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Bite Back #4.3
The Biting Cold
A grief so deep, she was lost. A love so strong, she was found.What price would you pay?Dr. Amanda Lloyd, a dying psychiatrist, is desperate to give the only testimony that will keep the criminal mastermind of a human trafficking network in jail. She can’t spare time for the handsome patient who claims to be a vampire. Unless what he offers her is exactly what she needs…
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2015
86 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
43 books362 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 19, 2019
Audiobook just released. I'm up for that. 03/05/19
Dr. Amanda Lloyd is a psychiatrist who can't remember anything before a year ago and with a terminal illness that gives her only a few weeks to live she has no future. All she has is the now.
One patient who claims to be an Athanate who is over 200 years old, and one court case in which a sociopath will walk free but for her testimony, if she can live long enough to give it.
The Biting Cold is a very quick short story introducing characters who will appear in future Amber Farrell books. There isn't much to this book, coming in at just over 80 pages how can there be, but it's an entertaining quick read and well worth the effort for those who are reading the Amber Farrell books.
It doesn't even matter when you read it. These characters have not at this stage met Amber Farrell so the book could fit in anywhere within the series as it stands.
I rarely rate short stories higher than 3 Stars. There just isn't enough to them, but this fits neatly into the world of Amber Farrell so a lot of the ground work has been done for it. For that reason alone I'm rating it 4 Stars but if you haven't read the Amber Farrell books (which you should have BTW) and you're reading this as a stand-alone, pretend my rating is 3 Stars.
Dr. Amanda Lloyd is a psychiatrist who can't remember anything before a year ago and with a terminal illness that gives her only a few weeks to live she has no future. All she has is the now.
One patient who claims to be an Athanate who is over 200 years old, and one court case in which a sociopath will walk free but for her testimony, if she can live long enough to give it.
The Biting Cold is a very quick short story introducing characters who will appear in future Amber Farrell books. There isn't much to this book, coming in at just over 80 pages how can there be, but it's an entertaining quick read and well worth the effort for those who are reading the Amber Farrell books.
It doesn't even matter when you read it. These characters have not at this stage met Amber Farrell so the book could fit in anywhere within the series as it stands.
I rarely rate short stories higher than 3 Stars. There just isn't enough to them, but this fits neatly into the world of Amber Farrell so a lot of the ground work has been done for it. For that reason alone I'm rating it 4 Stars but if you haven't read the Amber Farrell books (which you should have BTW) and you're reading this as a stand-alone, pretend my rating is 3 Stars.
August 17, 2015
"I'm a sucker for a good short story"
Amanda Lloyd has only a few months left to live. She has one important task to perform. She needs to testify against an evil gangster who has been trafficking women for sex. Her testimony as a psychiatrist is vital in order to ensure he stands trial and does not escape justice on a technicality. One of her final patients before the hearing is Scott, a handsome man who in their first session claims to be a vampire. Subsequent meetings reveal more layers of the clove of garlic. The tension mounts as the hearing approaches. There's an awful lot at stake. Once again Mark Henwick has delivered a first-class piece of writing. Short on pages it may be; but it’s high on quality.
Amanda Lloyd has only a few months left to live. She has one important task to perform. She needs to testify against an evil gangster who has been trafficking women for sex. Her testimony as a psychiatrist is vital in order to ensure he stands trial and does not escape justice on a technicality. One of her final patients before the hearing is Scott, a handsome man who in their first session claims to be a vampire. Subsequent meetings reveal more layers of the clove of garlic. The tension mounts as the hearing approaches. There's an awful lot at stake. Once again Mark Henwick has delivered a first-class piece of writing. Short on pages it may be; but it’s high on quality.
April 12, 2017
Wow…I really liked this novella, and will definitely be reading more of the Athanate (vampire) world. This was a very well-written story of Dr. Amanda Lloyd - who has a major memory issue - and her new mysterious (and hot) patient Scott, who believes that he is a vampire. Along with their unfolding friendship/relationship and a debilitating illness, there is also a bit of court drama, with everything merging to a satisfying conclusion.
