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The Ice Angels
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
12 days and 06:19:56
100 copies available
U.S. only
Brought to you by Penguin.
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
Praise for The Ice Angels . . .
'Wow… a brilliant thriller with original and multi-layered characters and a story which had me riveted throughout. What a way to launch a new detective! A pure, dark, joy’ John Marrs
'A fast-paced emotional rollercoaster of a book. Loved it' Heidi Perks
'I loved it. Caroline has drawn such unforgettable characters. . . I could literally feel my temperature dropping in the brilliantly tense Finnish scenes' Fiona Barton
‘Atmospheric and dark, compelling and emotional, The Ice Angels is a chilling start to a new series. Fear and dread about what was to come crept under my skin as much as the icy cold temperatures. Loved it, a real page turner' Mel Sherratt
Caroline Mitchell 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
Praise for The Ice Angels . . .
'Wow… a brilliant thriller with original and multi-layered characters and a story which had me riveted throughout. What a way to launch a new detective! A pure, dark, joy’ John Marrs
'A fast-paced emotional rollercoaster of a book. Loved it' Heidi Perks
'I loved it. Caroline has drawn such unforgettable characters. . . I could literally feel my temperature dropping in the brilliantly tense Finnish scenes' Fiona Barton
‘Atmospheric and dark, compelling and emotional, The Ice Angels is a chilling start to a new series. Fear and dread about what was to come crept under my skin as much as the icy cold temperatures. Loved it, a real page turner' Mel Sherratt
Caroline Mitchell 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
Published January 15, 2026
54 people are currently reading
1543 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
41 books2,167 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 26, 2025
A great read.Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later, young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband...Will they find out who took the girls? one girl managed to escape, holding evidence, something that could have been her daughters.is her daughter alive after all those years? I enjoyed the main characters and could make a great series..very engaging read...looking forward to reading more of her books.
January 14, 2026
Nordic Noir meets British grit.
Three young girls were taken years apart from the icy streets of Lincoln, England. Now one has been found - silent, traumatized, and perhaps holding the key to uncovering what really happened to the others. Detective Swann somewhat reluctantly calls in Finnish inspector Elea Baker for help - the woman who once was his wife and who carries her own unbearable burden: her daughter, Liisa, disappeared in Helsinki ten years ago, in a case that mirrors the Ice Angels too closely to ignore.
With "The Ice Angels", bestselling author Caroline Mitchell launches a chilling new crime series steeped in Nordic-noir atmosphere and psychological depth. A former police detective who served in the UK's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and specialized in cases involving vulnerable victims and serious sexual offenses, MItchell's first-hand experience is palpable in this dark, compelling story.
Though she originally hails from Ireland, not Finland, Mitchell masterfully channels the spirit of Scandinavian noir: bleak, cold isolated Finnish and British countrysides, morally complex characters, flawed detectives, a slow-burning plot, and a grim, gruesome case where no one is safe. Combining the procedural precision of British detective fiction with the bleak isolation of Scandinavian thrillers, she delivers a truly haunting tale, and brings an authenticity to the investigation that sets this series apart. The procedural elements are convincing, and the emotional weight of the story hits hard. The tension never truly lets up, and even when the plot turns grim - and it often does - Mitchell's empathy for her characters keeps the story grounded. Elea is exactly the kind of protagonist Nordic noir thrives on - resilient, wounded, and deeply human.
Narrator delivers a gripping performance, perfectly capturing not only Elea's Finnish accent but also her steely resolve and the novel’s haunting stillness. Her nuanced delivery brings both the cold settings and the story's emotional undercurrents vividly to life.
"The Ice Angels" is everything you want in a series opener: tense, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant. Mitchell's law enforcement background lends realism and grit, while her storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end. A superb start to what promises to be a standout new series.
Many thanks to RBmedia | Recorded Books for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
"The Ice Angels" was published on January 13, 2026, and is available now.
Three young girls were taken years apart from the icy streets of Lincoln, England. Now one has been found - silent, traumatized, and perhaps holding the key to uncovering what really happened to the others. Detective Swann somewhat reluctantly calls in Finnish inspector Elea Baker for help - the woman who once was his wife and who carries her own unbearable burden: her daughter, Liisa, disappeared in Helsinki ten years ago, in a case that mirrors the Ice Angels too closely to ignore.
With "The Ice Angels", bestselling author Caroline Mitchell launches a chilling new crime series steeped in Nordic-noir atmosphere and psychological depth. A former police detective who served in the UK's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and specialized in cases involving vulnerable victims and serious sexual offenses, MItchell's first-hand experience is palpable in this dark, compelling story.
Though she originally hails from Ireland, not Finland, Mitchell masterfully channels the spirit of Scandinavian noir: bleak, cold isolated Finnish and British countrysides, morally complex characters, flawed detectives, a slow-burning plot, and a grim, gruesome case where no one is safe. Combining the procedural precision of British detective fiction with the bleak isolation of Scandinavian thrillers, she delivers a truly haunting tale, and brings an authenticity to the investigation that sets this series apart. The procedural elements are convincing, and the emotional weight of the story hits hard. The tension never truly lets up, and even when the plot turns grim - and it often does - Mitchell's empathy for her characters keeps the story grounded. Elea is exactly the kind of protagonist Nordic noir thrives on - resilient, wounded, and deeply human.
Narrator delivers a gripping performance, perfectly capturing not only Elea's Finnish accent but also her steely resolve and the novel’s haunting stillness. Her nuanced delivery brings both the cold settings and the story's emotional undercurrents vividly to life.
"The Ice Angels" is everything you want in a series opener: tense, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant. Mitchell's law enforcement background lends realism and grit, while her storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end. A superb start to what promises to be a standout new series.
Many thanks to RBmedia | Recorded Books for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
"The Ice Angels" was published on January 13, 2026, and is available now.
November 19, 2025
Caroline Mitchell writes such amazing police procedurals, she knows her stuff does this ex copper!
The Ice Angels was so compelling I just didn’t want to stop reading it. It is dark, emotional and atmospheric. I loved the dual settings of Lincoln in the UK and Finland . The cold and the snow added another level to the story for sure. Not always an easy read when you are talking about crimes against young girls, but it was written so well and sensitively.
Detective Elea Baker was a great character, broken, determined and exhausted. She just wants to find her daughter and stop this happening to anyone else. She has great compassion although she comes across as blunt and not caring, she really does. Her relationship with Swann was interesting and I do hope this is the start of a new series.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone for access to read this book early. Absolutely loved it. Published on January 15th.
The Ice Angels was so compelling I just didn’t want to stop reading it. It is dark, emotional and atmospheric. I loved the dual settings of Lincoln in the UK and Finland . The cold and the snow added another level to the story for sure. Not always an easy read when you are talking about crimes against young girls, but it was written so well and sensitively.
Detective Elea Baker was a great character, broken, determined and exhausted. She just wants to find her daughter and stop this happening to anyone else. She has great compassion although she comes across as blunt and not caring, she really does. Her relationship with Swann was interesting and I do hope this is the start of a new series.
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone for access to read this book early. Absolutely loved it. Published on January 15th.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love crime novels and The Ice Angels held my interest, especially as the start of a new series. The premise of the kidnapped children in Finland and the UK is intriguing and Elea Baker is a detective I’d like to see more of. That said, there were a lot of characters, and for me it made it hard to really connect emotionally since we didn’t get to know any of them deeply enough. The narrator, however, was fantastic and definitely kept me engaged. Overall a solid start and I’m hoping the next book dives more into character depth. Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ALC.
