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Tequila Mockingbird #1
Ice Cold Alice
They thought that they had all the power, until she took it from them.
A killer hunts abusive spouses, blogging about their sins post-kill. Soon the murders and the brazen journaling draws the attention of Police Scotland's CID.
This killer works with surgical preparation, precision and skill, using a unique weapon of her own and never leaves a trace of evidence behind.
Edinburgh's DI Kathy McGuire, nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for the murderer as a media frenzy erupts. But McGuire might have met her match…
What has led this killer to take the law into her own hands?
Is the woman accountable really a cold-hearted killer or a desperate vigilante?
Early readers’ reactions:
“Absolutely brilliant book! Read from cover to cover at record speed. I can't wait for more from Tequila! #PressIn.” – Maxine, Booklover Catlady
"This is a great read by Wilson! My only flaw with this story is that there isn’t more!" Sooz, P. Turners Book Blog
“Despite not being my typical fare, this is one of the most viscerally satisfying books I have read in years. From the horrifying beginning to the enticing end, I was hooked all the way through. #PressIn” – Michelle Ruedin, Goodreads reviewer.
“Alice is truly a unique killer. I was cheering her on, and then I felt guilty for doing that. Emotions were all over the place. There are surprises here and there and twists that you never see coming.” – Linda Strong, Top 200 Goodreads reviewer.
"A feminist triumph."
A killer hunts abusive spouses, blogging about their sins post-kill. Soon the murders and the brazen journaling draws the attention of Police Scotland's CID.
This killer works with surgical preparation, precision and skill, using a unique weapon of her own and never leaves a trace of evidence behind.
Edinburgh's DI Kathy McGuire, nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for the murderer as a media frenzy erupts. But McGuire might have met her match…
What has led this killer to take the law into her own hands?
Is the woman accountable really a cold-hearted killer or a desperate vigilante?
Early readers’ reactions:
“Absolutely brilliant book! Read from cover to cover at record speed. I can't wait for more from Tequila! #PressIn.” – Maxine, Booklover Catlady
"This is a great read by Wilson! My only flaw with this story is that there isn’t more!" Sooz, P. Turners Book Blog
“Despite not being my typical fare, this is one of the most viscerally satisfying books I have read in years. From the horrifying beginning to the enticing end, I was hooked all the way through. #PressIn” – Michelle Ruedin, Goodreads reviewer.
“Alice is truly a unique killer. I was cheering her on, and then I felt guilty for doing that. Emotions were all over the place. There are surprises here and there and twists that you never see coming.” – Linda Strong, Top 200 Goodreads reviewer.
"A feminist triumph."
356 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2017
105 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Wilson
3 books80 followersPseudonym for Amazon best-selling Mark Wilson. C.P. Wilson writes psychological thrillers.
Mark Wilson is the Amazon-bestselling author of ten works of fiction and one non-fiction memoir. He also writes Crime Thrillers under the pseudonym, C.P. Wilson
Mark's short story Glass Ceiling won first prize in May, 2015 on Spinetingler's Short story competition and will be included in Ryan Bracha's Twelve Nights at Table Six. dEaDINBURGH reached the quarter finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2014 and is a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2015.
Mark's works include:
Coming of Age - Bobby's Boy.
Psychological Thriller (Novella) - Head Boy.
International Thriller - Naebody's Hero .
Horror novels - dEaDINBURGH: Vantage, dEaDINBURGH: Alliances, dEaDINBURGH: Origins, dEaDINBURGH: Hunted
Satire: On The Seventh Day
Psychological Satire: Wake Up And Smell The Coffin
Autobiography - Paddy's Daddy
As C.P. Wilson:
Psychological Thriller - Ice Cold Alice (Tequila Mockingbird 1) (Bloodhound Books)
Medical Thriller - The Only Truth That Sticks
Psychological Thriller - half the Lies You Tell Are true
Mark's acclaimed Lanarkshire Strays series are standalone novels and feature Mark's home county. Lanarkshire Strays is also available as an omnibus edition.
His novels have been well received and feature Scottish characters and locations.
Mark has several other stories in progress:
Tequila Mockingbird book 2
The Headnet - Sci-Fi Dystopic Nightmare
AMSTERDAMned - Horror
Vesalius - Historical Fiction
Mark currently teaches Biology in a Fife secondary school and is founder of Paddy's Daddy Publishing, a company he set up to assist Scottish authors. He writes in his spare time, in lieu of sleep.
You can visit Mark at markwilsonbooks.com or facebook.com/markwilsonbooks
You can also connect with Mark on twitter: @bellshillwilson
Mark Wilson is the Amazon-bestselling author of ten works of fiction and one non-fiction memoir. He also writes Crime Thrillers under the pseudonym, C.P. Wilson
Mark's short story Glass Ceiling won first prize in May, 2015 on Spinetingler's Short story competition and will be included in Ryan Bracha's Twelve Nights at Table Six. dEaDINBURGH reached the quarter finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2014 and is a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2015.
Mark's works include:
Coming of Age - Bobby's Boy.
Psychological Thriller (Novella) - Head Boy.
International Thriller - Naebody's Hero .
Horror novels - dEaDINBURGH: Vantage, dEaDINBURGH: Alliances, dEaDINBURGH: Origins, dEaDINBURGH: Hunted
Satire: On The Seventh Day
Psychological Satire: Wake Up And Smell The Coffin
Autobiography - Paddy's Daddy
As C.P. Wilson:
Psychological Thriller - Ice Cold Alice (Tequila Mockingbird 1) (Bloodhound Books)
Medical Thriller - The Only Truth That Sticks
Psychological Thriller - half the Lies You Tell Are true
Mark's acclaimed Lanarkshire Strays series are standalone novels and feature Mark's home county. Lanarkshire Strays is also available as an omnibus edition.
His novels have been well received and feature Scottish characters and locations.
Mark has several other stories in progress:
Tequila Mockingbird book 2
The Headnet - Sci-Fi Dystopic Nightmare
AMSTERDAMned - Horror
Vesalius - Historical Fiction
Mark currently teaches Biology in a Fife secondary school and is founder of Paddy's Daddy Publishing, a company he set up to assist Scottish authors. He writes in his spare time, in lieu of sleep.
You can visit Mark at markwilsonbooks.com or facebook.com/markwilsonbooks
You can also connect with Mark on twitter: @bellshillwilson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 24, 2024
*Thank you to Paddy's Daddy publishing for supplying me with an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
Alice is an accomplished novelist - she's also an anonymous blogger known as Tequila Mockingbird. And just for the record, she's also a serial killer!
Alice hunts down abusive spouses in order to make them pay for their violence. She's extremely precise, both in terms of her preparation for a kill, and also in the way she carries out the murders. Her anatomical knowledge means she is able to exercise complete surgical precision. This is a lady who knows only too well how to make every single injury that she inflicts count. She also has a completely unique weapon with which to carry out these killings, and something I've never encountered in any other crime, in any other book.
Edinburgh based DI Kathy McGuire is tasked with finding this killer after Tequila Mockingbird's blog becomes something of a phenomenon. After each murder, Tequila likes to let her followers know just what sins her victims have committed. When the world's press pick up on this story, it becomes even more urgent that DI McGuire stop Tequila from carrying out further killings.
We certainly have two strong female characters in Alice/ Tequila and DI McGuire, and it's a race against time as the two work to achieve their own particular outcome. Despite one of them being a serial killer, both manage to elicit some sympathy.
Considering that our female protagonists are on opposite sides of the fence, there is something of a kindred spirit about them. Both are methodical, precise, passionate and determined, and it makes for a great read seeing each side of this case from their own personal perspectives. It was well written, fast paced, and utterly gripping.
I understand that there is to be a follow up later this year, and it'll definitely be on my to read list!
Alice is an accomplished novelist - she's also an anonymous blogger known as Tequila Mockingbird. And just for the record, she's also a serial killer!
Alice hunts down abusive spouses in order to make them pay for their violence. She's extremely precise, both in terms of her preparation for a kill, and also in the way she carries out the murders. Her anatomical knowledge means she is able to exercise complete surgical precision. This is a lady who knows only too well how to make every single injury that she inflicts count. She also has a completely unique weapon with which to carry out these killings, and something I've never encountered in any other crime, in any other book.
Edinburgh based DI Kathy McGuire is tasked with finding this killer after Tequila Mockingbird's blog becomes something of a phenomenon. After each murder, Tequila likes to let her followers know just what sins her victims have committed. When the world's press pick up on this story, it becomes even more urgent that DI McGuire stop Tequila from carrying out further killings.
We certainly have two strong female characters in Alice/ Tequila and DI McGuire, and it's a race against time as the two work to achieve their own particular outcome. Despite one of them being a serial killer, both manage to elicit some sympathy.