According to the author, this book is part of his urban fantasy series, Bite Back. There will be a sequel to The Biting Cold, which will integrate Manda and Scott’s story with the Bite Back series.
I’m looking forward to reading them all! 4.5 stars!
According to the author, this book is part of his urban fantasy series, Bite Back. There will be a sequel to The Biting Cold, which will integrate Manda and Scott’s story with the Bite Back series.
I’m looking forward to reading them all! 4.5 stars!
October 10, 2017
I hugely enjoyed this trip into the Athanate world with a different set of characters. You could read this book without having read any other of the books from this world as it introduces the idea of the Athanate from Amanda's perspective. Her discovery of the world, from the very unique viewpoint that she has, is maybe not what you would be expecting if you had not read any of this author's work before. With twists, intrigue and many things left unsaid, as I have come to expect from this author, is as always a brilliant read and in fact a great starting place for his work. As always a first class story which totally captured my imagination and I can't wait to hear more about these characters.
October 31, 2017
There’s a lot to admire in this creepy, intriguing quasi-vampire novella. I particularly enjoyed the way it unpacks a suitcase full of backstory, gives hints at a wider mythology, all while being an intimate chamber piece. There are two characters essentially – well, two characters who matter anyway – and the story works hard to make us care about them, while at the same time propelling the narrative forward and filling us in on everything that’s gone before.
I read it on the Kindle so it’s impossible for me to say its length for sure, but it’s easily less than a hundred pages. To fit so much in to such a small space feels like a trick performed by an old time magician.
A man goes to see a therapist with the belief that he’s a vampire, but she has her own issues she’s dealing with – but are her problems somehow wrapped up in his? If that wasn’t enough, in the background there’s a trial of a dangerous murder suspect and various other skulduggeries.
There’s a whole series of Athanate books, and I think Henwick has piqued my interest enough that I’ll check them out.
I read it on the Kindle so it’s impossible for me to say its length for sure, but it’s easily less than a hundred pages. To fit so much in to such a small space feels like a trick performed by an old time magician.
A man goes to see a therapist with the belief that he’s a vampire, but she has her own issues she’s dealing with – but are her problems somehow wrapped up in his? If that wasn’t enough, in the background there’s a trial of a dangerous murder suspect and various other skulduggeries.
There’s a whole series of Athanate books, and I think Henwick has piqued my interest enough that I’ll check them out.
February 17, 2018
Totally not what I was first expecting. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella set in the same world. It was a nice and different insight. I read the follow-up right after I finished this one.
August 15, 2015
Interesting, but not the best in the series.
Doesn't hv the "bite" of the other books in the Athanate series. Characters were somewhat boring, storyline prodded along, too verbose. The denouement was surprising, however.
Doesn't hv the "bite" of the other books in the Athanate series. Characters were somewhat boring, storyline prodded along, too verbose. The denouement was surprising, however.
August 10, 2022
Wow! I am a huge fan of Wordsmith Mark Henwick’s work and I love his Bite Back series. I felt it a natural progression to read Mark’s related series Bite Back: Outsiders. I am so glad I did. The Biting Cold is a gripping story that held my attention from beginning to end and I was completely surprised by said ending! I highly recommend it.
Please note this book contains a steamy scene.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Please note this book contains a steamy scene.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
March 8, 2021
This is a book I read out of position. It was excellent but very short. It works as a mystery.
September 4, 2022
Loved the outsider story.
October 1, 2025
Interesting concept
The short novella is an interesting concept of a romance that spands over a century or more and how injury comes to us all, even Vampires
The short novella is an interesting concept of a romance that spands over a century or more and how injury comes to us all, even Vampires
April 24, 2020
Wow. Just wow. More!!
June 8, 2025
Wow what a rush
Indonesia normally read novellas as they seem pale compared to the main novel, but wow didn't his one pack a punch. Totally outside the main storyline but totally inside the world I loved every page thank you 😊
Indonesia normally read novellas as they seem pale compared to the main novel, but wow didn't his one pack a punch. Totally outside the main storyline but totally inside the world I loved every page thank you 😊
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this.