January 15, 2026
The Ice Angels is the first book in a brand new series by one of my favourite authors Caroline Mitchell. Ten years after Detective Elea Baker’s daughter vanishes in Finland , Elea is asked to help with a similar case but this time it’s in the city of Lincoln in England. Elea is determined to do everything in her power to find out what actually did happen to her daughter and to solve the mystery of the current missing girls. This was one of those books that had me completely hooked after the first few pages. I found all the characters to be really interesting and the author has described them so well. The scenes set in Finland and the descriptions of the cold weather did send shivers up my spine at times . This was an atmospheric and also an emotional read at times and I didn’t want to stop reading it as I was so invested in the story. This was a superb read and I really hope there will be a second book to look forward to.
September 5, 2025
Dark and disturbing police procedural that is absolutely laden with humanity and love…
If you like a police procedural that doesn’t flinch when delving into dark and disturbing crime, but is also deeply emotional and heart-wrenchingly affecting, then I have a recommendation for you that will need to jump straight to the top of your TBR when it’s released in Jan 2026! Caroline Mitchell’s THE ICE ANGELS centres around Finnish detective Elea Baker, whose daughter was kidnapped 10 years ago whilst walking home from school. Elea has never given up hope of finding Liisa, so when a series of disappearances occur in the UK that are remarkably similar, she is asked to act as a special advisor to the British force investigating. Adding complexity to proceedings is the fact this investigation is being headed up by DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance. I was absolutely gripped by the plot, but it was the relationship between the characters and the evolution of Liisa’s story that really had me turning these pages as quickly as possible. I loved how the narrative unfolded from the perspective of the present day investigation, as well as chapters told from Liisa’s historic perspective. This really generated tension and an impending sense of dread. In fact, the final line of Chapter 62 had me gasping and swallowing a HUGE lump in my throat! Mitchell has perfectly combined the sense of anticipation and suspense with genuine emotions and connections to her characters, which I couldn’t get enough of.
Elea is a tour de force of a main character. She has experienced the worst thing a parent ever could and yet she carries on, relentless in her search for the truth. She never gives up on finding Liisa and that eternal sense of hope drives her - and the narrative - forward at an exceptional pace. Given her experiences, Elea could be a troubled and unreadable character, but despite her toughness and occasionally unorthodox approaches, she is so devoutly dedicated in her mission that she is instantly likeable and relatable. I was rooting for her from the offset and absolutely desperate for her to succeed in discovering what had happened to her daughter. The course of this investigation delivers some unforgettable blows, some off-the-chart tension, some perfectly executed wit, and some genuine displays of love and affection. As much as this is the story of Liisa’s disappearance, it’s also the story of Elea and Swann’s relationship. This additional dynamic was equally engaging and added a whole other layer to the story to be invested in. I turned the final page of this book with a true sense of satisfaction and an ache to return to these characters. If that doesn’t demonstrate how fantastic this book is, I’m not sure what else will!
If you like a police procedural that doesn’t flinch when delving into dark and disturbing crime, but is also deeply emotional and heart-wrenchingly affecting, then I have a recommendation for you that will need to jump straight to the top of your TBR when it’s released in Jan 2026! Caroline Mitchell’s THE ICE ANGELS centres around Finnish detective Elea Baker, whose daughter was kidnapped 10 years ago whilst walking home from school. Elea has never given up hope of finding Liisa, so when a series of disappearances occur in the UK that are remarkably similar, she is asked to act as a special advisor to the British force investigating. Adding complexity to proceedings is the fact this investigation is being headed up by DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance. I was absolutely gripped by the plot, but it was the relationship between the characters and the evolution of Liisa’s story that really had me turning these pages as quickly as possible. I loved how the narrative unfolded from the perspective of the present day investigation, as well as chapters told from Liisa’s historic perspective. This really generated tension and an impending sense of dread. In fact, the final line of Chapter 62 had me gasping and swallowing a HUGE lump in my throat! Mitchell has perfectly combined the sense of anticipation and suspense with genuine emotions and connections to her characters, which I couldn’t get enough of.
Elea is a tour de force of a main character. She has experienced the worst thing a parent ever could and yet she carries on, relentless in her search for the truth. She never gives up on finding Liisa and that eternal sense of hope drives her - and the narrative - forward at an exceptional pace. Given her experiences, Elea could be a troubled and unreadable character, but despite her toughness and occasionally unorthodox approaches, she is so devoutly dedicated in her mission that she is instantly likeable and relatable. I was rooting for her from the offset and absolutely desperate for her to succeed in discovering what had happened to her daughter. The course of this investigation delivers some unforgettable blows, some off-the-chart tension, some perfectly executed wit, and some genuine displays of love and affection. As much as this is the story of Liisa’s disappearance, it’s also the story of Elea and Swann’s relationship. This additional dynamic was equally engaging and added a whole other layer to the story to be invested in. I turned the final page of this book with a true sense of satisfaction and an ache to return to these characters. If that doesn’t demonstrate how fantastic this book is, I’m not sure what else will!
September 13, 2025
Children have been vanishing in Lincoln for several years, and Detective Swann is determined to crack the case. He gets a break when one of them escapes and comes home, but she's too traumatized to talk. Good thing he thought to ask Elea Baker to consult on this case. She's from Finland and has experience with missing children. Not only because she investigates their cases but because her daughter has been missing for a decade. She disappeared in oddly similar circumstances, and her case brought Swann and Baker together originally. There are high hopes that the cases will finally be solved, but will that truly bring the closure they've been looking for?
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. I unfortunately didn't like Elea's character; she's one of those rogue, 'I do what I want' type of people. Just leaves the station whenever she pleases, intimidates and threatens witnesses, etc. Her character will say that she doesn't want to break up Swann's family, then she'll monopolize his time and call him at all hours, etc. But I didn't need to like her, and I appreciated that. Most of the time, unlikeable characters keep me from enjoying a book, but not in this case.
The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, which makes you realize you had assumptions from the start about certain aspects of the case. I guess it's not a reach that it wouldn't have been disclosed earlier in the book, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it would have been mentioned in one of the numerous briefings. But again, it technically could have been, just not the ones the reader was privy to. Devious storytelling! I love when I'm struck with the reaction of 'wait, what??' Well played, Caroline Mitchell! This is why you're one of my favorite authors.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. I unfortunately didn't like Elea's character; she's one of those rogue, 'I do what I want' type of people. Just leaves the station whenever she pleases, intimidates and threatens witnesses, etc. Her character will say that she doesn't want to break up Swann's family, then she'll monopolize his time and call him at all hours, etc. But I didn't need to like her, and I appreciated that. Most of the time, unlikeable characters keep me from enjoying a book, but not in this case.
The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, which makes you realize you had assumptions from the start about certain aspects of the case. I guess it's not a reach that it wouldn't have been disclosed earlier in the book, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it would have been mentioned in one of the numerous briefings. But again, it technically could have been, just not the ones the reader was privy to. Devious storytelling! I love when I'm struck with the reaction of 'wait, what??' Well played, Caroline Mitchell! This is why you're one of my favorite authors.
January 9, 2026
✨ eARC Review: The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I still can’t believe how lucky I was to receive early access to The Ice Angels through NetGalley—this was an absolutely incredible read.
At the heart of the novel is Elea Baker, a Finnish detective whose life has been shattered by the disappearance of her daughter. Her desperate search is raw, relentless, and deeply human. The grief, guilt, and determination she carries seep into every page, making her not just a detective on a case, but a mother fighting against time, doubt, and the slow erosion of hope. Watching Elea navigate her personal loss while continuing to work in law enforcement made her journey feel especially powerful and heartbreaking.
As years pass with no answers, relationships shift and intertwine in unexpected ways, and the case grows colder by the day. Just when it feels like the truth may be buried forever, new victims begin to surface—unharmed, yet unmistakably connected. What follows is a stunning unraveling of secrets, where the investigation is ripped wide open and plunged far deeper than any of the detectives could have imagined.
If you love dark Nordic crime fiction with complex characters and a mystery that keeps tightening its grip, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. ❄️📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I still can’t believe how lucky I was to receive early access to The Ice Angels through NetGalley—this was an absolutely incredible read.
At the heart of the novel is Elea Baker, a Finnish detective whose life has been shattered by the disappearance of her daughter. Her desperate search is raw, relentless, and deeply human. The grief, guilt, and determination she carries seep into every page, making her not just a detective on a case, but a mother fighting against time, doubt, and the slow erosion of hope. Watching Elea navigate her personal loss while continuing to work in law enforcement made her journey feel especially powerful and heartbreaking.
As years pass with no answers, relationships shift and intertwine in unexpected ways, and the case grows colder by the day. Just when it feels like the truth may be buried forever, new victims begin to surface—unharmed, yet unmistakably connected. What follows is a stunning unraveling of secrets, where the investigation is ripped wide open and plunged far deeper than any of the detectives could have imagined.
If you love dark Nordic crime fiction with complex characters and a mystery that keeps tightening its grip, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. ❄️📖
November 16, 2025
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken in Finland and never found. Now, in present-day Lincoln, girls are disappearing again — and it appears the two cases may be linked.
Caroline Mitchell is one of my favourite authors. She knows how to craft a great detective novel, and this one did not disappoint.
It was dark and disturbing, and the character dynamics were well fleshed out. I had mixed feelings about several of the characters, which added an extra layer to the reading experience.
I cannot wait for more books in this series to be released!
Caroline Mitchell is one of my favourite authors. She knows how to craft a great detective novel, and this one did not disappoint.
It was dark and disturbing, and the character dynamics were well fleshed out. I had mixed feelings about several of the characters, which added an extra layer to the reading experience.
I cannot wait for more books in this series to be released!
January 9, 2026
Ten years ago in Finland, two 12-year-old girls were abducted and never found. Now, in a small town in the UK, another 12-year-old girl is abducted. When she is found, she's holding a toy carving that belonged to one of the Finnish girls who went missing. Detective Elea Baker of Finland, the mother of one of the abducted girls, is called in as a consultant...not that anyone could keep her away. Elea is a bull in a china shop when it comes to interviewing suspects.
Numerous personal relationships complicate this mystery, not to mention the idea of a potential abductor/serial killer who crosses international borders.
It's an intriguing and tension-filled story, with Elea well-developed; the others around her are a bit less so. 4.2 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheIceAngels for review purposes. Publication date: 13 January 2026.
Numerous personal relationships complicate this mystery, not to mention the idea of a potential abductor/serial killer who crosses international borders.
It's an intriguing and tension-filled story, with Elea well-developed; the others around her are a bit less so. 4.2 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheIceAngels for review purposes. Publication date: 13 January 2026.
January 10, 2026
This was my first ever crime book, which surprised me when I thought about how many thrillers I’ve read. The story had me hooked from the beginning, and the different POVs and timelines really helped to build the atmosphere and tension.
I listened to this on audiobook and loved the narrator, Aryana Ramkhalawon. She portrayed each character so distinctly that it was always easy to follow who was speaking.
The female lead, Detective Elea Baker, was beautifully written. The portrayal of loss and hope felt very authentic, and I particularly enjoyed the side plot exploring her relationship with her ex-husband.
I wouldn’t say there was a huge plot twist, but the story kept me engaged throughout. This is book one in the Detective Elea Baker series, and I’ll definitely be revisiting this author and keeping an eye out for the rest of the series.
I listened to this on audiobook and loved the narrator, Aryana Ramkhalawon. She portrayed each character so distinctly that it was always easy to follow who was speaking.
The female lead, Detective Elea Baker, was beautifully written. The portrayal of loss and hope felt very authentic, and I particularly enjoyed the side plot exploring her relationship with her ex-husband.
I wouldn’t say there was a huge plot twist, but the story kept me engaged throughout. This is book one in the Detective Elea Baker series, and I’ll definitely be revisiting this author and keeping an eye out for the rest of the series.
January 9, 2026
3.5⭐️s
January 5, 2026
I wanted to read this firstly for the simple reason that it is set in Lincoln where I live. It was my first read of 2026 and a brilliant start to my reading year.
The story moves between Lincoln and Finland, as police services in both countries explore the deaths of several young girls in both countries. Elea Baker is a vital link between the two investigations. Not only is she a detective, with experience of the Finish investigations, she is also the mother of a 12 year old girl who was abducted 10 years ago. Added to which, she is the estranged wife of Swann the detective investigating the case in Lincoln. Interspersed between the police procedural we follow Liisa’s account of her captivity…
This is a cracker! Compelling, well plotted, with some excellent characters and some fascinating police procedural. Elea is fabulous. Feisty, opinionated, intuitive and deeply traumatised by the disappearance of her daughter. She is a loose wire and Swann, who still has a thing for her, is desperately trying to hold onto his investigation! I am always nervous of books dealing with child abduction, but this was sensitively and carefully written, and, although it deals with some dark subjects, is a book which engross rather than disturbs. I loved the interaction between Elea and Swann. There is real chemistry here!
As a Lincoln local, I absolutely loved how much the city’s geography featured. This was reading on a different level. The story felt particularly vivid as I could picture where events were taking place. At times it was so real I wanted to jump in the car and go and hunt for the killer! When the story feels this real, it’s testament to the power of the writing! I will definitely be reading more by this author and really look forward to seeing more of Elea!
The story moves between Lincoln and Finland, as police services in both countries explore the deaths of several young girls in both countries. Elea Baker is a vital link between the two investigations. Not only is she a detective, with experience of the Finish investigations, she is also the mother of a 12 year old girl who was abducted 10 years ago. Added to which, she is the estranged wife of Swann the detective investigating the case in Lincoln. Interspersed between the police procedural we follow Liisa’s account of her captivity…
This is a cracker! Compelling, well plotted, with some excellent characters and some fascinating police procedural. Elea is fabulous. Feisty, opinionated, intuitive and deeply traumatised by the disappearance of her daughter. She is a loose wire and Swann, who still has a thing for her, is desperately trying to hold onto his investigation! I am always nervous of books dealing with child abduction, but this was sensitively and carefully written, and, although it deals with some dark subjects, is a book which engross rather than disturbs. I loved the interaction between Elea and Swann. There is real chemistry here!
As a Lincoln local, I absolutely loved how much the city’s geography featured. This was reading on a different level. The story felt particularly vivid as I could picture where events were taking place. At times it was so real I wanted to jump in the car and go and hunt for the killer! When the story feels this real, it’s testament to the power of the writing! I will definitely be reading more by this author and really look forward to seeing more of Elea!
January 5, 2026
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell is a gripping story about a mother’s unwavering determination to find her kidnapped daughter. Mitchell does a great job capturing the raw emotions of a parent in crisis.
While the premise is compelling, the pacing slows in the middle, which made parts of the book feel drawn out. However, the tension builds again toward the end, delivering a stronger and more engaging conclusion.
Overall, this is an emotional and suspenseful read that will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers, despite its slower middle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell is a gripping story about a mother’s unwavering determination to find her kidnapped daughter. Mitchell does a great job capturing the raw emotions of a parent in crisis.
While the premise is compelling, the pacing slows in the middle, which made parts of the book feel drawn out. However, the tension builds again toward the end, delivering a stronger and more engaging conclusion.
Overall, this is an emotional and suspenseful read that will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers, despite its slower middle.
January 11, 2026
I love a well-done crime/mystery, and this one delivered. The multiple POVs, layered detective drama, and shifting timelines kept me completely hooked.
I had so much fun piecing the puzzle together, only to be totally wrong. The twists at the end were fantastic and made the payoff absolutely worth it.
Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for letting me listen to this arc!
I had so much fun piecing the puzzle together, only to be totally wrong. The twists at the end were fantastic and made the payoff absolutely worth it.
Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for letting me listen to this arc!
October 1, 2025
A completely new character and hopefully series for Caroline Mitchell. Elea is a Finnish detective who has been seconded to Lincoln to investigate a case of missing girls similar to the one in Finland 10 years ago that involved her daughter who has never been found. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions of Finland are amazing. I really want to visit in winter after reading The Ice Angels. The storyline is complex and held my attention throughout. There are some brilliant twists and the ending is well worth waiting for. I do hope this isn't the last we've seen of Elea Baker and her colleagues as I'd love to read more about them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Well played Caroline Mitchell, well played indeed. Once again the author delivers a masterclass in the art of storytelling. Beautifully descriptive, formidable characters and Caroline's time as a serving police officer give this story more than a touch of reality. The twist had me like 'what?' - absolute genius. The dual timeline adds so much depth to the plot. It's gripping, it's dark, it's emotional and it's quite simply brilliant. One of her best pieces of work and I do hope she will turn this into a series. 5 massive ⭐️ for this outstanding and flawless book.
August 19, 2025
Caroline Mitchell is a prolific murder mystery author and her former career with the police adds an air of authenticity to her police procedurals. ‘The Ice Angels’ also has the benefit of strong characterisation and the electricity crackles whenever Elea and Swann are together. The facts that they’re both working on a child abduction case, were previously in a relationship and Elda’s own daughter was snatched many years ago serve to ratchet the tension up further. It makes a pleasant change to have a woman playing the role of the maverick detective and the reader understands Swann’s anxiety that Elda’s unorthodox approach could derail the investigation and sabotage her career. Unusually for a police procedural, the resolution is simultaneously credible, tense and emotionally charged. All in all, an excellent detective novel and hopefully not the last Caroline Mitchell book to feature Elea and Swann.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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Finished reading: January 10th 2026
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and RB Media in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Finished reading: January 10th 2026
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and RB Media in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Normally I crash into crime series like a drunk aunt at a wedding reception, zero context, fully on book seven, nodding along like I know who “DI Crabapple” is and why his tragic divorce arc mattered in book four. But The Ice Angels is the first in a brand new series and listen, new year, new me, new emotional damage. I went in on the ground floor, and it paid off like finding a body in the snow that turns out to be... not dead. (That’s not a spoiler. It’s a vibe.)
This one’s got ice in its veins and fire in its heart. Finnish detective Elea Baker gets pulled into a string of child abductions in Lincoln, England, crimes that look an awful lot like what happened to her own daughter Liisa a decade ago. Yes, she’s still missing. Yes, Elea is still legally married to the British detective in charge of the case. And yes, this is going to be emotionally complex and full of tension so thick you could cut it with a snow shovel. It’s "Nordic noir" meets "This is fine" dog energy, but everyone’s wearing thermal coats and unresolved trauma.
And you better believe the audiobook slaps. Aryana Ramkhalawon’s narration doesn’t just tell you this story, she throws you into the deep end of it and locks the ice-covered door behind you. Her voice is sharp and intentional, landing every clipped Elea line with that deadpan precision of a woman who has no time for your nonsense because she’s got decades of grief duct-taped to her spine. She switches tone and accent with eerie effortlessness, moving from the bleak quiet of a traumatized child to the rumbling chaos of police briefings like it’s nothing.
Elea herself is pure chaos in a parka. She’s not soft, she’s not warm, she’s not “likable” in the traditional sense... and I loved her. She’s the kind of detective who will absolutely threaten to burn a suspect’s life to the ground with zero backup and no legal standing. She’s rage-fueled competence personified. And Ramkhalawon gets that, the raw, exhausted fury under the surface, and makes you feel it. Elea's spiraling, but she’s spiraling with purpose.
The dual POV between Elea and Liisa was gutting in the best possible way. Every time Liisa’s chapters came on, I braced myself. They are claustrophobic and chilling, both in content and narration. Ramkhalawon modulates just enough to sell you on a younger, trapped voice without sounding cartoonish. It’s subtle and it works. The tension doesn’t come from overacting, it comes from the dread crawling under every word. I was basically whispering “no no no no” into my AirPods like that would help.
Also, the not-quite-divorced dynamic between Elea and Swann? Honestly iconic. Swann has the energy of a man who still sets Elea’s name as “DO NOT ANSWER” in his phone, but answers every time anyway. Their conversations are emotional landmines wrapped in police jargon. The narration nails the awkward ex tension, where everything sounds professional but you know someone’s one bad coffee away from bringing up that fight they had in 2018. It’s petty. It’s painful. It’s compelling as hell.
And the setting? The cold practically creaks in your ears. Between Mitchell’s writing and Ramkhalawon’s pacing, the snow isn’t just atmospheric, it’s hostile. You can hear the wind. You can feel the silence stretching between characters when someone says the wrong thing. It’s immersive in that “I need to put on a sweater even though I’m in my heated kitchen” kind of way.
This book is layered and tense and absolutely freezing. I devoured it. It made me nervous to open my front door in winter. And now I’m emotionally attached to a woman who could probably break a man’s nose with a single glare and call it "standard procedure."
Four stars. If this is the start of a new series, I will absolutely be showing up for book two like a groupie with a badge.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Emotionally Sweaty in a Book Set Entirely in Snow
Huge thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. I don’t know what kind of algorithmic witchcraft matched me with a frozen trauma procedural narrated like a prestige drama, but you nailed it. I now fear snow, trust no one, and will be emotionally unavailable until book two.
This one’s got ice in its veins and fire in its heart. Finnish detective Elea Baker gets pulled into a string of child abductions in Lincoln, England, crimes that look an awful lot like what happened to her own daughter Liisa a decade ago. Yes, she’s still missing. Yes, Elea is still legally married to the British detective in charge of the case. And yes, this is going to be emotionally complex and full of tension so thick you could cut it with a snow shovel. It’s "Nordic noir" meets "This is fine" dog energy, but everyone’s wearing thermal coats and unresolved trauma.
And you better believe the audiobook slaps. Aryana Ramkhalawon’s narration doesn’t just tell you this story, she throws you into the deep end of it and locks the ice-covered door behind you. Her voice is sharp and intentional, landing every clipped Elea line with that deadpan precision of a woman who has no time for your nonsense because she’s got decades of grief duct-taped to her spine. She switches tone and accent with eerie effortlessness, moving from the bleak quiet of a traumatized child to the rumbling chaos of police briefings like it’s nothing.
Elea herself is pure chaos in a parka. She’s not soft, she’s not warm, she’s not “likable” in the traditional sense... and I loved her. She’s the kind of detective who will absolutely threaten to burn a suspect’s life to the ground with zero backup and no legal standing. She’s rage-fueled competence personified. And Ramkhalawon gets that, the raw, exhausted fury under the surface, and makes you feel it. Elea's spiraling, but she’s spiraling with purpose.
The dual POV between Elea and Liisa was gutting in the best possible way. Every time Liisa’s chapters came on, I braced myself. They are claustrophobic and chilling, both in content and narration. Ramkhalawon modulates just enough to sell you on a younger, trapped voice without sounding cartoonish. It’s subtle and it works. The tension doesn’t come from overacting, it comes from the dread crawling under every word. I was basically whispering “no no no no” into my AirPods like that would help.