Considering that our female protagonists are on opposite sides of the fence, there is something of a kindred spirit about them. Both are methodical, precise, passionate and determined, and it makes for a great read seeing each side of this case from their own personal perspectives. It was well written, fast paced, and utterly gripping.
I understand that there is to be a follow up later this year, and it'll definitely be on my to read list!
March 2, 2018
Alice is an accomplished author also an anonymous blogger known as Tequila Mockingbird,& also would you believe a serial killer who hunts down spouses for torturing their wives she is meticulous in her search & gets a thrill for the hunt, she inflicts unbelievable pain & torture that she inflicts.
DI Kathy McGuire is brought into the case she has her demons & has a hard time getting respect from her male colleagues but is strong & wont back off until she gets what she is looking for, I found this to be a top notch serial killer thriller that will keep you turning the pages it is not for the faint of heart.
I actually loved Tequila Kathy & Alice all were strong protagonist that you could not help but love, I found this a unique premise as the main characters were all female which is a nice change. The murder weapon used was also unexpected put a new spin on things so all in all a fabulous start to this series will be reading no 2 for sure all the stars
DI Kathy McGuire is brought into the case she has her demons & has a hard time getting respect from her male colleagues but is strong & wont back off until she gets what she is looking for, I found this to be a top notch serial killer thriller that will keep you turning the pages it is not for the faint of heart.
I actually loved Tequila Kathy & Alice all were strong protagonist that you could not help but love, I found this a unique premise as the main characters were all female which is a nice change. The murder weapon used was also unexpected put a new spin on things so all in all a fabulous start to this series will be reading no 2 for sure all the stars
March 30, 2018
I was approached by the publishing company of this novel and received a free, electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alice Connelly is a famed novelist but also the relatively unknown blogger known as “Tequila Mockingbird”. “Tequila” studies and seeks out abusive husbands and, after offering their partners an escape route, she kills the husbands in brutal, physical ways and blogs about it. Ultimately, however, her blog draws the attention of DI Kathy McGuire, and McGuire and her team set out to capture the avenging murderer.
“Alice” will appeal to fans of Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons, those die-hard fans of Brit crime fiction. While maintaining its suspenseful plots and murderous twists and turns, Wilson’s novel is also empowering and relevant to ongoing feminism issues in today’s society without being antagonistic or disrespectful to the male gender. Alice seeks out male abusers and exacts revenge, a modern-day avenger seeking to make right the apparent injustice in the justice system and society. Alice herself does not appear to hate men on principle, and in fact has some trustworthy male counterparts that help her along her chosen path.
Both DI McGuire and Alice are strong, passionate female characters, immediately gaining support from the reader. Although Alice is, for all intents and purposes, a murderer, she is still able to generate sympathy from the reader as Alice believes that she is righting what is wrong with the world (and removing some very bad people from it!). McGuire of course, eager to show her intelligence and bravado in her male-dominated career, is also worthy of respect and empathy from the reader- as she deals with balancing her private life with her work life.
The novel was well written and creatively told, and the ending was both satisfying and addictive.
A poignant, powerful novel with a deep message, “Alice” will put fear into the heart of abusers and rally the spirits of readers. She has the spunk to generate a large fan base and I do hope to see more of Alice (and DI McGuire) in the future.
Alice Connelly is a famed novelist but also the relatively unknown blogger known as “Tequila Mockingbird”. “Tequila” studies and seeks out abusive husbands and, after offering their partners an escape route, she kills the husbands in brutal, physical ways and blogs about it. Ultimately, however, her blog draws the attention of DI Kathy McGuire, and McGuire and her team set out to capture the avenging murderer.
“Alice” will appeal to fans of Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons, those die-hard fans of Brit crime fiction. While maintaining its suspenseful plots and murderous twists and turns, Wilson’s novel is also empowering and relevant to ongoing feminism issues in today’s society without being antagonistic or disrespectful to the male gender. Alice seeks out male abusers and exacts revenge, a modern-day avenger seeking to make right the apparent injustice in the justice system and society. Alice herself does not appear to hate men on principle, and in fact has some trustworthy male counterparts that help her along her chosen path.
Both DI McGuire and Alice are strong, passionate female characters, immediately gaining support from the reader. Although Alice is, for all intents and purposes, a murderer, she is still able to generate sympathy from the reader as Alice believes that she is righting what is wrong with the world (and removing some very bad people from it!). McGuire of course, eager to show her intelligence and bravado in her male-dominated career, is also worthy of respect and empathy from the reader- as she deals with balancing her private life with her work life.
The novel was well written and creatively told, and the ending was both satisfying and addictive.
A poignant, powerful novel with a deep message, “Alice” will put fear into the heart of abusers and rally the spirits of readers. She has the spunk to generate a large fan base and I do hope to see more of Alice (and DI McGuire) in the future.
April 26, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Oohh I love a good female serial killer novel, I realize that says…something about me and I’m ok with that! This was a super fast paced read, I think I may even have whiplash now.
The premise of this immediately caught my attention, as I already mentioned I love a female serial killer and combine that with a clever social media angle and I’m all in. Alice chronicles all of her kills on her blog, and at first, it garners little attention. When a celebrity shares one of her posts on twitter, it goes viral and her following grows exponentially and now the game is really on. This wasn’t full of a bunch of crazy twists, though it did have its fair share of surprises, but instead it was a good old fashioned game of cat and mouse. You have Alice, the vigilante killer targeting abusive spouses and you also have the viewpoint of Kathy, the police officer working the case. It flips back and forth between Now and Then so you see what pushed Alice to her breaking point and you also see Kathy climbing the ranks in the department. These are two strong women who have a lot more in common than you would think.
I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted for a serial killer so hard before, as much as I knew what Alice was doing was very wrong, there is still a sense of justice in her actions. It’s hard to feel bad about the death of a person who abuses their wife and kids. It ended well, but things were also left wide open for a sequel and I’m eager to see what will happen next.
Oohh I love a good female serial killer novel, I realize that says…something about me and I’m ok with that! This was a super fast paced read, I think I may even have whiplash now.
The premise of this immediately caught my attention, as I already mentioned I love a female serial killer and combine that with a clever social media angle and I’m all in. Alice chronicles all of her kills on her blog, and at first, it garners little attention. When a celebrity shares one of her posts on twitter, it goes viral and her following grows exponentially and now the game is really on. This wasn’t full of a bunch of crazy twists, though it did have its fair share of surprises, but instead it was a good old fashioned game of cat and mouse. You have Alice, the vigilante killer targeting abusive spouses and you also have the viewpoint of Kathy, the police officer working the case. It flips back and forth between Now and Then so you see what pushed Alice to her breaking point and you also see Kathy climbing the ranks in the department. These are two strong women who have a lot more in common than you would think.
I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted for a serial killer so hard before, as much as I knew what Alice was doing was very wrong, there is still a sense of justice in her actions. It’s hard to feel bad about the death of a person who abuses their wife and kids. It ended well, but things were also left wide open for a sequel and I’m eager to see what will happen next.
February 28, 2017
Alice is a well-known novelist. She is also an extremely well-organized vigilante killer who writes a blog about her missions under the pseudonym 'Tequila Mockingbird'. Tequila's motivation is to aid those who suffered abuse at the hands of their partners. This includes eliminating the abuser as well as providing for the abused. Her blog draws the attention of the Scottish police in the form of Edinburgh's DI Kathy McGuire. Kathy is a long-serving member of the police force as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. I really enjoyed that we have a more mature, female detective here. Obviously, Alice is somewhat of a morally grey character, but very intriguing. Kudos to Mr Wilson for creating two strong female protagonists who were both totally relatable and believable. Until I realized who was behind the pseudonym C. P. Wilson, I assumed the writer was female.
The story goes back and forth between Now and Then providing the reader with Alice's/Tequila's history as well as Kathy McGuire's back-story relating to her rise through the ranks of the police force as well as glimpses into her private life. This generally worked well and provided a solid understanding of both characters. Mr Wilson succeeded in making me feel empathetic and root for a serial killer. I liked that the author showed how abusive relationships can exist anywhere and are not limited by gender or status. I also really enjoyed the little twists that I hadn't seen coming at all. The concept of the female avenger reminded me of The Huntress/FBI thriller series by Alexandra Sokoloff and I believe if you enjoyed that series, this will also appeal. It's fast-paced and intense but not overly graphic. While there is no cliffhanger, the end leaves room for the sequel which is currently in progress. I look forward to reading it.
