Winter's Reckoning: A Suspense and Crime Thriller

by Dan Padavona

The past never stays buried. Sometimes it comes back to kill.

Private investigator Chelsey Shepherd thought she'd left her darkest days behind her.

But when young women across Nightshade County start dying in apparent suicides, each clutching pages from Chelsey's confidential therapy records, her world crumbles.

Someone knows her most vulnerable moments. Someone has weaponized her pain.

As Sheriff Thomas Shepherd races to protect his wife, his unique mind spots a chilling pattern the killer wants hidden.

But this isn't just about murder. It's about destroying Chelsey's reputation, her business, and her sanity.

Thomas comes to a terrifying Chelsey Shepherd is either the perfect scapegoat...or the perfect killer.

The deeper he digs, the more twisted the truth becomes.

Some reckonings are worth killing for.

In this heart-pounding thriller, Amazon bestselling thriller author Dan Padavona delivers a gripping tale of psychological manipulation, buried secrets, and the dangerous price of survival. Perfect for fans of domestic suspense and police procedurals with strong female leads.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

About the author

Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Reckoning - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Sheriff's wife Chelsey Shepherd's troubled past comes back to haunt her in Winter's Reckoning by Dan Padavona, as it links her to two shocking murders.
When the killer taunts her and threatens harm to her loved ones, Scout Mourning steps in to help catch the twisted killer...but what secret is she keeping from her Mom?
Full of tension, danger, secrets and lies, Winter's Reckoning will grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, and have you gasping in shock at the final deadly reveal.

Grab your copy today and make sure you lock all your doors and windows before you start reading!

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whole gang involved, I didn't see that ending coming.

[Charles E. Kochan Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had the honor of finishing an advanced reader copy of Dan Padavona’s latest release in the Wolf Lake series. This entry finds a familiar team of characters including Thomas Shepherd, the sheriff of Wolf Lake with Asperger’s that actually helps hone his skills to laser focus, his wife Chelsey, Scout and LeVar and many others. If you have read back in the series, these characters will be familiar and it is nice to see how they have been developing over time. In this entry, a series of what looks like suicides are seen by Thomas as homicides, especially when confidential clinical notes from his wife’s therapist are found at the scenes, implicating Chelsey as a murder suspect. Hers and Thomas’s careers are threatened as public opinion is growing against them, and death threats from the killer appear. The ending builds up to a heart pounding climax and a high speed race on snowy roads against time. It is ideal to have read at least a few books back in the series, as the author cleverly brings details from prior entries into this book, with a key piece of the puzzle revealed near the end. And just when we think the end is reached, a secondary story emerges involving Raven, another well developed character. Enjoy the book, I certainly did.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion if you are a Dan Padavona fan you will not be disappointed. I sat on the edge of my seat turning the pages, I couldn't put it down. There was suspense, mystery, action, secrets, family, love and trust. Yes, it was full of a lot of things. I absolutely loved Winter's Reckoning. I knew who was behind everything from beginning, just one statement told me everything. Most readers would not catch it. With all the secrets coming out everybody still had each others backs. The end did bring tears to my eyes. I love how all the characters are growing and progressing. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read book and series!

There is only one thing about this series that I really don't like..... when the story ends. I absolutely love this series, as well as Scout's own series, and I'm always looking forward to the next release in both of the series! With awesome characters, humor, drama, mystery, suspense, intriguing and unexpected twists, it's a definite must read that you won't want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Enjoy this book.

I sat by the fireplace and listened to the author tell me a good story that was a fun read. I usually read my own material, but having the author read it to me while wearing sound blocking head phones was a good experience. Now I have to go back and pick up th stories I have missed. Well according to the ground hog I've got another six weeks to get caught up.

[Mike G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love-hate relationship with the Wolf Lake books. This read was quick and the story compelling, but I hope this is the last Chelsey-centric installment for some time. I personally find her character insufferable, and I believe it's time to move beyond stereotypes—black hairstyles are diverse, and braids are just one option.

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Can't believe this is the 24th book. Goes to show what happens when a great series is happening. Always lots of intrigue with all the moving scenarios and the many people involved. I always look forward to when a new book is coming out

[Rose Talja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different types of families

This book shows how some people want revenge and how some people come together. No matter if they are related or not they come together and become family to help each other and themselves

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

I loved this "episode" in the Wolf Lake series (book # 24) and I can't wait to read the next one!