Also, the not-quite-divorced dynamic between Elea and Swann? Honestly iconic. Swann has the energy of a man who still sets Elea’s name as “DO NOT ANSWER” in his phone, but answers every time anyway. Their conversations are emotional landmines wrapped in police jargon. The narration nails the awkward ex tension, where everything sounds professional but you know someone’s one bad coffee away from bringing up that fight they had in 2018. It’s petty. It’s painful. It’s compelling as hell.
And the setting? The cold practically creaks in your ears. Between Mitchell’s writing and Ramkhalawon’s pacing, the snow isn’t just atmospheric, it’s hostile. You can hear the wind. You can feel the silence stretching between characters when someone says the wrong thing. It’s immersive in that “I need to put on a sweater even though I’m in my heated kitchen” kind of way.
This book is layered and tense and absolutely freezing. I devoured it. It made me nervous to open my front door in winter. And now I’m emotionally attached to a woman who could probably break a man’s nose with a single glare and call it "standard procedure."
Four stars. If this is the start of a new series, I will absolutely be showing up for book two like a groupie with a badge.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Emotionally Sweaty in a Book Set Entirely in Snow
Huge thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. I don’t know what kind of algorithmic witchcraft matched me with a frozen trauma procedural narrated like a prestige drama, but you nailed it. I now fear snow, trust no one, and will be emotionally unavailable until book two.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"'I'll cut your throat if you bite.' He hissed in my ear. His breath laced with hateful licorice stench. The coolness of the blade against my skin was enough to make me stop. 'You aren't the first you know that.' He whispered. 'I don't want to kill you, but I will if you make a sound.'"
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for letting me listen to this ARC!
CW: Assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, child abuse, death, murder, family estrangement, adultery, Stockholm syndrome
The Ice Angels is a gripping thriller that absolutely hooked me. Caroline Mitchell has created something special here with Detective Inspector Elea Baker, a Finnish crime inspector brought in to investigate missing children cases in England. The personal stakes couldn't be higher for Elea since her own daughter Liisa disappeared under similar circumstances ten years ago in Helsinki.
I love a good police procedural, and this one delivered exactly what I was looking for. The noir style throughout creates this heavy, oppressive atmosphere that matches the darkness of the crimes. The story alternates between Elea investigating the current cases and Liisa's perspective from when she was taken. This dual timeline structure adds a lot of depth, though I'll admit the constant switching between viewpoints got hard to follow sometimes. The chapters are short and we bounce back and forth frequently, which occasionally gave me whiplash. It builds tension, but it can be a lot.
What makes this book stand out is Elea herself. She's morally ambiguous and honestly not always likeable. She makes questionable choices, crosses ethical lines, and her personal trauma drives her in ways that aren't always healthy. I love when protagonists exist in that gray area instead of being perfect heroes. It makes the story unpredictable because you're never quite sure what she'll do next.
This is definitely a slow burn. If you need constant action, this might not work for you. But if you appreciate atmospheric tension and carefully built mysteries, this pays off big time. The twists throughout are fantastic, and the ending absolutely delivered. Once I got close to the finish I could not put this down until I was done. Mitchell earned those final revelations with everything she set up earlier.
Aryana Ramkhalawon's narration fits the tone perfectly. Her voice works well for this bleak, dark story, and she handles the transitions between chapters smoothly. I did find the pacing a bit slow for my taste and eventually sped it up, but that's personal preference. Overall I enjoyed her performance.
This book is perfect for readers who love Nordic-noir style mysteries, police procedurals with complicated protagonists, and stories that don't shy away from dark subject matter. The content warnings are extensive and this isn't light reading, but if you can handle heavy topics and appreciate complex mystery storytelling, this is worth your time.
I'll absolutely be picking up the next book in this series. Mitchell has built a world and a character I want to spend more time with.
A dark, atmospheric thriller with a morally complex detective that kept me hooked until the last chapter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This one was a real punch in the gut…
Elea Baker is a Finnish Detective. And, she’s good at her job. Very good!
We open up with a 12 year old walking home from school. It’s snowing. Her grandma is picking her up from school. Her Mom is a detective, so she knows to be very careful and aware of her surroundings…. But, no teaching can prevent an abduction. Especially when it is well planned. And so, Elea’s daughter (Lisa) is taken… and she is counting down the minutes until her Mom breaks down the door to come get her…
But that moment never comes. And, time goes on…
And other girls are being abducted…
Until one day, one of them escapes! And, she brings with her something that just shatters Elea… because she knows exactly what it is! 😮
So, now Elea is called to England, in the hopes of finding who is behind these abductions… and maybe (hopefully in her mind) she’ll be able to find Lisa.
It’s a heartbreaking story surrounding many girls whose own lives, and the lives of all their families, are obviously impacted. And it’s even sadder to know that things like this truly do happen. 😢
But, Elea is a hero in her own right. Never giving up on finding her daughter…even after so many years.
But, through the years, her life has fallen apart in so many other ways….
I LOVED the main characters and the energy and chemistry they had throughout. I love how Elea is such a badass, and nothing will stop her from getting info she is out to get… however she has to get it! (Being a Mom, I can’t even imagine what this would do to you… but then being a cop, a detective on top of that… well, it had to totally destroy her. So I can understand WHY she does what she does….even though it is unorthodox.)
I’m hoping that this is the setup for a new series with these characters, but I’m not sure. I guess time will tell. But if you like police dramas that are a bit out of the ordinary… definitely keep this one on your radar!
OH…I just saw on NetGalley that this is book #1 of the new Elea Baker series… so, yay!!!
#IceAngels by @CarolineMitchell and narrated beautifully by @AryanaRamkhalawon.
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
5 raging, devoted, motherly aka ‘badass cop’ stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Elea Baker is a Finnish Detective. And, she’s good at her job. Very good!
We open up with a 12 year old walking home from school. It’s snowing. Her grandma is picking her up from school. Her Mom is a detective, so she knows to be very careful and aware of her surroundings…. But, no teaching can prevent an abduction. Especially when it is well planned. And so, Elea’s daughter (Lisa) is taken… and she is counting down the minutes until her Mom breaks down the door to come get her…
But that moment never comes. And, time goes on…
And other girls are being abducted…
Until one day, one of them escapes! And, she brings with her something that just shatters Elea… because she knows exactly what it is! 😮
So, now Elea is called to England, in the hopes of finding who is behind these abductions… and maybe (hopefully in her mind) she’ll be able to find Lisa.
It’s a heartbreaking story surrounding many girls whose own lives, and the lives of all their families, are obviously impacted. And it’s even sadder to know that things like this truly do happen. 😢
But, Elea is a hero in her own right. Never giving up on finding her daughter…even after so many years.
But, through the years, her life has fallen apart in so many other ways….
I LOVED the main characters and the energy and chemistry they had throughout. I love how Elea is such a badass, and nothing will stop her from getting info she is out to get… however she has to get it! (Being a Mom, I can’t even imagine what this would do to you… but then being a cop, a detective on top of that… well, it had to totally destroy her. So I can understand WHY she does what she does….even though it is unorthodox.)
I’m hoping that this is the setup for a new series with these characters, but I’m not sure. I guess time will tell. But if you like police dramas that are a bit out of the ordinary… definitely keep this one on your radar!
OH…I just saw on NetGalley that this is book #1 of the new Elea Baker series… so, yay!!!
#IceAngels by @CarolineMitchell and narrated beautifully by @AryanaRamkhalawon.
This book has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, but look 👀 for it on 1/13/26!
5 raging, devoted, motherly aka ‘badass cop’ stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
August 20, 2025
4* Elea is a maverick by British policing standards, but boy, does she get the job done efficiently.
For me, what helped this book's storyline are the Norwegian names, which I didn't google and which gave me a whodathunk moment when the ending came. That aspect of concealment/obfuscation was done pretty well, and the final reveal right at the very end, once the baddie/s were gone, felt believable.