With thanks to Paddy's Daddy Publishing for my digital review copy and for providing me with an excellent Scottish psychological thriller! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story goes back and forth between Now and Then providing the reader with Alice's/Tequila's history as well as Kathy McGuire's back-story relating to her rise through the ranks of the police force as well as glimpses into her private life. This generally worked well and provided a solid understanding of both characters. Mr Wilson succeeded in making me feel empathetic and root for a serial killer. I liked that the author showed how abusive relationships can exist anywhere and are not limited by gender or status. I also really enjoyed the little twists that I hadn't seen coming at all. The concept of the female avenger reminded me of The Huntress/FBI thriller series by Alexandra Sokoloff and I believe if you enjoyed that series, this will also appeal. It's fast-paced and intense but not overly graphic. While there is no cliffhanger, the end leaves room for the sequel which is currently in progress. I look forward to reading it.
With thanks to Paddy's Daddy Publishing for my digital review copy and for providing me with an excellent Scottish psychological thriller! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 20, 2017
Tequila Mockingbird hadn’t always been the way she was – circumstances caused the creation of the woman some admired and some hated. But Tequila had a mission and it was one she was determined to take all the way…
Detective Inspector Kathy McGuire had had a prolific and satisfying career – her husband Bobby was an incredibly supportive and loving man while her two children, now grown, were the light of their lives. When Kathy was presented with the evidence that was Tequila, her adrenalin and desire for results meant she was immediately buried in the case.
Tequila’s online journal and subsequent blog had only had a meagre few hundred followers until one particular woman took it onboard, tweeting and re-tweeting until suddenly she had thousands; then millions. Tequila was blown away – suddenly it was all happening; people were becoming aware. But would it continue that way? Tequila could see Scotland police were following her blog, including one DI Kathy McGuire…
Ice Cold Alice by C.P. Wilson (pseudonym for Mark Wilson) is the first in the Tequila Mockingbird series and it’s a mind-blowing experience! Brilliant; fast paced; gruesome (but not graphic); incredibly full-on – Ice Cold Alice is a psychological thriller with bite! I finished it in a matter of hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have no hesitation in recommending Ice Cold Alice highly to fans of the genre, and am keen to see where book #2 goes next.
With thanks to Paddy's Daddy Publishing for my uncorrected digital copy to read and review.
Detective Inspector Kathy McGuire had had a prolific and satisfying career – her husband Bobby was an incredibly supportive and loving man while her two children, now grown, were the light of their lives. When Kathy was presented with the evidence that was Tequila, her adrenalin and desire for results meant she was immediately buried in the case.
Tequila’s online journal and subsequent blog had only had a meagre few hundred followers until one particular woman took it onboard, tweeting and re-tweeting until suddenly she had thousands; then millions. Tequila was blown away – suddenly it was all happening; people were becoming aware. But would it continue that way? Tequila could see Scotland police were following her blog, including one DI Kathy McGuire…
Ice Cold Alice by C.P. Wilson (pseudonym for Mark Wilson) is the first in the Tequila Mockingbird series and it’s a mind-blowing experience! Brilliant; fast paced; gruesome (but not graphic); incredibly full-on – Ice Cold Alice is a psychological thriller with bite! I finished it in a matter of hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have no hesitation in recommending Ice Cold Alice highly to fans of the genre, and am keen to see where book #2 goes next.
With thanks to Paddy's Daddy Publishing for my uncorrected digital copy to read and review.
April 20, 2017
You can call Alice a lot of things ... she's a successful author of many children's books (think J.K. Rowling), she's wealthy, and she has a blog. Of course, she doesn't use her real name for that.. she goes by Tequila Mockingbird. There's a good reason for that.
Alice is a serial killer. She's very good at what she does. According to her blog, she has 17 kills that could be credited to her. She's very picky about who she kills. They are men .. abusive, manipulative, who have no redeeming qualities when it comes to how they treat their wives, girlfriends, daughters...
Anonymously, she offers women a chance to walk away ... she funds them, gives
them new identities .. all they have to do is leave and promise to never return.
Alice promises that the men will never find them, they won't even look for them.
Alice makes the men see how it feel to be helpless, and in pain, with some of the same treatment they have handed out. Alice has learned her trade well. She never leaves a clue, no DNA, and no witnesses.
Alice is truly a unique killer.
The story is told in alternate parts ... one chapter dealing with today, another chapter takes the reader back to before she became a killer. Then there are the cops who eventually connect the dots and realize just what they're dealing with.
I thoroughly got lost in this story. Lots of action with credible characters. Alice makes a great series character.. I found myself thinking of her as a vigilante, then I felt such compassion for her, and then I was cheering her on, and then I felt guilty for doing that. Emotions were all over the place. There are surprises here and there and twists that you never see coming.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Alice is a serial killer. She's very good at what she does. According to her blog, she has 17 kills that could be credited to her. She's very picky about who she kills. They are men .. abusive, manipulative, who have no redeeming qualities when it comes to how they treat their wives, girlfriends, daughters...
Anonymously, she offers women a chance to walk away ... she funds them, gives
them new identities .. all they have to do is leave and promise to never return.
Alice promises that the men will never find them, they won't even look for them.
Alice makes the men see how it feel to be helpless, and in pain, with some of the same treatment they have handed out. Alice has learned her trade well. She never leaves a clue, no DNA, and no witnesses.
Alice is truly a unique killer.
The story is told in alternate parts ... one chapter dealing with today, another chapter takes the reader back to before she became a killer. Then there are the cops who eventually connect the dots and realize just what they're dealing with.
I thoroughly got lost in this story. Lots of action with credible characters. Alice makes a great series character.. I found myself thinking of her as a vigilante, then I felt such compassion for her, and then I was cheering her on, and then I felt guilty for doing that. Emotions were all over the place. There are surprises here and there and twists that you never see coming.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
February 7, 2017
This is a blog posting from Ice Cold Alice about a killer who calls herself Tequila Mockingbird: “Has our casual acceptance of violence against women culminated in the need for a killer who redresses these injustices? Is Tequila a necessary evil?” Tequila stalks abusive spouses. When the time is right, she kills them. Then she writes about it in her blog on the dark web.
C.P. Wilson’s Ice Cold Alice features two strong female characters. The first is the woman who calls herself Tequila. She is a one-woman vigilante reminiscent of Stacy Green’s Lucy Kendall. She believes she is ridding the world of despicable sub-humans and rescuing women and their children from ongoing abuse, even death. The second woman in this story line is DI Kathy McGuire, an efficient, effective police detective who has not gotten the respect she deserves. On top of that, Kath has issues on the home front that many officers with families experience – long hours, stress, and too much time away from her spouse and children. Fortunately, she has a couple of excellent constables working with her.
While the choice of a female avenger is not a new concept, I liked some of the unusual facets, including a unexpected, (brilliant, though improbable) choice of murder weapon. That, and a later surprise about Tequila’s identity were a couple things that I found quite appealing. She also takes her role as defender a step further; she offers the battered person a chance at a new identity and a new life. As much as I hate to admit it, there is something appealing about this character, even though what she is doing is illegal, and most would say, immoral. The author was quite successful in his effort to create a person we could connect with, I felt. As Tequila’s blog gains followers, thousands upon thousands of people applaud what she is doing. However, I was also pulling for her adversary, DI McGuire, who is not only capable, but is also quite likable. She also has the law on her side.
Despite its numerous positives, I had a problem with the format throughout my reading of this book. The narrative shows us the perspective of Tequila as the killer and as her true persona alternating with the perspective of DI McGuire. That didn’t bother me. What did feel awkward and confusing was when the scenes jumped back and forth between “Now” and “Then”. It showed the evolution of Tequila as a champion of victims of abuse, but I found it difficult to follow. I must note that I read this book as an ARC from the author. I’d have preferred smoother transitions in terms of the time frame. My biggest disappointment was that the ending felt rushed. I backtracked twice to see if I had missed something! The result was not unexpected; it simply felt to me that another page or two would have bridged the gap more completely. Since this was a preview copy, I hope that this has been ironed out in the final edition.
Even though those things prevent me from wholeheartedly giving Ice Cold Alice a 4-star rating, I did quite enjoy this book. Wilson plans to come out with another Tequila book sometime in 2017, and I think it will be worth a look. Mr. Wilson, I hope you plan to include Kath McGuire in the sequel as well!
3.5 stars
C.P. Wilson’s Ice Cold Alice features two strong female characters. The first is the woman who calls herself Tequila. She is a one-woman vigilante reminiscent of Stacy Green’s Lucy Kendall. She believes she is ridding the world of despicable sub-humans and rescuing women and their children from ongoing abuse, even death. The second woman in this story line is DI Kathy McGuire, an efficient, effective police detective who has not gotten the respect she deserves. On top of that, Kath has issues on the home front that many officers with families experience – long hours, stress, and too much time away from her spouse and children. Fortunately, she has a couple of excellent constables working with her.
While the choice of a female avenger is not a new concept, I liked some of the unusual facets, including a unexpected, (brilliant, though improbable) choice of murder weapon. That, and a later surprise about Tequila’s identity were a couple things that I found quite appealing. She also takes her role as defender a step further; she offers the battered person a chance at a new identity and a new life. As much as I hate to admit it, there is something appealing about this character, even though what she is doing is illegal, and most would say, immoral. The author was quite successful in his effort to create a person we could connect with, I felt. As Tequila’s blog gains followers, thousands upon thousands of people applaud what she is doing. However, I was also pulling for her adversary, DI McGuire, who is not only capable, but is also quite likable. She also has the law on her side.
Despite its numerous positives, I had a problem with the format throughout my reading of this book. The narrative shows us the perspective of Tequila as the killer and as her true persona alternating with the perspective of DI McGuire. That didn’t bother me. What did feel awkward and confusing was when the scenes jumped back and forth between “Now” and “Then”. It showed the evolution of Tequila as a champion of victims of abuse, but I found it difficult to follow. I must note that I read this book as an ARC from the author. I’d have preferred smoother transitions in terms of the time frame. My biggest disappointment was that the ending felt rushed. I backtracked twice to see if I had missed something! The result was not unexpected; it simply felt to me that another page or two would have bridged the gap more completely. Since this was a preview copy, I hope that this has been ironed out in the final edition.
Even though those things prevent me from wholeheartedly giving Ice Cold Alice a 4-star rating, I did quite enjoy this book. Wilson plans to come out with another Tequila book sometime in 2017, and I think it will be worth a look. Mr. Wilson, I hope you plan to include Kath McGuire in the sequel as well!
3.5 stars
April 21, 2017
I have to start by mentioning the cover for this book as I absolutely love it. It’s so fitting with the story as well as being a total eye catcher.
I’m not to sure what I was expecting after reading the book description but it is actually way more than what I had in mind.
The story flicks between then and now which lets the reader get to know ‘Tequila Mockingbird’ better. The police as well as the public get to know about her murders and the reasoning through her blog and social media. I really loved how the author made the whole story more current in todays world. Social media certainly plays a big part in our lives and it’s good to see it coming through in books.
As much as I could understand why Alice does what she does, it still felt very wrong. She certainly has followers divided. Domestic abuse is an awful crime and anyone who is behind doing it certainly should be punished. As much as the way Alice kills her victims actually thrilled me, as a law abiding citizen, I did feel that she was wrong by killing them and would rather they were locked up and made to suffer for years rather than just a short period of time.
I loved Kathy in the story. She was the main character that really appealed to me. I think it’s because I could relate to her and we were of the same mind set. I have to say when I got to the end I was pleased to see that there is more to come and I for one can’t wait!
Ice Cold Alice is a gripping read that certainly stands out on its own in its genre. I think the author will certainly wow readers with this book and leave them begging for more. Great read and perfect for fans of serial killers who love to be shocked and surprised.
I’m not to sure what I was expecting after reading the book description but it is actually way more than what I had in mind.
The story flicks between then and now which lets the reader get to know ‘Tequila Mockingbird’ better. The police as well as the public get to know about her murders and the reasoning through her blog and social media. I really loved how the author made the whole story more current in todays world. Social media certainly plays a big part in our lives and it’s good to see it coming through in books.
As much as I could understand why Alice does what she does, it still felt very wrong. She certainly has followers divided. Domestic abuse is an awful crime and anyone who is behind doing it certainly should be punished. As much as the way Alice kills her victims actually thrilled me, as a law abiding citizen, I did feel that she was wrong by killing them and would rather they were locked up and made to suffer for years rather than just a short period of time.
I loved Kathy in the story. She was the main character that really appealed to me. I think it’s because I could relate to her and we were of the same mind set. I have to say when I got to the end I was pleased to see that there is more to come and I for one can’t wait!
Ice Cold Alice is a gripping read that certainly stands out on its own in its genre. I think the author will certainly wow readers with this book and leave them begging for more. Great read and perfect for fans of serial killers who love to be shocked and surprised.
June 8, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book! Read from cover to cover at record speed. I can't wait for more from Tequila! #PressIn - This is going to be one hell of a series.
2025 Update. I’m so sad no further books in this series followed this first one as it was so damn good. But read it as a stand-alone as it makes no difference I just wanted more of this!
Female vigilante on a mission. Setting right the wrongs done to women. This is a character that I just loved. I mean she’s bad-ass, her targets need to be taught a lesson and well, she’s just freaking awesome.
The book is brilliantly plotted and paces fast all the way through. If you are in a reading slump this is a great book to break the drought with. Get this one and settle down to be immersed and on a journey that’s a whole lot of excitement.
Absolutely fantastic writing, just loved it. 5 easy stars. If you need a book to hook you in and hold you then you have found it..
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
2025 Update. I’m so sad no further books in this series followed this first one as it was so damn good. But read it as a stand-alone as it makes no difference I just wanted more of this!
Female vigilante on a mission. Setting right the wrongs done to women. This is a character that I just loved. I mean she’s bad-ass, her targets need to be taught a lesson and well, she’s just freaking awesome.
The book is brilliantly plotted and paces fast all the way through. If you are in a reading slump this is a great book to break the drought with. Get this one and settle down to be immersed and on a journey that’s a whole lot of excitement.
Absolutely fantastic writing, just loved it. 5 easy stars. If you need a book to hook you in and hold you then you have found it..
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
April 26, 2017
Ice Cold Alice is the start of a series featuring serial killer Tequila Mockingbird and to be honest I had no idea what to expect when I started the book. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Once I picked it up, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
Brutal, often graphic, and never boring, Ice Cold Alice was a cracking read for me. Keeping up with the current media obsession, the killer stalks abusive victims and kills them and then posts on social media. Initially there is little to no response, but when a prominent figure retweets one of Tequila’s tweets, she finds her notoriety goes stratospheric.
Ice Cold Alice turns into a game of cat and mouse between the killer and those tasked with investigating the murders. DI Kathy McGuire, who is on course to finish up her career, ends up on the case and becomes entangled in Tequila Mockingbird’s twisted web.
I don’t want to say any more as regards the plot. I will say that I highly enjoyed Ice Cold Alice, and upon finishing it I was already eager to read the next installment. Fast-paced, twisty and with plenty of things to keep the reader guessing, Ice Cold Alice is definitely one to pick up if you like your serial killer thrillers!
Highly recommended!
Brutal, often graphic, and never boring, Ice Cold Alice was a cracking read for me. Keeping up with the current media obsession, the killer stalks abusive victims and kills them and then posts on social media. Initially there is little to no response, but when a prominent figure retweets one of Tequila’s tweets, she finds her notoriety goes stratospheric.
Ice Cold Alice turns into a game of cat and mouse between the killer and those tasked with investigating the murders. DI Kathy McGuire, who is on course to finish up her career, ends up on the case and becomes entangled in Tequila Mockingbird’s twisted web.
I don’t want to say any more as regards the plot. I will say that I highly enjoyed Ice Cold Alice, and upon finishing it I was already eager to read the next installment. Fast-paced, twisty and with plenty of things to keep the reader guessing, Ice Cold Alice is definitely one to pick up if you like your serial killer thrillers!
Highly recommended!
April 24, 2017
Sometimes you start reading a book and you stop to check the blurb again because you realise that the book you are reading far outweighs the book you were expecting! And that’s what happened to me here because this book caught me out with a plot and setting that were far superior to anything I could have hoped for. Once I started reading, that was it and this book became like another limb-attached to me permanently! I absolutely loved it!
The plot follows a serial killer who is unlike any murderer around at the moment. Her victims are men who are abusive to their wives and pretty nasty pieces of work they are too. So I found myself actually cheering her on alongside her supporters, followers of her blog and Twitter account (although I have to admit it took me nearly the whole book to get the Tequila Mockingbird pun!!) Now this obviously isn’t great news for the detective who is in charge of finding her, DI Kathy McGuire. Now, if I loved Alice then I just felt such an incredible empathy with Kathy. It was inspiring to have the investigation lead by a woman in her 50s who was also trying to balance her family life with her career, definitely a protagonist I could identify with!
I ran the whole gauntlet of emotions with this one, teetering on the edge of my seat and utterly lost in the drama that was unfolding before me. It moves at speed, delivering satisfactory bursts of tension as the reader encounters the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. A smorgasbord of imperfect characters is presented to us in such a way as to make them not only relatable but also very likeable as you get engrossed in their stories.
I haven’t read any of this authors books before but having read and thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cold Alice, I will most definitely be reading MORE! This has turned out to be one of my most unexpected pleasures of 2017 so far. It just didn’t put a foot wrong for me. I loved everything about it right down to that spectacular cover. And if ever a book was crying out for a big screen Hollywood adaptation then Ice Cold Alice would be it!
