Secrets in Ice: A Modern Snow Queen Retelling

by Kennedy Plumb

It's been ten years since 17-year-old Nikki Sinclair's parents and sister left home and never returned.

Evidence uncovered at the scene caused the police to rule it a triple homicide, but since their bodies were never found, the case ran cold and was never solved. Living in her family's giant lonely estate all this time, the sole heiress to the huge fortune they left behind, Nikki has come to accept that her family is really dead. Lizzy, her sister - her best friend - is gone forever.

Until she begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number claiming to be her dead sister, leading to hidden clues only Lizzy could have known about and begging for help. Nikki begins to question everything. What actually happened to her family all those years ago, and could her sister really be out there somewhere? Is she in danger?

As the messages get more dire, and other circumstances make finding Lizzy more urgent, Nikki recruits the help of Kieran Bergstrom. He's the voice of her favorite true crime investigative podcast, and even though he turns out to be much harder to work with than she expected, she has no one else to turn to. She's desperate to find the truth and solve her family's case at any cost. All Nikki knows is this: if there's a chance even as small as a snowflake that her sister could really be alive, she'll walk to the ends of the earth in a blizzard to look for her.

A story of a sister's love, seeking justice against all odds, and not participating in the act of murder on your very aggravating, very arrogant, and very blonde colleague - who may or may not have some secrets of his own.

Frozen meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Kennedy is an author of YA fairytale retellings, lover of LOVE, advocate of foster care and adoption, and mom of 5. She resides in Arizona with her family and lovingly writes in her (practically nonexistent) spare time.

Reviews

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review purposes via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

It’s been ten years since 17 year old Nikki Sinclair’s parents and older sister disappeared without a trace. Evidence at the scene led police to determine it was a triple homicide but their bodies or their killer have never been found. Nikki has come to accept her family is gone until she starts receiving message claiming to be from her sister Lizzy, leading to clues and discoveries only Lizzy would know about. When the messages turn into desperate cries for help, Nikki recruits Kieran Bergstrom to help her. Kieran is the voice of her favourite investigative true crime podcast and he has solved the last two cases he has investigated. Are they both ready for what they will dig up?

I really enjoyed this book, it was like when frozen met a good girls guide to murder. Poor Nikki is desperate for answers and this is what leads her to ask Kieran for help, Kieran on the other hand has his own reasons for wanting to help Nikki. These two really clashed to begin with, I think this is because they didn’t know or understand each other yet as they both had their own preconceived ideas about what the other was like. As we get further into the story, the plot deepens as Kieran and Nikki uncover a very big conspiracy that goes far beyond her families murder. This book was really well written, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

[jo ୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆𐙚❅huge thanks to netgalley + the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honeste review. all thoughts are my own*°⋆❆.⛸️
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❄️ five fricken stars

hi hi besties! this review has been a long time coming but long story short i got sick !! yayyy!!! huge thanks to the person who was coughin up a lung next to me at a christmas event. ur such a slay 🤭 it was so sweet of you. anways. review time!!

this book was honestly such a fever dream but in a good way? when i read the comps of a good girls guide to murder AND frozen i was lowk looking at the book like the meme of "WHAT" but you know what, never judge a book by it's cover.

if you are a fan of ally carter--you'll love this book. it's such a vibe for the winter season and perfect to cozy up with on christmas day. buy this book if you want to swoon, scream at the pages because some of the characters could go dive off a cliff and i'd probably cheer or raise a flag.

secrets in ice is the perfect book to slash on your holiday wishlist.

[Liva · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Kennedy Plumb and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Secrets in Ice in exchange for an honest review.

This book was seriously so much fun and the highstakes from beginning to end was everything that I needed🙇. There’s always something important happening, and the plot twists kept surprising me in the best way. The tension builds really well, and I loved how each chapter made me want to keep reading.

One thing I didn’t expect was how funny the book would be. The humor works super well with the mystery, and it kept the story from ever feeling too heavy. And even though we get to read from both POVs, I have to admit that Kieran’s chapters were the ones I always looked forward to the most. His personality and humor added so much charm, and he quickly became my favorite character.

The romance subplot was another thing I really enjoyed. It felt natural and sweet, and it added emotional depth without taking focus away from the mystery.

My only downside is the ending, which felt a little flat compared to the strong buildup earlier in the book. I just wanted something with a little more impact after everything that happened.

Overall, Secrets in Ice is a twisty, fun, emotional YA mystery with great characters, lots of surprises, and a really enjoyable mix of tension and humor. I’m very happy I got the chance to read it.

[Norah Haubenreich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ten years ago, 17-year-old Nikki Sinclair's parents and sister, Lizzy, disappeared. The police ruled it a triple homicide, but with no bodies, the case went cold. Nikki starts receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number, claiming to be her dead sister, Lizzy. The messages include hidden clues only Lizzy would know, and beg for help. Desperate to find the truth, Nikki starts to question everything. She recruits Kieran Bergstromthe host of her favorite true crime podcast, to help her solve the cold case and find out what really happened to her family.


First, I would like to address the many problems I had with this book. I almost DNF'd it right from the beginning due to the writing style, the number of clichés, and the overall cheesiness of the characters.