The tale goes back and forth into Elea's life and job, and between Lincoln and Porvoo, without losing me or my interest. The darker aspects were more unpleasant than horrifying - a lot of stuff happened off-page - and sadly, Porvoo kind of permitted them to happen, with its location, population and climate.
Elea was literally a woman and a cop on a mission. It wasn't clear where one ended and the other started in the 2025 part of the story, but it was very obvious which took precedence in the past. I liked this aspect of her 'policing', putting the pressure on when the circumstances demanded (not just allowed), without worrying about lying and getting found out. Even her underhandedness was kind of admirable, though it showed up Swann, the lead detective and her soon-to-be-ex husband. I'm not sure that the collaboration between the UK and Finland could actually have happened because of Elea's clear conflict of interest, but the tale was engrossing enough for me to suspend disbelief. Swann was a very weak detective and male kead, however - almost an afterthought.
But, did the author stereotype her, a la Ulrika, making a modern European woman out to be a bit of a man eater, just because she could have her cake/man and eat it? Compartmentalise sex/ biological needs / pleasing herself with total unemotional efficiency? I think so. It didn't show her as a warm character, unfortunately, just made her come across even more as if she were as frozen as Finland.
Still, the tale had enough skilled writing and twists and concealment to keep me glued to it. I kind of was hoping-thinking that maybe Alice might turn out to be a bunny boiler, or that Swann might find his gonads and realised that a potential marriage based on deception and coercion - hers - isn't a recipe for success. As the book ended, it felt like he'd once again be railroaded by a woman more determined and forceful than he could ever be. I pitied his twin 6yo sons.
It's a decent if stone-cold-emotionally, tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for my reading pleasure.
For me, what helped this book's storyline are the Norwegian names, which I didn't google and which gave me a whodathunk moment when the ending came. That aspect of concealment/obfuscation was done pretty well, and the final reveal right at the very end, once the baddie/s were gone, felt believable.
The tale goes back and forth into Elea's life and job, and between Lincoln and Porvoo, without losing me or my interest. The darker aspects were more unpleasant than horrifying - a lot of stuff happened off-page - and sadly, Porvoo kind of permitted them to happen, with its location, population and climate.
Elea was literally a woman and a cop on a mission. It wasn't clear where one ended and the other started in the 2025 part of the story, but it was very obvious which took precedence in the past. I liked this aspect of her 'policing', putting the pressure on when the circumstances demanded (not just allowed), without worrying about lying and getting found out. Even her underhandedness was kind of admirable, though it showed up Swann, the lead detective and her soon-to-be-ex husband. I'm not sure that the collaboration between the UK and Finland could actually have happened because of Elea's clear conflict of interest, but the tale was engrossing enough for me to suspend disbelief. Swann was a very weak detective and male kead, however - almost an afterthought.
But, did the author stereotype her, a la Ulrika, making a modern European woman out to be a bit of a man eater, just because she could have her cake/man and eat it? Compartmentalise sex/ biological needs / pleasing herself with total unemotional efficiency? I think so. It didn't show her as a warm character, unfortunately, just made her come across even more as if she were as frozen as Finland.
Still, the tale had enough skilled writing and twists and concealment to keep me glued to it. I kind of was hoping-thinking that maybe Alice might turn out to be a bunny boiler, or that Swann might find his gonads and realised that a potential marriage based on deception and coercion - hers - isn't a recipe for success. As the book ended, it felt like he'd once again be railroaded by a woman more determined and forceful than he could ever be. I pitied his twin 6yo sons.
It's a decent if stone-cold-emotionally, tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is my honest feedback based on my reading the story.
It is always nice to read a 5 star book but rounding up the year with one at almost the last day is an exquisite feeling.
I devoured the story and honestly, this book left me emotionally wrung out in the best possible way. Caroline knows exactly how to drag a reader into the dark and keep them there, heart racing, nerves shredded, unable to look away. From the opening pages there is a sense of unease that never lets up, the kind that seeps under your skin and stays with you long after you close the book.
Detective Elea Baker is a phenomenal lead, Raw, Damaged, Driven and painfully Human. Ten years after her daughter vanished, Elea is still living in the aftermath of that harrowing loss and Caroline captures that grief with devastating authenticity. When echoes of the past begin to surface in a new investigation, the case becomes deeply personal, blurring the line between duty and obsession. Watching Elea navigate that emotional minefield while trying to stay sharp as a detective was gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The atmosphere in this novel is outstanding. The cold is almost a supporting character, mirroring the isolation, fear and silence surrounding missing children. The pacing is sharp, switching perspectives at the right moments to keep the tension high. Every chapter ends with a sense of dread or urgency that makes it impossible to stop reading. This is the kind of book where you tell yourself just one more chapter and suddenly it is dawn.
And then there are the twists. Every time, I had a handle on where the story was going, Caroline managed to pull another fast one. Each reveal is earned, unsettling and emotionally charged, forcing you to reassess everything you thought you understood about the case and the characters involved.
This is a five star read for me without hesitation. Dark, tense and deeply emotional, The Ice Angels delivers both a chilling mystery and a powerful exploration of loss, hope, and the lengths a mother will go to for the truth. Caroline Mitchell has absolutely cemented herself in my fav author list. and I cannot wait to see where Detective Elea Baker goes next.
It is always nice to read a 5 star book but rounding up the year with one at almost the last day is an exquisite feeling.
I devoured the story and honestly, this book left me emotionally wrung out in the best possible way. Caroline knows exactly how to drag a reader into the dark and keep them there, heart racing, nerves shredded, unable to look away. From the opening pages there is a sense of unease that never lets up, the kind that seeps under your skin and stays with you long after you close the book.
Detective Elea Baker is a phenomenal lead, Raw, Damaged, Driven and painfully Human. Ten years after her daughter vanished, Elea is still living in the aftermath of that harrowing loss and Caroline captures that grief with devastating authenticity. When echoes of the past begin to surface in a new investigation, the case becomes deeply personal, blurring the line between duty and obsession. Watching Elea navigate that emotional minefield while trying to stay sharp as a detective was gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The atmosphere in this novel is outstanding. The cold is almost a supporting character, mirroring the isolation, fear and silence surrounding missing children. The pacing is sharp, switching perspectives at the right moments to keep the tension high. Every chapter ends with a sense of dread or urgency that makes it impossible to stop reading. This is the kind of book where you tell yourself just one more chapter and suddenly it is dawn.
And then there are the twists. Every time, I had a handle on where the story was going, Caroline managed to pull another fast one. Each reveal is earned, unsettling and emotionally charged, forcing you to reassess everything you thought you understood about the case and the characters involved.
This is a five star read for me without hesitation. Dark, tense and deeply emotional, The Ice Angels delivers both a chilling mystery and a powerful exploration of loss, hope, and the lengths a mother will go to for the truth. Caroline Mitchell has absolutely cemented herself in my fav author list. and I cannot wait to see where Detective Elea Baker goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely love to read books that are set in places that are familiar to me. I've lived around twenty minutes away from Lincoln for my entire life and was really excited to discover that Caroline Mitchell's new crime series was set there. It really adds a depth when you recognise the settings, being able to actually picture the place as you read. Don't worry if you've never been to Lincoln though, I can promise you that it's a great read and the author conjures up the places so well.
There’s something immediately arresting about The Ice Angels, and it is not just the biting cold that seeps from the page. From the opening chapters, this is a story that looks at grief, loss and the kind of emotional scars that never quite heal.
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter vanished in Finland. Now, in Lincoln, Elea has been called by her former partner Swann to help with an investigation as history appears to be repeating itself. Girls are disappearing, and when one is discovered on the cathedral steps with a chilling link to the past, Elea is forced to confront the nightmare that has been her life for years.
This is a dark, atmospheric thriller, beautifully layered with emotional depth. The author excels at characterisation, Elea is flawed, raw and utterly believable, driven as much by guilt and grief as by justice. Her pain feels real.
The Finnish scenes are particularly striking. The cold is almost a character in its own right, creeping under your skin and tightening the tension with every page. I could practically feel the frost forming as the narrative moves between past and present, slowly knitting together the mystery.
The pacing does occasionally ease, and this allows the emotional threads to sink in. However, the story never loses its grip. There are twists, dark turns and moments that really unsettled me, with a strong sense of place and a feeling of dread that keeps you reading 'just one more chapter'.
The Ice Angels is an impressive start to a new series. Chilling, emotional and thoughtfully constructed, it is both a gripping mystery and a haunting exploration of a mother’s love. Dark crime readers are in very safe hands here, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
There’s something immediately arresting about The Ice Angels, and it is not just the biting cold that seeps from the page. From the opening chapters, this is a story that looks at grief, loss and the kind of emotional scars that never quite heal.
Ten years ago, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter vanished in Finland. Now, in Lincoln, Elea has been called by her former partner Swann to help with an investigation as history appears to be repeating itself. Girls are disappearing, and when one is discovered on the cathedral steps with a chilling link to the past, Elea is forced to confront the nightmare that has been her life for years.
This is a dark, atmospheric thriller, beautifully layered with emotional depth. The author excels at characterisation, Elea is flawed, raw and utterly believable, driven as much by guilt and grief as by justice. Her pain feels real.
The Finnish scenes are particularly striking. The cold is almost a character in its own right, creeping under your skin and tightening the tension with every page. I could practically feel the frost forming as the narrative moves between past and present, slowly knitting together the mystery.
The pacing does occasionally ease, and this allows the emotional threads to sink in. However, the story never loses its grip. There are twists, dark turns and moments that really unsettled me, with a strong sense of place and a feeling of dread that keeps you reading 'just one more chapter'.
The Ice Angels is an impressive start to a new series. Chilling, emotional and thoughtfully constructed, it is both a gripping mystery and a haunting exploration of a mother’s love. Dark crime readers are in very safe hands here, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
January 18, 2026
The Ice Angels is the first in a new series featuring Finnish Detective Elea Baker - and what a start it is! This is not only an atmospheric and dark police procedural but also a truly emotional read - the two elements are skillfully combined to create a truly compelling read.
Ten years after Elea's daughter Liisa went missing in Finland, she is asked to help investigate the disappearance of three girls in Lincoln, in a case that bears striking similarities to her own's daughter's disappearance. Elea is determined to solve the case, not least because she believes it could lead her to Liisa, who she firmly believes is still alive. But getting involved is not without its complications - the investigation in Lincoln is headed up by her ex-husband DI Robert Swann - and despite their separation, their relationship remains a complex one.
Moving between Lincoln and Finland, the story moves from past and present, as the investigation unfolds and we also begin to learn what happened to Liisa told from her own point of view.
It's a dark and gripping story, with the author's police background adding authenticity to the narrative, and the Finnish backdrop adding an atmospheric and chilling element. The tension never lets up and there are some genuine heart in mouth moments, as well as some real surprises.
But it is the human element and strong characterisation that sets this book apart from other similar reads. Elea is very much brought to life as she juggles being a mother dealing with the worst thing imaginable - losing a child - with her professional responsibilities. Broken but unbowed, she has never given up hope of Liisa being found alive and it is this that drives her. It is impossible not to both feel for her and root for her - and forgive some of her more unorthodox methods, even when it falls to Swann to rein her in. And their relationship is a fascinating one, with undoubted chemistry but so much baggage.
This was the perfect start to a series - a gripping and emotionally charged mystery, flawlessly executed right to it's final pages, and a set of characters I want to hear more from. Roll on book two!
Ten years after Elea's daughter Liisa went missing in Finland, she is asked to help investigate the disappearance of three girls in Lincoln, in a case that bears striking similarities to her own's daughter's disappearance. Elea is determined to solve the case, not least because she believes it could lead her to Liisa, who she firmly believes is still alive. But getting involved is not without its complications - the investigation in Lincoln is headed up by her ex-husband DI Robert Swann - and despite their separation, their relationship remains a complex one.
Moving between Lincoln and Finland, the story moves from past and present, as the investigation unfolds and we also begin to learn what happened to Liisa told from her own point of view.
It's a dark and gripping story, with the author's police background adding authenticity to the narrative, and the Finnish backdrop adding an atmospheric and chilling element. The tension never lets up and there are some genuine heart in mouth moments, as well as some real surprises.
But it is the human element and strong characterisation that sets this book apart from other similar reads. Elea is very much brought to life as she juggles being a mother dealing with the worst thing imaginable - losing a child - with her professional responsibilities. Broken but unbowed, she has never given up hope of Liisa being found alive and it is this that drives her. It is impossible not to both feel for her and root for her - and forgive some of her more unorthodox methods, even when it falls to Swann to rein her in. And their relationship is a fascinating one, with undoubted chemistry but so much baggage.
This was the perfect start to a series - a gripping and emotionally charged mystery, flawlessly executed right to it's final pages, and a set of characters I want to hear more from. Roll on book two!
November 15, 2025
📚The Ice Angels
✍🏻Caroline Mitchell
Blurb:
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
My Thoughts:
The Ice Angels, I read it in one sitting, i't sure a page turner, addictive, dark and twisty. Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband. DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, I would recommend this to those that enjoy thriller and mystery. add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Diversion Books and Author Caroline Mitchell for the complimentary copy of "The Ice Angels" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DiversionBooks
#CarolineMitchell
#TheIceAngels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Caroline Mitchell
Blurb:
Ten years ago, in the depths of the Finnish winter, Detective Elea Baker’s daughter was taken—and never found.
Now, in the quiet streets of Lincoln, girls are disappearing again. When one is found on the cathedral steps, clutching a chilling clue linked to the decade-old abduction, there’s only one person who can solve the Elea.
Dragged back into her nightmare, she’s determined to bring her daughter home this time—no matter the cost.
But is she chasing a ghost, or on the verge of uncovering a truth that will shatter everything?
My Thoughts:
The Ice Angels, I read it in one sitting, i't sure a page turner, addictive, dark and twisty. Detective Elea Baker daughter was kidnapped and never found.years later young girls started to disappear in the same way as her daughter she is asked to help with the case with her ex husband. DI Robert Swann, the husband who separated from Elea but still has deeply rooted feelings for her. Mitchell expertly blends the suspense and mystery of the two different cases with the human drama around Elea and Swann’s relationship and the impact of the trauma of Liisa’s disappearance.
Somehow, Swann and Baker are able to work on this case even though they are still technically married. That's right, Elea's missing daughter caused them to grow so close that they started a personal relationship. That's in the past, but not really, because of course, they still have a connection even though Swann has a new family and Elea won't agree to a divorce. The story's told in multiple perspectives, and one of them gives the reader an inside look at the cases. There's a surprising twist towards the end, I would recommend this to those that enjoy thriller and mystery. add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Diversion Books and Author Caroline Mitchell for the complimentary copy of "The Ice Angels" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DiversionBooks
#CarolineMitchell
#TheIceAngels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 18, 2025
In this book we meet Det Elea Baker who, ten years ago, was devastated when her daughter, Liisa, disappeared whilst walking home from school in Finland, never to be seen again, her case going cold.
Back in the present, we catch up with her as she has been co-opted to the Lincoln constabulary, once again teaming up with DI Robert Swann who worked with Elea back in Finland, is still married to her, and is now settled n the UK with a family of his own, even though he still has feelings for Elea, and they have yet to divorce. It's all a bit convoluted but it does all make sense...
Anyway, Elea is now in Lincoln, working on the investigation of the serial abduction of schoolgirls in ways that are eerily similar to the ones in Finland 10 years ago so she is there as a special adviser. Which does put the cat amongst the pigeons as far as Swann and his new partner are concerned.
And she is also pretty reckless as far as working the investigation is concerned. But, sadly for Swann, not enough for the powers that be to pull the plug and, instead, he is deemed to be wholly responsible for her. So, it's all going on and we haven't even touched on the actual case in question yet! And boy is that a doozy, and although I did have a bit of an inkling about something, I was never totally convinced... but I'll leave you to discover all that for yourself.
And I also didn't really like Elea if I'm honest. I do understand why she is assisting the Lincoln police but also I'm not sure about the personal involvement, especially when key evidence is found. But, it's all part of the overall story, and it also looks like it is the start of a new series. But I've been here before and learned to love a character I initially disliked so...
And, with the way the book eventually ended, there's a glimmer of hope...
All in all, a reasonably solid series opener which ticked most of my boxes and left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Back in the present, we catch up with her as she has been co-opted to the Lincoln constabulary, once again teaming up with DI Robert Swann who worked with Elea back in Finland, is still married to her, and is now settled n the UK with a family of his own, even though he still has feelings for Elea, and they have yet to divorce. It's all a bit convoluted but it does all make sense...
Anyway, Elea is now in Lincoln, working on the investigation of the serial abduction of schoolgirls in ways that are eerily similar to the ones in Finland 10 years ago so she is there as a special adviser. Which does put the cat amongst the pigeons as far as Swann and his new partner are concerned.
And she is also pretty reckless as far as working the investigation is concerned. But, sadly for Swann, not enough for the powers that be to pull the plug and, instead, he is deemed to be wholly responsible for her. So, it's all going on and we haven't even touched on the actual case in question yet! And boy is that a doozy, and although I did have a bit of an inkling about something, I was never totally convinced... but I'll leave you to discover all that for yourself.
And I also didn't really like Elea if I'm honest. I do understand why she is assisting the Lincoln police but also I'm not sure about the personal involvement, especially when key evidence is found. But, it's all part of the overall story, and it also looks like it is the start of a new series. But I've been here before and learned to love a character I initially disliked so...
And, with the way the book eventually ended, there's a glimmer of hope...
All in all, a reasonably solid series opener which ticked most of my boxes and left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 14, 2025
Three girls. Winter. Broad daylight.
From the desk of a former police detective comes The Ice Angels...
A masterful dark procedural novel that makes you flinch with intensity but also then spins around and hits you with a wave of deep emotions...then place this mystery/ thriller at the top of your to-be-read list in 2026, because this will hit every single thing that you want in a novel like this.
Elea's daughter was one that went missing. So, when children begin to disappear again in Lincoln in a similar fashion... she is called to head the special force that is in charge of investigating these appearances in the UK. However, an interesting touch is brought to the case when she finds out that this investigatory force is being headed up by none other than DI Robert Swann.... an ex-husband of hers who still harbors feelings for Elea....Caroline does a masterful job of revealing the details of this relationship, while also blending it into how it affects their work together during this investigation....
Mitchell switches almost effortless from glimpses of the present, then glimpses of the past into Elea's daughter before her disappearance, blending trauma, past relationships, and raw human emotions into the suspense and mystery... only adding another layer of fantastic depth to this already amazing novel. The plot gripped me, but seeing the way the characters reacted, their relationships, their emotions... and things through their eyes was what really made this novel for me.
(We will not mention Chapter 62... because oh... my...)
The choosing of this novel in an icy area of Finland only added to the haunting, ethereal, and chilling vibes of this book that has me grasping fingers for the next...
Thank you to Netgalley, and Diversion Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
From the desk of a former police detective comes The Ice Angels...
A masterful dark procedural novel that makes you flinch with intensity but also then spins around and hits you with a wave of deep emotions...then place this mystery/ thriller at the top of your to-be-read list in 2026, because this will hit every single thing that you want in a novel like this.
Elea's daughter was one that went missing. So, when children begin to disappear again in Lincoln in a similar fashion... she is called to head the special force that is in charge of investigating these appearances in the UK. However, an interesting touch is brought to the case when she finds out that this investigatory force is being headed up by none other than DI Robert Swann.... an ex-husband of hers who still harbors feelings for Elea....Caroline does a masterful job of revealing the details of this relationship, while also blending it into how it affects their work together during this investigation....
Mitchell switches almost effortless from glimpses of the present, then glimpses of the past into Elea's daughter before her disappearance, blending trauma, past relationships, and raw human emotions into the suspense and mystery... only adding another layer of fantastic depth to this already amazing novel. The plot gripped me, but seeing the way the characters reacted, their relationships, their emotions... and things through their eyes was what really made this novel for me.
(We will not mention Chapter 62... because oh... my...)
The choosing of this novel in an icy area of Finland only added to the haunting, ethereal, and chilling vibes of this book that has me grasping fingers for the next...
Thank you to Netgalley, and Diversion Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
![[image error]](https://melovebooks.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/brtheiceangels.jpg){kind=link}
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this one with a really open mind, but it didn’t take long for me to feel properly drawn in. What hooked me first was the sense that this wasn’t going to be a standard crime read. The link to Finland immediately gave it a different atmosphere, and I loved how that colder, more remote setting seeped into the mood of the story. It felt fresh, and that alone made me want to keep turning the pages.
I connected quickly with Elea. There was something quietly compelling about her, and I liked how she was written with enough depth to feel real without being overworked. The wider team also stood out to me. Everyone felt distinct, and I never struggled to remember who was who or why they mattered, which says a lot. I especially enjoyed how the two investigations slowly began to weave together. Watching the threads align was satisfying, and it gave the story a steady sense of momentum without feeling rushed.
I did manage to guess some of what was coming, but it genuinely didn’t spoil my enjoyment. In fact, it almost added to it, as I was keen to see how everything would play out and whether my instincts were right. The emotional balance worked well for me, too. By the time I reached the end, I felt both a sense of sadness and a feeling of warmth, which isn’t always easy to achieve in this genre. It wrapped things up in a way that felt earned rather than forced.
What really struck me, though, was how fully realised the characters were. They felt too well-developed to exist in just one book, and I’m really hoping this marks the beginning of something longer. I’d happily spend more time with this team, and it feels like there’s plenty of room for their stories to continue and deepen.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read that offered something slightly different while still delivering on what I look for in a crime novel. If this does turn into a series, I’ll definitely be back for the next one.
I connected quickly with Elea. There was something quietly compelling about her, and I liked how she was written with enough depth to feel real without being overworked. The wider team also stood out to me. Everyone felt distinct, and I never struggled to remember who was who or why they mattered, which says a lot. I especially enjoyed how the two investigations slowly began to weave together. Watching the threads align was satisfying, and it gave the story a steady sense of momentum without feeling rushed.
I did manage to guess some of what was coming, but it genuinely didn’t spoil my enjoyment. In fact, it almost added to it, as I was keen to see how everything would play out and whether my instincts were right. The emotional balance worked well for me, too. By the time I reached the end, I felt both a sense of sadness and a feeling of warmth, which isn’t always easy to achieve in this genre. It wrapped things up in a way that felt earned rather than forced.
What really struck me, though, was how fully realised the characters were. They felt too well-developed to exist in just one book, and I’m really hoping this marks the beginning of something longer. I’d happily spend more time with this team, and it feels like there’s plenty of room for their stories to continue and deepen.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read that offered something slightly different while still delivering on what I look for in a crime novel. If this does turn into a series, I’ll definitely be back for the next one.
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