The plot follows a serial killer who is unlike any murderer around at the moment. Her victims are men who are abusive to their wives and pretty nasty pieces of work they are too. So I found myself actually cheering her on alongside her supporters, followers of her blog and Twitter account (although I have to admit it took me nearly the whole book to get the Tequila Mockingbird pun!!) Now this obviously isn’t great news for the detective who is in charge of finding her, DI Kathy McGuire. Now, if I loved Alice then I just felt such an incredible empathy with Kathy. It was inspiring to have the investigation lead by a woman in her 50s who was also trying to balance her family life with her career, definitely a protagonist I could identify with!
I ran the whole gauntlet of emotions with this one, teetering on the edge of my seat and utterly lost in the drama that was unfolding before me. It moves at speed, delivering satisfactory bursts of tension as the reader encounters the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. A smorgasbord of imperfect characters is presented to us in such a way as to make them not only relatable but also very likeable as you get engrossed in their stories.
I haven’t read any of this authors books before but having read and thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cold Alice, I will most definitely be reading MORE! This has turned out to be one of my most unexpected pleasures of 2017 so far. It just didn’t put a foot wrong for me. I loved everything about it right down to that spectacular cover. And if ever a book was crying out for a big screen Hollywood adaptation then Ice Cold Alice would be it!
February 7, 2017
I would like to thank Paddy's Daddy Publishing for giving me an advance copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
This book was an agreeable surprise! the story was much more fascinating than i expected it to be.
Tequila Mockingbird is a one-of-a-kind serial killer, some even described her as a crusader. She definitely does not fit the usual type of serial killers.
She hunts the abusive spouses, set their families free and punish them for what they did.
She also blogs about her "crimes", which attracts the attention of everyone, including a very interesting DI Kathy McGuire.
I liked very much how the book was structured. The continual change from Now and Then, telling the stories of the two fascinating women Tequila and Kathy was very interesting. I felt that i got to know them both better and understand them, especially the case of Tequila. and i was surprised many times by the small twists i did not see coming but changed the whole perception of the story.
"Is Tequila a necessary evil?"
This is another thing i liked about the story, it touched a very sensitive topic: Domestic violence! I thought that the story was told in a way to make the reader unconsciously take position toward this problem. I don't think anybody can stay neutral after reading it. And it me made think a lot.
I enjoyed it very much, i liked how it ended and i would definitely be waiting for the next book of the series!
I recommend it to all my friends.
This book was an agreeable surprise! the story was much more fascinating than i expected it to be.
Tequila Mockingbird is a one-of-a-kind serial killer, some even described her as a crusader. She definitely does not fit the usual type of serial killers.
She hunts the abusive spouses, set their families free and punish them for what they did.
She also blogs about her "crimes", which attracts the attention of everyone, including a very interesting DI Kathy McGuire.
I liked very much how the book was structured. The continual change from Now and Then, telling the stories of the two fascinating women Tequila and Kathy was very interesting. I felt that i got to know them both better and understand them, especially the case of Tequila. and i was surprised many times by the small twists i did not see coming but changed the whole perception of the story.
"Is Tequila a necessary evil?"
This is another thing i liked about the story, it touched a very sensitive topic: Domestic violence! I thought that the story was told in a way to make the reader unconsciously take position toward this problem. I don't think anybody can stay neutral after reading it. And it me made think a lot.
I enjoyed it very much, i liked how it ended and i would definitely be waiting for the next book of the series!
I recommend it to all my friends.
October 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this. It was quite different and seriously good.
August 19, 2019
Not my favourite crime read.its an average read for me.
December 18, 2016
5 stars from me.
Alice is the refreshingly easy to read story of a woman and her journey through a murderous mission of justice.
It gives a brilliant account not only of the current happenings in the world the protagonist has created for herself but, also of the intricacies leading her to this very path.
A tasty smidge of science is always welcome (yet often painfully absent) in a tale of crime and Alice does not disappoint.
Tequila Mockingbird, the public persona of a newly surfaced yet long established serial killer, takes the public by storm as the bodies of her victims mount up.
Tequila has charged herself with the protection and liberation of the oppressed, abused and damaged victims of those who should have been their very protectors.
Her self appointed 'responsibilities' are carried out with not a small amount of precision and are by no means unsupported.
On the case we have DI Kathy McGuire, a professional, a wife, a mother and a friend whose own journey has not been without its challenges.
You will find your moral compass wavering as this novel is guaranteed to split opinion on whether the actions of the protagonist are, or are not justifiable.
Can the law be taken into our own hands? Should the full weight of the lives taken be thrown into the the capture and incarceration of this individual? Is there ever any justification for 'playing God'?
Personally, I'm with Tequila.
#PressIn
Alice is the refreshingly easy to read story of a woman and her journey through a murderous mission of justice.
It gives a brilliant account not only of the current happenings in the world the protagonist has created for herself but, also of the intricacies leading her to this very path.
A tasty smidge of science is always welcome (yet often painfully absent) in a tale of crime and Alice does not disappoint.
Tequila Mockingbird, the public persona of a newly surfaced yet long established serial killer, takes the public by storm as the bodies of her victims mount up.
Tequila has charged herself with the protection and liberation of the oppressed, abused and damaged victims of those who should have been their very protectors.
Her self appointed 'responsibilities' are carried out with not a small amount of precision and are by no means unsupported.
On the case we have DI Kathy McGuire, a professional, a wife, a mother and a friend whose own journey has not been without its challenges.
You will find your moral compass wavering as this novel is guaranteed to split opinion on whether the actions of the protagonist are, or are not justifiable.
Can the law be taken into our own hands? Should the full weight of the lives taken be thrown into the the capture and incarceration of this individual? Is there ever any justification for 'playing God'?
Personally, I'm with Tequila.
#PressIn
December 20, 2016
I am truly honoured to have received an early copy of this book. I was intrigued from the outset with the synopsis;
“They thought that they had all the power, until she took it from them. Tequila Mockingbird hunts abusive spouses, blogging about their sins post-kill. Her killing streak, as well as her brazen journaling, draws the attention of Police Scotland's CID. Edinburgh's DI Kathy McGuire, nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for Tequila as a media frenzy erupts and the public debate her 'crimes’.”
Based in Scotland, ALICE is an intensely-gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of GONE GIRL, THE GIRL IN THE ICE, and SLEEP TIGHT.
Alice AKA ’Tequila Mockingbird’ is a special breed of serial killer. Instead of targeting those at random to fulfil sexual gratification (as with most serial killer stories), she has her sights set on men who have histories of domestic violence. In short, Alice is dishing out her own form of justice.
This is bad news for DI Kathy McGuire and her team who are charged with bringing Alice in. We get an insight into Kathy’s personal life, both on the rise through the ranks within the Force, to her personal relationships with her husband and colleagues.
Tequila Mockingbird has no intention of getting herself arrested by the police. Her only focus is to continue her reign of justice - no matter the cost. Continuing to detail her kills though social media, she is soon thrust into the public arena, where everyone is soon quick to have an opinion.
This is a great read by Wilson! My only flaw with this story is that there isn’t more! ALICE certainly has all the makings of a great series, but also stands up as a standalone.
“They thought that they had all the power, until she took it from them. Tequila Mockingbird hunts abusive spouses, blogging about their sins post-kill. Her killing streak, as well as her brazen journaling, draws the attention of Police Scotland's CID. Edinburgh's DI Kathy McGuire, nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for Tequila as a media frenzy erupts and the public debate her 'crimes’.”
Based in Scotland, ALICE is an intensely-gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of GONE GIRL, THE GIRL IN THE ICE, and SLEEP TIGHT.
Alice AKA ’Tequila Mockingbird’ is a special breed of serial killer. Instead of targeting those at random to fulfil sexual gratification (as with most serial killer stories), she has her sights set on men who have histories of domestic violence. In short, Alice is dishing out her own form of justice.
This is bad news for DI Kathy McGuire and her team who are charged with bringing Alice in. We get an insight into Kathy’s personal life, both on the rise through the ranks within the Force, to her personal relationships with her husband and colleagues.
Tequila Mockingbird has no intention of getting herself arrested by the police. Her only focus is to continue her reign of justice - no matter the cost. Continuing to detail her kills though social media, she is soon thrust into the public arena, where everyone is soon quick to have an opinion.
This is a great read by Wilson! My only flaw with this story is that there isn’t more! ALICE certainly has all the makings of a great series, but also stands up as a standalone.
February 7, 2019
Alice is a unique killer that you will find yourself cheering for. There are surprises that you would never think of and twists galore. The perpetrator narrates the story and you will soon begin to understand the reasons for her "crimes" and how they are justified. Alice is "Ice Cold" in more ways than one. I am happy to give it 5 big, beautiful stars!