Totally different than the Amber Farrell series. Not any action or fighting. Everything is surrounding a psychologist & Scott. Scott is a hot vampire who seeks the psychologist out for therapy. Of course she doesn't believe him. If her memory was in tact she would have. However, she was in an accident & woke up with no memory of anything. She had to dig through her belongings to figure out who she was. What was weirder was she had ID for someone else but it was her picture. She figured out where she worked & pretended everything was fine. After a year in walks Scott asking to see her specifically. She had been told she was dying by then & had a few months to live. She was also a consultant for a court case on a man who traffics women. He was trying to get out of jail with an insanity plea. She was determined to make sure he didn't. He had someone damage her car & send threatening letters. That is just the start of it.
Totally different than the Amber Farrell series. Not any action or fighting. Everything is surrounding a psychologist & Scott. Scott is a hot vampire who seeks the psychologist out for therapy. Of course she doesn't believe him. If her memory was in tact she would have. However, she was in an accident & woke up with no memory of anything. She had to dig through her belongings to figure out who she was. What was weirder was she had ID for someone else but it was her picture. She figured out where she worked & pretended everything was fine. After a year in walks Scott asking to see her specifically. She had been told she was dying by then & had a few months to live. She was also a consultant for a court case on a man who traffics women. He was trying to get out of jail with an insanity plea. She was determined to make sure he didn't. He had someone damage her car & send threatening letters. That is just the start of it.
February 18, 2025
Awesome!
SO well written with that crazy ending! Unbelievable! Mark is extremely talented and it seems he thoroughly researches his characters and backgrounds as this was filled with technical knowledge that an average person would not have! Well done!
>^..^<
SO well written with that crazy ending! Unbelievable! Mark is extremely talented and it seems he thoroughly researches his characters and backgrounds as this was filled with technical knowledge that an average person would not have! Well done!
>^..^<
August 11, 2015
Absolute pleasure
In the very interesting world of the Athanate, a superb short story by a great writer. Five big stars. One of my all time most enjoyable writers at his best.
In the very interesting world of the Athanate, a superb short story by a great writer. Five big stars. One of my all time most enjoyable writers at his best.
August 14, 2015
Too short.
August 28, 2015
The Biting Cold is very different from Amber's series with less action and more character driven story. I liked it! I look forward to book #2 and the tie-in to the main series.
September 12, 2015
Boring
It takes forever to get to the point . The story is all over the place . Four scenes were full.
It takes forever to get to the point . The story is all over the place . Four scenes were full.
February 1, 2016
I see what you did there
June 14, 2016
Interesting story. Enjoyed the style using introspection to look into Amanda's life. Could see the end coming but not what Mr. Scott was.
June 16, 2025
Interesting take on a character we've recently met
So, I wasn't sure how such a short novella on Amanda would turn out but I gave it a go.
I'll be curious to see if we find out "what" broke her memories.
So, I wasn't sure how such a short novella on Amanda would turn out but I gave it a go.
I'll be curious to see if we find out "what" broke her memories.
July 12, 2024
Not a cup of tea
January 25, 2026
Great book for a quick read. Once I started I could not stop reading. I absolutely loved it. Definitely would recommend it. I'm already working on book two.
September 6, 2022
While i really like the Bite Back series and the world Henwick has built, this side story was not for me.
Whereas the psychiatric angle was interesting i didnt like slow pace of the story. I missed there being any supernatural activity and Amanda as a character was not as interesting as Amber is.
Perhaps this will change in the next short story.
Whereas the psychiatric angle was interesting i didnt like slow pace of the story. I missed there being any supernatural activity and Amanda as a character was not as interesting as Amber is.
Perhaps this will change in the next short story.
August 26, 2015
I wish it was possible to give negative stars. Thankfully it was a very short read.
November 22, 2015
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews