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a glimmer of hope emerged—she had a brother named Daniel, a fact the adoption agency had tried to convey but failed to communicate successfully.
Why would they give her up for adoption? Why had they not wanted her? Was there an affair? Yet they had a son years earlier.
Intrigued, Lola begins sleuthing, revealing a shocking detail about her father's lineage: they were affluent, a stark contrast to her own upbringing. However, she is not interested in the money. She only wants to know about her family.
She discovers that Daniel had once been a celebrated chef, crafting culinary masterpieces in a renowned London restaurant until a catastrophic skiing accident had forever altered his life, rendering him paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. He was four years her senior. The notion of having a brother filled her with an exhilaration she had never anticipated.
Determined to bridge the gap between them, Lola reaches out via Facebook, her heart filled with hope. However, her excitement quickly dwindled as Daniel responded with cool detachment and an air of dismissiveness. His lack of interest in forging a relationship felt like an insurmountable barrier, but Lola was resolute—he was her only link to a past shrouded in mystery.
Desperate for answers to reclaim the pieces of her identity, she seized an opportunity to arrange a brief meeting during a business trip to the area, securing a fleeting hour at his manor home rather than some public venue.
Norfolk, England:
Midwinter Manor, a stunning relic of the 1700s, hidden amidst the sprawling countryside, accessible only via a narrow, winding dirt track framed by ancient stone pillars and iron gates. It was a place that seemed plucked from the pages of a fairy tale—imposing yet beautiful. To some, it was daunting, but to its owners, it served as a sanctuary, a refuge steeped in history and secrets.
With the winter winds howling and a snowstorm making it difficult to drive, while everything in her tells her to turn around, she has a sense of dread. She finally arrives at the manor in her rented car, only to be met at the door by Daniel's wife, Rose. Her icy demeanor was hardly welcoming, setting the tone for an encounter that felt more like a test than a reunion. Daniel himself exuded an air of cold detachment, mean-spirited, his demeanor as unyielding as the weather outside.
The house may be grand, but something was menacing here. As they attempted to navigate an awkward conversation, the power suddenly flickered and then plunged them into darkness. Daniel is not forthcoming with information, and she realizes there will be no relationship.
With car troubles before she could reach the main road, the couple extended an invitation for her to stay the night—a gesture that felt more like a trap than hospitality. Then, several other mystery visitors. Trapped within the manor, Lola sensed an unease brewing beneath the surface, a web of perilous secrets waiting to unravel.
What are they hiding? What dark truths lie concealed within the walls of Midwinter Manor? What lies are they withholding about her past? Is she safe? As the night deepens, Lola finds herself ensnared in a chilling revelation, with no means of escape and the shadows closing in around her.
My thoughts...
WOW! Dark and gripping, a perfect read for the upcoming creepy Halloween and holiday season.
Cleverly crafted, told from past to present, we learn about Brett, Jimmy, Rose, Daniel, Quinn, and more as the mysteries are unraveled. From the captivating front cover that instantly grips your attention, the blizzard, the creepy house, and the sinister characters, you know you are about to embark on a spine-chilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and thrilling escapades.
Readers familiar with Keri Beevis' work know she is a true virtuoso in crafting atmospheric settings that immerse you completely in her stories. A big fan, her characters often find themselves in precarious situations that evoke a sense of claustrophobic tension.
With every turn of the page, you’ll discover an intricate tapestry woven with unexpected twists, hidden agendas, and cleverly placed clues. The multi-layered plot compels you to read on, heart-pounding, leaving you eagerly flipping pages into the early hours of the morning as you race to unravel the tantalizing mystery that lies within.
Prepare to root for Lola as she plunges into a heart-stopping adventure brimming with mystery, shocking twists, and tantalizing intrigue. This compelling domestic suspense will grip your imagination and hold you captive until the very last page!
Recs...
A captivating read that will draw in dedicated fans of the author, as well as those who relish the psychological depth and intricate storytelling found in the works of Mary Kubica, Lisa Jewell, Carol Goodman, Gilly Macmillan, and Freida McFadden.
DEAD OF WINTER promises to immerse readers in a chilling atmosphere filled with suspense and unexpected twists, making it a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, thrilling narrative.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 10 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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