June 13, 2017
Let me say it for the thousandth time – I love when a book opens with a murder! Alice may just be the coolest serial killer I know, dishing out her own means of justice for those she believes deserve it, using a genius weapon and blogging and tweeting about it as she goes along. It’s not often you read a book and hope that the killer walks free, damn these likeable serial killers!
Ice Cold Alice is narrated in a NOW and THEN structure. This works really well to give you an insight into how and why Alice aka Tequila Mockingbird came to be the bad-ass serial killer she is; you also get to see the history of Kathy McGuire, the detective working the case – a game of cat and mouse between the two women! While I enjoyed all of this book, the chapters focusing on Alice [past and present] were my favourite, her precision planning and the execution of her kills made for exciting reading. I loved the incorporation of Alice’s blog posts, detailing her kills, shamelessly I admit, I would follow the blog of a serial killer. Hmm, I’m aware I seem to be obsessively singing the praises of a serial killer, but who doesn’t love a vigilante killer!?
I’m delighted to see it’s the first book in a series as I’m looking forward to seeing where this story goes, as the ending leaves so many possibilities for what could occur in the next book. I have an idea for what I think would be an amazing theme for book two but I don’t want to run the risk of spoiling the ending of this one, so I’ll say nothing [and be sure to let you know once I’ve read book two if I was correct]. Fast-paced, fun and exciting, I highly recommend Ice Cold Alice.
*My thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
Ice Cold Alice is narrated in a NOW and THEN structure. This works really well to give you an insight into how and why Alice aka Tequila Mockingbird came to be the bad-ass serial killer she is; you also get to see the history of Kathy McGuire, the detective working the case – a game of cat and mouse between the two women! While I enjoyed all of this book, the chapters focusing on Alice [past and present] were my favourite, her precision planning and the execution of her kills made for exciting reading. I loved the incorporation of Alice’s blog posts, detailing her kills, shamelessly I admit, I would follow the blog of a serial killer. Hmm, I’m aware I seem to be obsessively singing the praises of a serial killer, but who doesn’t love a vigilante killer!?
I’m delighted to see it’s the first book in a series as I’m looking forward to seeing where this story goes, as the ending leaves so many possibilities for what could occur in the next book. I have an idea for what I think would be an amazing theme for book two but I don’t want to run the risk of spoiling the ending of this one, so I’ll say nothing [and be sure to let you know once I’ve read book two if I was correct]. Fast-paced, fun and exciting, I highly recommend Ice Cold Alice.
*My thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
January 4, 2018
Alice is killing abusive spouses and is also giving their victims a new life. She's a serial killer who is precise, trained and accurate. She knows exactly what she's doing, makes her own weapons, leaves no traces and gives the men she slaughters the punishment she thinks they deserve. Then she blogs about it to let the world know she's freed it from another bastard who abused his power and destroyed the people he was supposed to care about.
Kathy is a DI and she has to find this serial killer. She's always worked hard for her career and now she's at the end of it, ready for another challenge. Kathy has to find a killer who's placed herself above the law. Some people see her as a hero and others as a villain. Will Kathy be able to find enough evidence to catch the person behind the calculated murders? Why is this person killing those men and what can be done to stop her?
Ice Cold Alice is a fantastic gripping story. I was captivated by C.P. Wilson's writing from the start. I absolutely loved the fact that nothing is black and white in this book. Writing about a serial killer who kills horrible abusive men is a brilliant idea. I like it when an author explores the boundaries of good and evil. What is right and what is wrong? Is it possible to sympathise with a cold blooded murderer because of a cause? It's a great thought-provoking subject that I admired a lot.
Ice Cold Alice is a fast-paced page-turner. The story is original and it's filled with surprising twists and turns. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down and had to know more about the murders, the reason behind them and the killer's plans. C.P. Wilson kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end combining complex emotions with cruelty and gruesome scenes. The story is perfectly balanced and the suspense is skillfully distributed. I absolutely loved this terrific book and highly recommend it.
Kathy is a DI and she has to find this serial killer. She's always worked hard for her career and now she's at the end of it, ready for another challenge. Kathy has to find a killer who's placed herself above the law. Some people see her as a hero and others as a villain. Will Kathy be able to find enough evidence to catch the person behind the calculated murders? Why is this person killing those men and what can be done to stop her?
Ice Cold Alice is a fantastic gripping story. I was captivated by C.P. Wilson's writing from the start. I absolutely loved the fact that nothing is black and white in this book. Writing about a serial killer who kills horrible abusive men is a brilliant idea. I like it when an author explores the boundaries of good and evil. What is right and what is wrong? Is it possible to sympathise with a cold blooded murderer because of a cause? It's a great thought-provoking subject that I admired a lot.
Ice Cold Alice is a fast-paced page-turner. The story is original and it's filled with surprising twists and turns. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down and had to know more about the murders, the reason behind them and the killer's plans. C.P. Wilson kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end combining complex emotions with cruelty and gruesome scenes. The story is perfectly balanced and the suspense is skillfully distributed. I absolutely loved this terrific book and highly recommend it.
April 24, 2017
Excellent book, would highly recommended
April 27, 2017
I am a little late to the party with everyone raving about Ice Cold Alice which the start of a series. And is the first book that I have read by C.P Wilson. Will I be reading more books by this author?! yes yes yes of course I will....this book is simply amazing. From the cover to the story line, I loved everything about it
First of all I have to say this starts off with one hell of an opening chapter. We follow a story Of Tequila, which is told in alternating chapters titled now and then, so it is easy to follow. Boy she is brutal with surgical preparation, precision and skill, and using a unique weapon of her own and never leaves a trace of evidence behind. Her victims are men that abuse woman. With Tequila blogging about it and causing a stir on social media. Which gets the attention of Police Scotland's CID. DI Kathy McGuire, who is nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for the murderer as a media frenzy erupts. But McGuire might have met her match…
OMG talk about hardcore and graphic.It will make the hairs on your neck stand on end. I am a big fan of dark and graphic but this even made me squirm.
Ice Cold Alice is one seriously fast paced read which I read in a matter of hours. I couldn't help but cheer her on. No woman deserves to be abused so I can totally see why she does it. I can imagine a lot of women out there would want Tequila in there life. They say if you're mean, you get bad karma and bad things happen to you. Tequila is certainly the victims karma. Making this one very unique story.
If you're looking for something to get your teeth into then this is the book for you which I cannot recommend enough giving 5 big massive stars.
First of all I have to say this starts off with one hell of an opening chapter. We follow a story Of Tequila, which is told in alternating chapters titled now and then, so it is easy to follow. Boy she is brutal with surgical preparation, precision and skill, and using a unique weapon of her own and never leaves a trace of evidence behind. Her victims are men that abuse woman. With Tequila blogging about it and causing a stir on social media. Which gets the attention of Police Scotland's CID. DI Kathy McGuire, who is nearing the end of her career, begins the hunt for the murderer as a media frenzy erupts. But McGuire might have met her match…
OMG talk about hardcore and graphic.It will make the hairs on your neck stand on end. I am a big fan of dark and graphic but this even made me squirm.
Ice Cold Alice is one seriously fast paced read which I read in a matter of hours. I couldn't help but cheer her on. No woman deserves to be abused so I can totally see why she does it. I can imagine a lot of women out there would want Tequila in there life. They say if you're mean, you get bad karma and bad things happen to you. Tequila is certainly the victims karma. Making this one very unique story.
If you're looking for something to get your teeth into then this is the book for you which I cannot recommend enough giving 5 big massive stars.
April 27, 2017
I love to read about successful women and Alice is certainly that. Alice is an accomplished novelist, making more than a bob or two from her blockbuster series, which is giving Harry Porter a run for its money, but Alice is much more than that. Alice is a life saver, she has saved women, children and at least one man's life, given them hope and a new beginning. Alice is a kind and caring person, oh and one other thing, Alice is a serial killer.
The opening chapter in this book says it all for me. A man sits and throws abuse at his wife simply because she is there, a kicking post to vent his anger on, just willing her to make one error so he can take off his belt with the buckle and teach her some respect. The only thing is he doesn't even really see her any more, she is just where she should be, doing what she should be doing, but the thing is this time she isn't, she is far away. The woman in front of him is not his wife. He won't ever be angry again.
Well this really is a super cool book that tells two stories, one which is now and one from the past that gradually catches up to present day. I know I shouldn't but I really cheered this lady on. A champion for the abused but there was also a cracking D.I. yet another woman. I know that is another really cool thing about this book! D.I. Kathy McGuire is an hard working, get in there with her sleeves rolled up with the lads, kind of woman. A brilliant character and I wanted her to get the bad guy but in this case I didn't. I was torn. I really liked that the author used a platform of social media in the story too. It gave it a real feel with the way something can go global in minutes.
This is a tough reading book at times, so if domestic abuse affects you it may be one to avoid but if you can read about things like this, it is a really pacey read, pretty graphic and a really super story line that you will love. I am so looking forward to more from C.P. Wilson later in the year. A little belter, in the best possible way.
The opening chapter in this book says it all for me. A man sits and throws abuse at his wife simply because she is there, a kicking post to vent his anger on, just willing her to make one error so he can take off his belt with the buckle and teach her some respect. The only thing is he doesn't even really see her any more, she is just where she should be, doing what she should be doing, but the thing is this time she isn't, she is far away. The woman in front of him is not his wife. He won't ever be angry again.
Well this really is a super cool book that tells two stories, one which is now and one from the past that gradually catches up to present day. I know I shouldn't but I really cheered this lady on. A champion for the abused but there was also a cracking D.I. yet another woman. I know that is another really cool thing about this book! D.I. Kathy McGuire is an hard working, get in there with her sleeves rolled up with the lads, kind of woman. A brilliant character and I wanted her to get the bad guy but in this case I didn't. I was torn. I really liked that the author used a platform of social media in the story too. It gave it a real feel with the way something can go global in minutes.
This is a tough reading book at times, so if domestic abuse affects you it may be one to avoid but if you can read about things like this, it is a really pacey read, pretty graphic and a really super story line that you will love. I am so looking forward to more from C.P. Wilson later in the year. A little belter, in the best possible way.
April 12, 2017
As always I am grateful to Bloodhound Books for drawing my attention to yet another writer who is new to me by sending me anARC of Ice Cold Alice. It would be impossible to summarise the plot without giving away the many twists and turns that make this such an exciting read. Suffice it to say that the principal character is keen to avenge the many aspects of domestic violence she comes across, both male on female and male on male. This is a violent and shocking book, but gripping from start to finish.
April 20, 2017
In a dark past lies Alice’s motive to avenge domestic abusers. As Tequila Mockingbird she involves the world of social media with every murder she executes
Introduction
Tequila Mockingbird #1
The book throws you right in with the first harrowing scenes: he is an abusive husband only too pleased to punish his disobedient wife. His belt is unbuckled and he wants to lash out until he realises something is wrong. Before he knows it, he is brutally slaughtered and somehow, that is a relief because she would have liked his agony to last a bit longer. Back home she updates her social media log with the how and why of her latest killing. Signed: “@Tequila Mockingbird. Kill 17.” Only a hundred followers for her blog, about 300 for her Twitter account. With every message posted and each new abuser slain her online exposure is growing, bringing an explosive increase in her follower numbers.
Storyline
Each project Alice undertakes results in the freeing of another woman from an abusive situation, empowered to start a new life in the knowledge that her cruel husband can never threaten her (or her children) again. Alice plans everything meticulously, her research, her way of entry and escape, even the clothes she wears and her method of travelling to the house of her next victim. She has gone far in developing her unique murder weapon which will leave no trace at the crime scene. Is Alice a desperate vigilante or avenging angel of death? What is her motive and why does she feel the urge to intervene in the lives of women who are unable to stand up against their spouse? Her actions and her blog journal seem coldblooded but her letters to the battered women tell a different story, there is no admonition, only the kindest words trying to make them understand that they deserve better, a life far away from their abusive partners.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Detective Inspector Kathy McGuire is confronted with Alice’s latest victim. We have witnessed Kathy rise through the ranks of the Edinburgh CID and her constant awareness of the fact that her career has prevented her from having a private life. In a far past her husband Bobby spat those angry words towards her “operation McGuire comes before everything” and now, years later, nothing has changed. Today, Kathy is about to meet the challenge of a lifetime: (Ice Cold) Alice or perhaps we have to call her Tequila Mockingbird. What follows is a rollercoaster of events both in the past as in the present, a game of cat-and-mouse with a driven serial killer who is out to kill abusive spouses and intent to seek public attention to explain her actions and open up a public discussion on domestic abuse. Like Kathy, Alice also stands before a life-changing decision when she is confronted with the devastating effects of her actions …
My Thoughts
I love this thriller! I think the topic of revenge, an eye for an eye, is a secretly harboured longing most people feel but know it is wrong to mention or even talk about. I am no advocate of vigilante justice but cannot help feeling that, sometimes, it is necessary to take measures in order to regain control over your life (not murder of course that cannot be condoned). The fact that the police are dismissive of the alleged violence towards the women involved with Alice’s victims shows how they and society struggle with domestic abuse and fail to protect the innocent. At first, I was not sure how I felt about Police Officer Kathy as she is very ambitious. Gradually, I grew to love Kathy and admired her for her attitude and struggle to give it her all. In her encounters with Alice, she chooses a different approach from that of her boss, which seems a dangerous strategy but Kathy trusts her instincts and is not afraid to speak out.
With every page, Kathy’s character evolved and I loved that. We are witness to her relationship with her husband Bobby and her partner Jack, who again is one of those characters coming to life in this well-written thriller. As for protagonist Alice, I felt her not to be the strong character she is willing to show the world, but someone who was deeply hurt in the past and is extremely vulnerable despite her carefully constructed image. The author has perfectly handled the controversial concept of this psychological crime thriller as it is a thin line on which to balance. The chapters in this book are divided between ‘Then” and “Now” which makes it perfectly clear what happens “when” as we slowly unravel what drives both Alice and Kathy. The chapters about Alice are mostly written in a first-person narrative whereas Kathy’s chapters are from a third-person perspective. Can I just say I love the ending? I highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/ice-co...
Introduction
Tequila Mockingbird #1
The book throws you right in with the first harrowing scenes: he is an abusive husband only too pleased to punish his disobedient wife. His belt is unbuckled and he wants to lash out until he realises something is wrong. Before he knows it, he is brutally slaughtered and somehow, that is a relief because she would have liked his agony to last a bit longer. Back home she updates her social media log with the how and why of her latest killing. Signed: “@Tequila Mockingbird. Kill 17.” Only a hundred followers for her blog, about 300 for her Twitter account. With every message posted and each new abuser slain her online exposure is growing, bringing an explosive increase in her follower numbers.
Storyline
Each project Alice undertakes results in the freeing of another woman from an abusive situation, empowered to start a new life in the knowledge that her cruel husband can never threaten her (or her children) again. Alice plans everything meticulously, her research, her way of entry and escape, even the clothes she wears and her method of travelling to the house of her next victim. She has gone far in developing her unique murder weapon which will leave no trace at the crime scene. Is Alice a desperate vigilante or avenging angel of death? What is her motive and why does she feel the urge to intervene in the lives of women who are unable to stand up against their spouse? Her actions and her blog journal seem coldblooded but her letters to the battered women tell a different story, there is no admonition, only the kindest words trying to make them understand that they deserve better, a life far away from their abusive partners.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Detective Inspector Kathy McGuire is confronted with Alice’s latest victim. We have witnessed Kathy rise through the ranks of the Edinburgh CID and her constant awareness of the fact that her career has prevented her from having a private life. In a far past her husband Bobby spat those angry words towards her “operation McGuire comes before everything” and now, years later, nothing has changed. Today, Kathy is about to meet the challenge of a lifetime: (Ice Cold) Alice or perhaps we have to call her Tequila Mockingbird. What follows is a rollercoaster of events both in the past as in the present, a game of cat-and-mouse with a driven serial killer who is out to kill abusive spouses and intent to seek public attention to explain her actions and open up a public discussion on domestic abuse. Like Kathy, Alice also stands before a life-changing decision when she is confronted with the devastating effects of her actions …
My Thoughts
I love this thriller! I think the topic of revenge, an eye for an eye, is a secretly harboured longing most people feel but know it is wrong to mention or even talk about. I am no advocate of vigilante justice but cannot help feeling that, sometimes, it is necessary to take measures in order to regain control over your life (not murder of course that cannot be condoned). The fact that the police are dismissive of the alleged violence towards the women involved with Alice’s victims shows how they and society struggle with domestic abuse and fail to protect the innocent. At first, I was not sure how I felt about Police Officer Kathy as she is very ambitious. Gradually, I grew to love Kathy and admired her for her attitude and struggle to give it her all. In her encounters with Alice, she chooses a different approach from that of her boss, which seems a dangerous strategy but Kathy trusts her instincts and is not afraid to speak out.