**Issues:**

- **Clichés:** There were lots of clichés throughout the book, the most prominent being that Nikki claims she's "not like other rich kids."
- **Characterization of Vinnie:** Vinnie is described as though he's a human rather than a dog. Dogs don't express emotions the same way humans do, nor do they make the same decisions. There are limits to how we should expect dogs to behave.
- **Writing Style:** The writing has rough edges and doesn't flow smoothly. However, you get more used to it as the story progresses.
- **Butler:** Arrick, the butler, feels like a classic character that doesn't fit the time period (the 2020s) or the family he works for, who are the country club type. It's a cliché butler who walks around in a tuxedo and holds a cloth over his arm.
- **Rich-Person Woes:** It was incredibly frustrating whenever any of the characters mentioned the "woes of being rich," such as owning too many sports cars.
- **Emotionlessness:** When talking about or thinking about her murdered family, Nikki is almost emotionless, as if she feels no sorrow for them. This was later addressed, but it was still weird.
- **Snobbery:** Hunter's snobby behavior around "poor" people was super annoying.

There are other aspects I found poorly written or portrayed, but those would be spoilers, so I won't go into them.

**Positive Aspects:**

- **Imagery:** I really loved the author's use of imagery to describe specific scenes, sounds, and smells. This stood out to me.
- **Characters' Relationships:** Nikki clearly relies on the men in her life for comfort, which is relatable for many women—whether it be fathers, brothers, friends, or boyfriends. For her, it was Arrick, then Hunter, and finally Kieran.
- **Podcast Segments:** The podcast transcript segments were amazing and chilling, making me want to read more.
- **Romance:** Despite the rough start, I eventually shipped Nikki and Kieran together, and Kieran turned out to be such a sweet guy for her.
- **Kieran's Dad:** I absolutely loved Kieran's dad; he made me laugh, even though he was made out to be an antagonist. He was probably my favorite part of the whole book.
- **POV Switch:** I really liked the perspective switch at the end that showed Lizzy's side of the murder—it was heartbreaking.
- **Twists:** There were so many unexpected twists near the end that I never saw coming, which I loved.

Overall, while there were significant issues with the book, it had its bright spots that kept me hooked the whole time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[aundrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ˋ°•*⁀➷ "'excuse me for one moment.' i shut the door and scream internally."

that pretty much sums up my opinion for this book. IT IS SO GOOD. i did not want to stop reading for one second. the plot had me on the edge of my seat, the action was crazy, the drama? insane. the writing style?! THE CHARACTERS?!?!? i haven't laughed this hard from a book in a long while.
im not gonna talk much about the plot bc i dont wanna spoil anything, but it was wrapped up very nicely, and im SOSOSOSO glad there as an epilgue, because if the last words were "the end" i would have had an aneurysm.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ nikki
--"my phone is plugged into a charger on the side table. its shockingly not even cracked. wow, ill definitely be writing a glowing review for that phone case. '10/10, can withstand rolling into a river, also cute.'"

i immediately liked her. she's hilarious and so real. her personality was incredibly well done and all her actions felt justified. i literally have nothing to complain about here. we love nikki.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ kieran
--"so i guess thanks insomnia for clearing up my morning schedule for me."

kieran is literally SO boyfriend material. i will admit he kinda annoyed me with his snobby classist comments when he first met nikki, but we quickly got passed that. THEY ARE THE BEST. he's so adorable, and the fact that he comes with a dog? where do i sign up. I LOVE VINNIE. he was literally the star of the show i fear:
--"i whoop and nikki pops up, looking for herself. 'are they gone?!'
'they're gone!'
we cheer together, bumping shoulders. vinnie joins in the celebration, spinning in circles and knocking things over in the back."

ˋ°•*⁀➷ the romance
--"she's so pretty it hurts a little. i hate that it hurts a little."

listen, these two had chemistry up the wall. at first i was really put off by their meeting bc like...they shared food?? and disliked each other... and im a big fan of hate to love, etc, but this felt forced. (*will address this later) but AGAIN im looking past that bc everything else was so great. their interactions were PERFECTION. their banter was so good and entertaining. not one ounce of cringe. i loved how you could gradually see how they started falling for each other, and theyre just a power couple tbh. at one point nikki was on the phone and the person was like "idk looks like bad weather" and not even a second later kieran had his weather app pulled up on his phone. just like little things that showed they were literally on the same wavelength. plus theyre so cutie. i love them so much. the author did an amazing job at depicting real teenagers. it was one of those books where you feel like youre best friends with the mcs, and that is so fun.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ bonus
KIERAN'S DAD had me crying my eyes out--this man is so funny 😭

ˋ°•*⁀➷ addressing things *
okay so...even though i read that this was like if a good girls guide and frozen had a baby, the frozen references went so over my head. and im kind of ashamed to admit that i literally sang "huskies are better than people" (chapter title) in the song from frozen AND STILL didnt fully comprehend that it was a frozen reference. i think that just goes to show how locked in i was bc singing that came straight out of my subconscious--i was legit head empty. anyways, as i was trying to sleep, i suddenly became aware of all the references, and that includes kieran (kristoff) and nikki (anna) not liking each other at first, along with his disdain and judgey comments when she said she was engaged. that felt really odd to me at first, but i get it now. 😭

anyways, i definitely recommend! 5 entire stars, plus maybe an extra just for vinnie

[Nonagesimus Reads [Em] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled a lot with this book. It wasn’t my favorite at all. I mean, I know not every book is meant to be. This one was just rough reading. It was a lot of elements thrown together to try and work. I felt like Nikki was just very naive to the world and it just all worked out for her. Like yes there was the elements of murder and darker undertones there, but the ending was very Disney like. The romance wasn’t believable either. She went from deciding she was going to marry one person to suddenly being so in love with Kieran and it didn’t work. I know this was also meant to be frozen based but it’s pretty much just the same idea with some murder- hence I was able to predict everything that unfolded. I’m super disappointed because I loved a good girls guide to murder and this didn’t meet the standards of that book at all.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here we follow Nikki and Kieran as they investigate the disappearance of her family and try to uncover what really happened.

Kieran is a true crime podcaster with a really cute dog - side note his dog was my favourite character. Nikki enlists his (Kieran’s, not his dog) help to try and uncover the truth about her families disappearances when she receives anonymous texts she believes are from her long lost sister. Will they find out what really happened? Or will they just uncover more mysteries along the way? What really happened that night they disappeared?

This was a fun read! Whilst I had my suspicions, I had no clue where the plot was going and how the mystery was going to wrap up. I was hooked - trying to find how all the pieces fit together and solve what really happened. There were so many twists and turns!

As it had a mixed media podcast element - this would be such a good audiobook. It defintely gave Good Girls Guide to Murder vibes, but make it American.

My only critique would be that the characters were quite immature, and whilst they were only 17/18 I did feel like their characterisations were slightly younger. The way they conveyed themselves was sometimes more juvenile than I expected. It is, however, a YA novel so there does have to be some expectation of the main characters acting like kids. I just felt it tipped the balance more into immaturity than acting like adults.

Overall this was a fun and intriguing read - a good one to pick up if you want AGGGTM vibes but in a snowy US.

ARC copy provided by Kennedy Plumb & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

--- thank you NetGalley, The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) & Kennedy Plumb for the chance to review this eARC ---

this was my first encounter with the author and any of their works, so i started with no expectation and i ended pleasantly surprised :-)
the book is a mix of (YA) thriller with romantic elements & humorous touches, and the characters, albeit dreamily built, do have a touch of realism and close-to-the-publicness which i appreciated. we follow two POVs, Kieran's and Nikki's, the former being a true crime podcaster, and the latter a (presumably) rich heiress who hires him to investigate the gruesome incident that ended with the death of her family when she was a wee child.

one who knows me can easily guess that my favourite character was Vinnie the dog!!! but come on. i mean he's a meek giant who has been trained to keep his mater alive - and i will not tell you why, because i found this quite interesting and endearing: the fact that one of the main characters actually has a chronical illness and needs to manage it (often with the help of the aforementioned Vinnie) is informative and inclusive at the same time.

i would not want to spoil anyone's discovery when reading this, so i will refrain from specs. what i really want to mention before i end this, though, is that the book is fast-paced, but the author also takes great care with the details. i have not noticed plot holes or any aspects to hinder my reading, though i still have by brow raised at Kieran's family... but let's see how others perceive this, too.

[yiyi ʚɞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ || thank you NetGalley for this e-arc!!
AHHHH I absolutely ADORED this book. As my first ever thriller book, this was a wise choice.
Secrets on ice had me hooked since the very beginning and the plot twists just kept getting better (some of them were really predictable though). I loved the plot and writing style, plus the mmc and fmc were extremely cute.
However, I must say that Lizzy (the fmc’s sister) seemed too mature for her age at that time and the romantic aspect felt a little weak (even though it was really heart touching), since the final romantic couple only had like 7 chapters of evolution maybe? I love slow burns but only when they are executed well hahah.
Overall I loved it so much and the turns were amazing. Happy reading guys!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in Ice follows Nikki, whose family was killed in a triple homicide, but since their bodies were never found, the case ran cold and was never solved. Living in her family's giant, lonely estate all this time, the sole heiress to the vast fortune they left behind, Nikki has come to accept that her family is really dead. Lizzy, her sister, and her best friend is gone forever. Until she begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number claiming to be her dead sister, leading to hidden clues only Lizzy could have known about, and begging for help. Nikki begins to question everything. What actually happened to her family all those years ago, and could her sister really be out there somewhere? Is she in danger? Nikki recruits Kieran Bergstrom for help. He's the voice of her favorite true crime investigative podcast, and even though he turns out to be much harder to work with than she expected, she has no one else to turn to. She's desperate to find the truth and solve her family's case at any cost. All Nikki knows is this: if there's a chance that her sister could really be alive, she'll walk to the ends of the earth in a blizzard to look for her.

I LOVED THIS!!!! Frozen (which is one of my favorite Disney movies) meets A Good Girls Guide to Murder. I was hooked from the second I found out about this book. I am such a fan of Kennedy Plumb. I read her other book, Lightkeepers, which I also loved ( and I highly suggest that one too. It is a Tangled retelling.) This is one of those books that keeps you guessing. I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I did not want this one to end. This was just so good!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy Plumb’s Secrets in Ice is a chilling YA thriller that completely surprised me. From the title and cover, I expected a fantasy retelling steeped in icy magic, but what I found instead was a suspenseful mystery that felt more like listening to a true crime podcast, which I assume was the goal. The story follows Nikki Sinclair, a seventeen-year-old whose parents and sister vanished a decade ago in what police ruled a triple homicide, though no bodies were ever recovered. Nikki has lived alone ever since, resigned to their deaths, until she begins receiving cryptic texts from someone claiming to be her sister Lizzy—messages that contain details only Lizzy could know. What unfolds is a slow-burn investigation into her family’s disappearance, layered with fairy-tale echoes of the Snow Queen but grounded in the tension of a cold case.

What really elevated the book for me was the dynamic between Nikki and Kieran. Their banter added warmth and levity to an otherwise tense, atmospheric story, and it made their partnership feel authentic and endearing. Kieran’s dog was another highlight—an absolute cutie who not only provided comfort but also softened the darker edges of the narrative. Together, the trio brought heart and humor into the mystery, balancing the grief and suspense with moments of genuine connection.

As someone who loves true crime storytelling, I was hooked by the way Plumb blended investigative tension with character-driven charm. Secrets in Ice is less about magical battles and more about unraveling a family tragedy, making it feel like a crime podcast wrapped in a fairy-tale cloak—unexpected, haunting, and addictive.
———————————————————————
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim and I’m glad I did, because I had a great time with it. It is darker than the cover’s vibe, so beware of this when you get into it. But I couldn’t help but feel a sense of coziness at the same time, which made the reading experience even better. The similarities with Frozen were numerous but they were well thought out. The two main characters were pleasant and their relationship did not feel forced, they have chemistry and that’s refreshing. The mystery was, as I said earlier, quite dark but I did like it and I also liked the author’s note with the content warnings at the beginning of the book, it was thoughtful. I would highly recommend this book, especially for these upcoming colder and cozier months.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Laura Mauro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a such a fun unepcevted gem.. also why i gave it five stars this book gave me a both good girl bad blood vibes and also veronica mars. I really loved all the elements to this story and was super captivated by it. i LOVED the podcast elements, the mystery and also the slow burn romacnce i really was impressed by this one!!

[Emmy Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever had such a mixed opinion on a book before. Secrets in Ice was a mix of immature characters and cheesy dialogue paired with an AMAZING plot.

Throughout the first 30% or so, I practically had to force myself to read this. I almost DNF'D after chapter 2, but I persevered. I don't know if it's just because I hate first person present, but it was a STRUGGLE. The characters acted so immaturely, and it took a while for the plot to start developing. I distinctly remember thinking to myself "Why on earth are they getting married? This is chapter 4!" then I remembered that it was supposed to be a Frozen retelling and soldiered on. A personal pet peeve of mine is when the character's appearances and outfits are heavily described, even when it has no bearing on the plot, something that happened quite frequently in this book. I also felt that the figurative language in this book was so forced. Some examples below:

"Her laugh is nice. It reminds me of wind chimes in a breeze, or the bell of a bicycle riding through town on a warm summer day"
"{I look up} at Kieran and being met with those cozy, deep eyes that I just want to wrap up and fall asleep in"
What is that even supposed to mean??

Another issue I had with this novel was the characters. They were supposed to be seventeen/eighteen, yet acted more like my 12-year-old brother and his friends. I did read that the author used to be a middle school teacher, so maybe that is where it came from? Their decisions often felt rash and irrational, but it was the way they spoke that really did me in. See for yourself:
"I roll out of bed and sleepily cross the tile of my ensuite bathroom and scream at the sight of myself in the mirror, immediately wide awake. A ZIT?! Right in the middle of my forehead?!"
"I can't believe or forgive the audacity! The gall, the gumption, all of the above!"

Nikki is so insistent that Hunter is the love of her life despite the fact that we see about a total of four chapters where they are together, and throughout those chapters they seem more like coworkers who hold each other's hands on occasion.

Another thing I want to mention before I dive into the plot was the fact that the plot itself definitely felt like it was YA (14+) but the writing style and the way the characters acted felt way more like middle grade fiction (10+).

Now, it is the PLOT that saved this book, because it was FANTASTIC. I don't want to say much because of spoilers, but I honestly only saw one of the many plot twists coming, and I definitely did not predict the major one. Again, I would describe this much more if spoilers weren't a thing, so you're just going to have to take my word for it that the plot rules.

The first half of the novel seemed to be more character-driven, while the second was more plot-driven, so it should suit both styles of readers.

I struggled a lot to find an age range for this book. If it were based on the characters, I would say 10+, however the plot features quite a few heavy topics (murder, car accidents, gun violence, death, drug use, affairs, and suspense), causing me to move the age recommendation to 14+.

Despite the cons I mentioned above, I really did enjoy this book. The plot was fantastic, I just wish the characters and the writing had been as well.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for this honest review. The quotes in this review have not been checked against the final version.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in Ice is about the FMC Nikki Sinclair, whose family disappeared ten years ago, not too soon after was declared dead, and the case went cold, and the MMC Kieran Bergstrom is a true crime investigative podcaster with type 1 diabetes, has a service dog named Vinnie, and lives in a van. Nikki kind of lives half of a life locked in her home with only her living family, her great aunt Wren, and is obsessed with true crime. She reminded me of Sarah Turney, whose older sister disappeared but is believed to have been murdered by their father, where a lot of victims move away from true crime; both of these women got more into it, not only for justice for themselves and their families, but also more so as well. Kieran is used to getting threats until he starts getting them from Ciphered Voyager, which are very different.

I am someone who is really into true crime, but I am never really called to read fiction about it, but I was here. Which is why I was so happy to get this ARC, and it was called to me. This is a YA standalone novel that tackles diabetes-related complications, murder, violence, gun violence, car violence, mentions of infidelity, mentions of drug use, and mentions of sex workers vaguely, but it feels very appropriate for most in that range (12-18), depending on maturity.

This book gives Sarah Turney vibes, especially with her podcast Voices for Justice, which feels like it mirrors not only Nikki's story but also Kieran's. With the twists and turns it gave me, Pretty Little Liars vibes, especially with all the red herrings. Considering how close Nikki was to her family's disappearance and deaths, it makes complete sense that she would turn more towards true crime when two of the victims were her mother and older sister, and women instinctively know they/we are the biggest victims of it. I read it like her mind knew and was trying to protect her.

I like how not everything is what it seems at first glance, like with Hunter. At first, I assumed which I think you're suppose to that he was Nikki's age, when he is actually eight years older, which makes a lot of what he does extremely questionable. But I like how his personality, so to speak, shines through, and you see what Nikki sees. Nikki is naive, sweet, cares, loves hard, but like all teens her age, makes questionable choices, which makes her relatable, especially to another teen. While Kieran is more grumpy, has more real-world experience, and can't be quick to judge. This makes them bump heads, but also both very likable and loyal people. This helps the tension and the romantic subplot. The dog Vinnie is delightful, and I love the comparisons that Nikki makes between him and Kieran at the end.

I was getting Alison DiLaurentis vibes from one of the characters, but in a less psychotic way. I'm not sure how it compares to Frozen, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, or The Snow Queen. I've never read/watched any of those, but this is an author I would watch. If you like Veronica Mars-esque detective work, true crime vibes, dogs being featured, and character-driven books, then check this out. :)

Thanks to Kennedy Plumb & Independent Book Publishers Association for the ARC.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and IBPA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Kennedy Plumb’s “Secrets in Ice” is a YA mystery-thriller that combines sharp humor, layered intrigue, and heartfelt themes of family and love. Described as Frozen meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, it’s a story about sisterhood, secrets, and the lengths one girl will go to uncover the truth. Before getting into the story, there is a dog (the best character in the book) who remains unharmed throughout the entire story. Plumb even thoughtfully included a mention of this before the story started, which I appreciated.

Seventeen-year-old Nikki Sinclair has lived a sheltered life ever since tragedy struck a decade ago. Her parents and sister disappeared one night, their absence officially ruled a triple homicide even though no bodies were ever found. Now the heiress to her family’s fortune, Nikki has come to accept that they’re gone until she starts receiving eerie messages from someone claiming to be her sister Lizzy. The texts reveal clues only Lizzy could have known, forcing Nikki to question everything about the case and whether her sister might still be alive.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Kieran Bergstrom, the arrogant but magnetic host of her favorite true-crime podcast. Their dynamic is one of the book’s highlights: bickering, bantering, and—yes—slowly building a clean romance that never overwhelms the central mystery. The podcast transcripts interwoven throughout the story add another layer of context and realism, fleshing out both the Sinclair case and Kieran’s complicated past.

Plumb writes her teenage characters with an authenticity that makes them both relatable and entertaining. Nikki’s naivete feels natural given her isolated upbringing, while her determination to find her sister anchors the story in genuine emotion. The humor sprinkled throughout keeps the otherwise heavy subject matter from becoming overwhelming, and even Kieran’s service dog shines as a standout character.

The mystery itself is sprawling, with threads tied to politics, money, and long-buried family secrets. As Nikki and Kieran dig deeper, it becomes clear that powerful people will go to dangerous lengths to keep those secrets hidden. At times, the plot becomes overly complicated; the subplots intertwining with Kieran’s past and his family’s involvement can feel overwhelming, and a few moments stretch believability (like shootouts that somehow go unreported). Still, the sheer unpredictability of the reveals keeps you turning pages, and the finale ties up the tangled web with a satisfying, happy ending.

Overall, “Secrets in Ice: is an ambitious and emotional YA thriller that combines sisterly devotion, sharp banter, and a labyrinthine mystery. While the plot can feel overloaded, the engaging characters, touches of humor, and the central question—what really happened to Lizzy?—make it a memorable read. Fans of twisty cold-case mysteries with heart will find plenty to love here.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension, mystery, trauma, and intrigue mix with wintery spirit to create a grabbing read with more than a few surprises.

Nikki might be born with a silver spoon and will be rich after her 21st birthday. Ever since the rest of her family died in a very strange car crash ten years before, she's been raised by her aunt with very controlled contact to the rest of the world. She has a butler, maid, and everything her heart could desire and doesn't seem to notice the golden cage. She's very kind and sweet, but isolation leaves a person naive. Her aunt is dying and refuses to receive treatment which might cure her disease. So, Nikki tries to figure out how to get to her inheritance ahead of schedule and save her aunt, since Nikki is still only 17. When she discovers that a marriage in a couple months, when she turns 18, would also unlock the funds, she immediately convinces her best and only friend, Hunter, who has just popped in after years of living in Canada for a visit. He agrees, but the timing might still be too late to save her aunt. Plus, there's suddenly reason to believe her sister isn't as dead as thought. So, Nikki reaches out to a podcast crime solver, who has solved a few cold cases. But that's when things really start going weird.

This was a very engaging story—so much more than I expected. The author switches gears between Nikki and the podcaster, Kieran, letting readers dive into each perspective and grab clues as they come. The characters do seem to stay a bit superficial (don't really dig deep on the emotions) thanks to the concentration on the 'what's happening', but thanks to the thick intrigue, web of secrets, and tension, that this was not really an issue. It just would have been an icing on the cakes to make it an amazing read. But both characters have their own trauma to deal with and personalities, and this weaves wonderfully into their interactions and development. These two are up against a very dangerous, tightly planned conspiracy, which makes every step a grabbing moment with tons of possibilities as to where it was going to go.

The podcast inserts and text messages don't overwhelm and work their magic nicely to play with the mystery as it moves along. My mind was shooting in several possible 'guilty' scenarios from the get-go, which made it that much more interesting to mold and meld as more information came to light. And it does some huge flip-flops to keep readers on their toes.

As to the romance...because when I first picked it up, I was convinced it'd be heavy romance..., it's present but works into the plot and doesn't take it over. There's a slow build with each getting to know the other. Neither has romance in mind when it begins...and even the love triangle isn't what it seems. There's so much for crime and mystery fans to enjoy even on this level.

Oh, and there's the dog. Never forget the dog, who added a warm touch along the way.

[Caitlyn Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this e-arc!

It's been ten years since 17-year-old Nikki Sinclair's parents and sister left home and never returned. Evidence uncovered at the scene caused the police to rule it a triple homicide, but since their bodies were never found, the case ran cold and was never solved. Living in her family's giant lonely estate all this time, the sole heiress to the huge fortune they left behind, Nikki has come to accept that her family is really dead. Lizzy, her sister - her best friend - is gone forever. Until she begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number claiming to be her dead sister, leading to hidden clues only Lizzy could have known about and begging for help. Nikki begins to question everything. What actually happened to her family all those years ago, and could her sister really be out there somewhere? Is she in danger? As the messages get more dire, and other circumstances make finding Lizzy more urgent, Nikki recruits the help of Kieran Bergstrom. He's the voice of her favorite true crime investigative podcast, and even though he turns out to be much harder to work with than she expected, she has no one else to turn to. She's desperate to find the truth and solve her family's case at any cost. All Nikki knows is this: if there's a chance even as small as a snowflake that her sister could really be alive, she'll walk to the ends of the earth in a blizzard to look for her. A story of a sister's love, seeking justice against all odds, and not participating in the act of murder on your very aggravating, very arrogant, and very blonde colleague - who may or may not have some secrets of his own. Frozen meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

I absolutely loved this book and when I had to put it down I immediately dreamed of picking it back up. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the ending and I loved the journey we went on to get there. It’s the perfect mix of a romance and a thriller which is everything I love packed into one perfect book! Highly recommend reading this book this winter!

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets in ice
⭐⭐⭐.75 (3.75/5)
This was a really fun engaging read, I was totally invested in the story as the writing flowed, and the plot was gripping and intriguing.

🩷 LOVELY
• I liked this as I am an amateur thriller/mystery reader as I don't read this genre much so it really appealed me.
• The atmosphere was gripping and fun with a lot of fast paced action.
• I enjoyed the premise of the book the general gist and the podcast part, it was so fun.
• I loved the podcast transcripts, interviews and those YouTube comments with all the speculations were so genuine and interesting.
• It also tells us how justice is really blind and easily manipulable and how easy it is to slide everything under the rug..with enough power and leverage.

🚫 UNLOVELY
• The romantic subplot, however felt badly blotched and the feelings and tension between the characters were either non existent or due to their own prejudices which made the motivations for headbutting each
other fall short.
• I wished that it was properly developed...and also even though I did understand that this is a YA book the characters age didn't seem all that appropriate for the work and actions they did.
• Notably- If Lizzy left those clues she was 11, she felt like 14-15 years old, which is way too smart for her age.
• The characters also somehow felt amateurish and childish, though it might be their acting according to their ages.
• Did I guess a lot of plot? yes.I did! but also I was conjuring 4-5 theories at the same time.
• There is a lot of Plot-convenience shown but it is also justifiable too.

❤️ This book is a patchwork blanket but all those patches somehow are working together to make this amazing.

💌OVERALL..
I liked this book it was a fun and enjoyable read...definitely recommend this to anyone who wants an engaging palate cleanser.

I reviewed this book as an ARC from NetGalley!

[🌸 Allie 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Kennedy Plumb and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Secrets in Ice in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:
It's been ten years since 17-year-old Nikki Sinclair's parents and sister left home and never returned. Evidence uncovered at the scene caused the police to rule it a triple homicide, but since their bodies were never found, the case ran cold and was never solved. She begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number claiming to be her dead sister, leading to hidden clues only Lizzy could have known about and begging for help. Nikki begins to question everything. As the messages get more dire, and other circumstances make finding Lizzy more urgent, Nikki recruits the help of Kieran Bergstrom. He's the voice of her favorite true crime investigative podcast, and even though he turns out to be much harder to work with than she expected, she has no one else to turn to. She's desperate to find the truth and solve her family's case at any cost. All Nikki knows is this: if there's a chance even as small as a snowflake that her sister could really be alive, she'll walk to the ends of the earth in a blizzard to look for her.

What to expect
❄️ Type 1 Diabetes MMC
☃️ Murder mystery
❄️ True Crime Podcast
☃️ Heiress FMC
❄️ Winter setting

This was such a fun read! This was like a good girls guide to murder but with a twist. The podcast inserts and text messages don't overwhelm and work their magic nicely to play with the mystery as it moves along. I had no clue where the plot was going and how the mystery was going to wrap up. I was hooked; I was constantly trying to find how all the pieces fit together and solve what really happened. Her and Kieran didn't get along at first but I was hoping they would get together in the end. I think Kieran’s dog Vinnie was my favorite character. I really enjoyed the Type 1 diabetes representation.

If you are looking for a book similar to AGGGTM you need to read this!

[Jodi R · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this book said it was Frozen meets Good Girls Guide to Murder, it was not kidding. It was able to draw inspiration from both sources and have me recognise references and Easter eggs without being a rip-off of either. I think that all of the characters were much more complex than their Disney counterparts, which helped truly engage me in the story. There were also plenty of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, but that still felt thoroughly planned out. This one was a real page turner, and I unfortunately subjected my family to many *GASPS* and "NO!"s as I was reading this in my living room. The epilogue wrapped everything up so nicely and left me feeling just so smiley. ALSO. The writing style is super cute and funny, which helps balance out some of the tenser moments in the book, AND THERE WERE CHAPTER TITLES. AND THEY WERE AMAZING. Can we, pretty please, as a society, agree to bring back chapter titles? Anyway. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves the murder mystery YA genre or anyone looking for a thrilling spin on a very loved Disney tale.

And I will leave you with some final thoughts below that contain very, very minimal spoilerage. Be warned (minimally)...
*
*
*
- I would die for Vinnie. He has my love and devotion until the end of days. Huskies are better than people.
- Also, game night with Ofeliya and the rest of Kieran's family literally sounds like the most chaotic fun thing ever
- The GASP I GUSPED about 80% of the way through this book
- Hans is sliiiihgtly less hatable now.

[Avery Nobile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I really loveddddd this book. The plot twists were everything. At one point I was sooo confused and curious in the best way possible. The way it all came together in the end was great and it satisfied my needs. I had guessed who I thought was behind it and I did get some of it partially right but I never would have guessed how it all came together. Also I absolutely loved the romance in this book. It wasn’t exactly the main focus but the subtle hints of it were amazing. Also Vinnie the dog is actually my favorite character and I love him with my whole heart. You know this book is good cause it got me out of my reading slump and made me stay up really really late to finish it. I don’t read much mystery but I think I need to start because it was so amazing. Overall I really liked this book and gave it 5 stars mainly because of how into it I got.
Quotes:
“We share a smile with a million layers. Complicated layers of hope, pain, healing, grief. It’s different than I pictured. But we’re together. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted and more.”

“A tiny piece of my broken heart tapes itself back together every time he puts his lips on mine, healing itself little by little, slice by slice. And it might not ever be the same, my heart. But I might like it better this way. A little bruised, a little sore, but fuller than it’s ever been.”

Also I am writing this review really late after finishing it so don’t mind the grammar.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Secrets in Ice’ by Kennedy Plumb is an intriguing YA mystery-thriller with a hint of romance. Though written for readers aged 13–17, it handles some mature themes and darker crimes, making it both chilling and compelling.

The story primarily alternates between Kieran, a true crime podcaster, and Nikki, a teen intent on uncovering the truth about her missing family. The story progresses through narrative, podcast transcripts, texts, emails, and online comments, creating a clever multimedia format that keeps the pace brisk and immersive. Kieran’s integrity and his loyal dog bring warmth to the otherwise tense atmosphere, while Nikki’s determination gives the story heart.

The author’s young voice shines through, making the teenage emotions and impulsive choices feel authentic. When viewed as a creative retelling of Frozen, Nikki’s sheltered upbringing and sudden romantic shifts make more sense. Her story mirrors Anna’s innocence and bravery in a modern, high-stakes context. Some suspension of disbelief is needed, especially regarding the elaborate clues left by a young person and a few abrupt pacing turns, but the mystery remains engaging throughout.

Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years after her parents and sister vanished without a trace, seventeen-year-old Nikki Sinclair has resigned herself to the belief that her family was brutally murdered and the case will never be solved. Alone in her family’s vast, isolated estate, she lives as the sole heir to their fortune—until she begins receiving chilling messages from an unknown number claiming to be her sister, Lizzy. The sender knows secrets only Lizzy could have known and leaves hidden clues begging for help. As the messages grow increasingly desperate, Nikki teams up with Kieran Bergstrom, the sharp-tongued host of a true-crime podcast, to reopen the cold case. Together, they unravel long-buried secrets, confront dangerous truths, and discover how far Nikki will go for even the smallest chance that her sister is still alive.

I am always on the lookout for novels that teenagers will find engaging. Seeing that this one is billed as Frozen meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I wanted to check it out, and I’m glad I did. Plumb’s use of multiple POVs kept me guessing as I tried to unravel the mystery. The structure and pacing keep the mystery accessible for teen readers while allowing the tension to build steadily. In addition, Kieran’s podcast scripts and text exchanges between the unknown villain and the main characters made for enjoyable reading. The inclusion of a character with Type 1 diabetes and his service dog was handled well and could help build awareness of the disease. The growing excitement and danger as the story progressed were compelling and kept my attention through the end.

This is the second book in Plumb’s The Ever Afters retellings. I will be going back to read the first one. Of course, now I need to go watch Frozen.

Do I recommend this? Yes, especially if you read with the lens of a teenager.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Kennedy Plumb for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Kennedy Plumb and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review Secrets in Ice.

My overall rating: 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Being completely honest, it was not what I expected from my first impressions of the cover. However, I really enjoyed the dark and tense mystery.

The plot was non-stop, and I never wanted to put it down. The tension of wanting to find out exactly what happened never eased, and the further I got in to the book, the more excited I was to see how it would be resolved.

I really liked how the book had some really heavy themes, considering the ages of the main characters. It really helped to show how teenagers, and even those younger 10, experiences hardships that most would never be able to comprehend.
Further, I felt that the chronic illness representation through Kierans diabetes was done with the right balance of it not being constantly mentioned, but still showed that it was always there, no matter what was happening to them.

The ending felt slightly rushed to me, but overall I was very happy with the conclusion. I feel like it did not follow the obvious happy ending route that it could have, but ended perfectly for the dark mystery of this book.

[Victoria]

When I say I didn’t expect this book to captivate me the way it did, I mean it. Lately, I’ve been in a place where schoolwork and busyness have kept me from picking up a book—but Secrets in Ice by Kennedy Plumb made me put down my phone and stop doom scrolling like no other story has.

Secrets in Ice is a YA retelling of The Snow Queen that explores the love between sisters and the pursuit of justice. The characters were incredibly memorable and realistic. I especially loved the representation of Type 1 Diabetes in Kieran and the portrayal of grief through Nikki—both pulled so much love and empathy from my heart.

The plot and pacing were so engaging that I ended up reading more than half the book in one sitting. The writing style was emotional and beautifully captured the fierce love and identity of a sister willing to do anything for the people she loves. It felt like reading a reflection of the bond I share with my own sisters—thankfully, they haven’t passed—but that same instinct to do anything for them resonated deeply.

This book is perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Frozen, and an absolute must-read for anyone who loves thrillers and stories centered around family love.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Hace diez años, la familia Sinclair desapareció sin dejar rastro. El coche fue hallado abandonado, cubierto de nieve, con rastros de sangre de los tres… pero nunca hubo cuerpos, ni respuestas. Desde entonces, Nikki Sinclair vive encerrada en la mansión que heredó, sola con una tía enferma y los fantasmas de su infancia.
Su vida se reduce a estudiar en línea, cuidar de su tía y escuchar podcasts de crímenes reales, esperando que alguien, algún día, se interese por el caso que destruyó su mundo.

Esa oportunidad llega cuando Kieran Bergstrom, el joven conductor del popular podcast Secrets in Ice, decide reabrir el expediente Sinclair para su nueva temporada. Lo que comienza como una investigación periodística pronto se convierte en una red de mentiras, corrupción y secretos familiares que llevan una década congelados bajo la nieve.
A medida que Kieran y Nikki se adentran en la historia, descubrirán que algunas verdades duelen más que cualquier crimen, y que no todos los monstruos se esconden en la oscuridad: algunos viven contigo, esperando el momento perfecto para despertar.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Reading Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a slow start, but once I got in a few chapters I didn’t want to put it down. Nikki believes everything inside of her that her sister is alive due to text messages she is getting that only her sister would know. She seeks out help from a crime investigator,Kieran, all while battling some personal issues in her life as well.

Storyline to me was great once I got into the book. The first quarter was slow but once I got into I wanted to read it to determine if she could find her sister, and see who was trying to kill her and Kieran. I thought I figured it out, I did a little but not completely so it was still a complete mystery until the ending when we figured out the whole situation.

Character development was great. I would’ve liked to know more about Kieran’s family since they were brought in towards the end and had a big part at the end, because I’m still confused on what they do for a living. But, Kieran and Nikki were portrayed well and developed well!

Overall, it was a great book, and I will be looking into my books by Kennedy Plumb!

Thank you, Independent Book Publishers Association, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[eisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'll be honest, i picked up this book because i saw "frozen retelling" and immediately said YES. i went into this expecting a cute rom-com, and i got all that AND MORE. i haven't read very many murder mystery/thrillers but this one was just AMAZING. i had no idea who i thought the bad guy was, and if i ever had a suspicion, it was very vague and unsure. not once did i know what was going to happen next, i was so so so hooked i swear i couldn't put this book down. i read it in less than a day, and i was so invested i literally skipped lunch. all of the characters are SO amazing, i love kieran and arrick and nikki so much they're all amazing. kieran and nikki's romance was deeeefinately slow burn (they didn't even kiss until the epilogue) but it was so worth it because the in between was filled with so much longing and yearning and the usual amazing slow burn-ness. i really loved the podcast aspect of it—kieran runs a podcast and at the beginning of the book there's a link that takes you to an actual podcast that goes along with the excerpts in the book every few chapters, it was really cool and totally unique. this book was AMAZING and i would for sure recommend it to anyone asking for a romance-thriller.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets in Ice is Kennedy Plumb’s YA thriller that completely pulled me in. Nikki Sinclair’s family disappeared ten years ago, and now she’s determined to uncover the truth. She’s smart, stubborn, and just the right amount of vulnerable, which made her feel really real. She’s not perfect, and her doubts and mistakes added a lot of depth to her character.

The dynamic between Nikki and Kieran was one of my favorite parts. Their tension, occasional banter, and clashing personalities kept things interesting and added energy to the story. The snowy, isolated setting was perfect for the eerie, suspenseful vibe. Between the abandoned estate, the hidden clues, and the secrets buried in the past, the story felt immersive and kept me guessing.

The plot is fast-paced, full of twists, and kept me on edge the whole time. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a few predictable moments and a little lull in the middle, but it never stopped me from being invested. The ending tied up the story nicely and felt satisfying without rushing through anything.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kennedy Plumb for the review copy. My opinions are my own!