With every page, Kathy’s character evolved and I loved that. We are witness to her relationship with her husband Bobby and her partner Jack, who again is one of those characters coming to life in this well-written thriller. As for protagonist Alice, I felt her not to be the strong character she is willing to show the world, but someone who was deeply hurt in the past and is extremely vulnerable despite her carefully constructed image. The author has perfectly handled the controversial concept of this psychological crime thriller as it is a thin line on which to balance. The chapters in this book are divided between ‘Then” and “Now” which makes it perfectly clear what happens “when” as we slowly unravel what drives both Alice and Kathy. The chapters about Alice are mostly written in a first-person narrative whereas Kathy’s chapters are from a third-person perspective. Can I just say I love the ending? I highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/ice-co...
April 20, 2017
Some writers hover beneath the radar of mainstream readers, quietly working on, and improving at, their craft whilst building up to something big. CP (and alter ego Mark) Wilson is one such writer. I've been a follower of his stuff from pretty much the beginning, and I can honestly say that no writer deserves a taste of mainstream success more than him. Not even me.
Ice Cold Alice is the tale of a modern vigilante by the name of (you've guessed it) Alice, who by day is a super rich, super successful author of Young Adult fiction, and by night is a stalker and murderer of abusive husbands. She blogs about her kills, and her justification, using the pseudonym Tequila Mockingbird. She doesn't bother to hide, but it seems nobody's looking for her anyway.
Enter Kathy McGuire. A detective approaching the end of a career that's been a woman's fight in a male dominated environment, running parallel with her trying and failing to juggle her homelife with work. Her marriage is a cycle of guilt, love and acceptance, and she's coming back round to the guilt. This time it's getting too much, and she's ready for retirement.
Inevitably, Tequila's blog picks up a fair amount of attention from today's Internet obsessed society, drawing everybody's opinion as to whether two wrongs can make a right, and a game of cat and mouse ensues.
The main theme here is the question of which side of the fence you fall on when it comes to punishing criminals of a certain type, be they paedophiles, abusive husbands or rapists. Violence against children or women is an evocative subject, which draws the strongest opinions from the majority of society. Combined with the mob-mentality of social media and 'keyboard warrior' levels of opining, it makes for compulsive reading.
Wilson handles incredibly the parallel plot lines of the past, where we build an idea of why both women are as they are, which runs alongside the present where the game of cat and mouse takes its place. Double jeopardy indeed.
Wilson's writing works best when he allows his trademark big heart to beat through a dark theme, and in Ice Cold Alice, he's absolutely nailed it. The evocative subject matter only serves to heighten the tender moments he dishes up periodically, and the balancing act between the two is masterfully controlled.
Thought provoking, hard hitting, and ultimately very entertaining, CP Wilson has created a monster, and she's sexy as hell.
Ice Cold Alice is the tale of a modern vigilante by the name of (you've guessed it) Alice, who by day is a super rich, super successful author of Young Adult fiction, and by night is a stalker and murderer of abusive husbands. She blogs about her kills, and her justification, using the pseudonym Tequila Mockingbird. She doesn't bother to hide, but it seems nobody's looking for her anyway.
Enter Kathy McGuire. A detective approaching the end of a career that's been a woman's fight in a male dominated environment, running parallel with her trying and failing to juggle her homelife with work. Her marriage is a cycle of guilt, love and acceptance, and she's coming back round to the guilt. This time it's getting too much, and she's ready for retirement.
Inevitably, Tequila's blog picks up a fair amount of attention from today's Internet obsessed society, drawing everybody's opinion as to whether two wrongs can make a right, and a game of cat and mouse ensues.
The main theme here is the question of which side of the fence you fall on when it comes to punishing criminals of a certain type, be they paedophiles, abusive husbands or rapists. Violence against children or women is an evocative subject, which draws the strongest opinions from the majority of society. Combined with the mob-mentality of social media and 'keyboard warrior' levels of opining, it makes for compulsive reading.
Wilson handles incredibly the parallel plot lines of the past, where we build an idea of why both women are as they are, which runs alongside the present where the game of cat and mouse takes its place. Double jeopardy indeed.
Wilson's writing works best when he allows his trademark big heart to beat through a dark theme, and in Ice Cold Alice, he's absolutely nailed it. The evocative subject matter only serves to heighten the tender moments he dishes up periodically, and the balancing act between the two is masterfully controlled.
Thought provoking, hard hitting, and ultimately very entertaining, CP Wilson has created a monster, and she's sexy as hell.
April 16, 2017
As an avid fan of all Mark Wilson's books I devoured this book in 2 hours, I just couldn't stop reading it and have read it twice since. I love a good thriller and this is more that a good thriller......it's an amazing thriller. I gave it 5 stars but in all honesty I would give it more.
It keeps you totally gripped right to the end. The character Alice a lot of people would say she is an evil bad woman, me I'd describe her a brave woman, and admire her. She extracts the revenge that every abused women would love to be above to get on their abuser. Mark has a way of pulling you into his books, as I turned page after page the pull and knot in my stomach got tighter and tighter making me feel part of the story. It is a totally addictive read and can't wait for the next instalment.
It keeps you totally gripped right to the end. The character Alice a lot of people would say she is an evil bad woman, me I'd describe her a brave woman, and admire her. She extracts the revenge that every abused women would love to be above to get on their abuser. Mark has a way of pulling you into his books, as I turned page after page the pull and knot in my stomach got tighter and tighter making me feel part of the story. It is a totally addictive read and can't wait for the next instalment.
April 23, 2017
This thriller packs a punch because not only do you feel real empathy for the murderess at times, then disgust at how she kills her victims but the story is well balanced by the alternating POV with the main investigating detective, herself struggling in a male-dominated work place yet shouldered by a immensely compassionate husband. If you happen to have a long haul flight ahead of you and are one of those people unable to sleep in a tight place, pick up a copy of this book. You won't sleep a wink because you won't want to.
April 20, 2017
Highly successful and wealthy writer Alice Connolly is definitely not all she seems and the bodies mount up!
Ice Cold Alice opens in a violent and dramatic manner and maintains the pace throughout. However, that is not to say that there isn’t contrasting tenderness, especially between Bobby and Kathy, to provide light to the shade which only serves to make all the scenes more effective. Indeed, Bobby is essential to providing a balance in the depiction of men and I found him a wonderfully convincing individual.
There are so many elements to Ice Cold Alice that create a really good read. The attention to detail (while a bit too visceral for me at times) with appropriate vocabulary means that the reader believes completely in what is read. The word play of Alice’s blogger alias Tequila Mockingbird with its literary connection is clever and the quotation from To Kill a Mockingbird, ‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it‘, kept going through my head as I read. The book title is also so cleverly chosen as Alice uses ice blades in her attacks but is also as detached and ‘ice cold’ as she can be in her approach to ridding the world of abusive men.
And it is the theme of abuse that is so well explored. Whilst Alice tracks down, researches and kills men who are abusing their partners, there are other levels of abuse too, such as the sexist treatment Kathy receives from fellow male police officers at the start of her career and the violence meted out by the police when they themselves are attacked. Even Kathy abuses Bobby in a sense as she puts her career in front of her family. With these elements in mind, Ice Cold Alice asks the reader to consider what kind of punishment or retribution is acceptable. Reading Ice Cold Alice made me question what justice really means as Alice is a calculating and violent murderer, but I wanted her to succeed and get away with her crimes. That didn’t make for a very comfortable consideration of my own character!
Alice’s personality is at the heart of the book as C.P. Wilson gradually uncovers who she is and why she behaves quite as she does. I think I would have preferred a more linear plot line, but that is a matter of personal taste, and the ‘Then’ sections are compelling in their ability to help the reader understand Alice’s motivation.
Ice Cold Alice is a powerful and persuasive read that gets the pulse racing. I really enjoyed it.
Ice Cold Alice opens in a violent and dramatic manner and maintains the pace throughout. However, that is not to say that there isn’t contrasting tenderness, especially between Bobby and Kathy, to provide light to the shade which only serves to make all the scenes more effective. Indeed, Bobby is essential to providing a balance in the depiction of men and I found him a wonderfully convincing individual.
There are so many elements to Ice Cold Alice that create a really good read. The attention to detail (while a bit too visceral for me at times) with appropriate vocabulary means that the reader believes completely in what is read. The word play of Alice’s blogger alias Tequila Mockingbird with its literary connection is clever and the quotation from To Kill a Mockingbird, ‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it‘, kept going through my head as I read. The book title is also so cleverly chosen as Alice uses ice blades in her attacks but is also as detached and ‘ice cold’ as she can be in her approach to ridding the world of abusive men.
And it is the theme of abuse that is so well explored. Whilst Alice tracks down, researches and kills men who are abusing their partners, there are other levels of abuse too, such as the sexist treatment Kathy receives from fellow male police officers at the start of her career and the violence meted out by the police when they themselves are attacked. Even Kathy abuses Bobby in a sense as she puts her career in front of her family. With these elements in mind, Ice Cold Alice asks the reader to consider what kind of punishment or retribution is acceptable. Reading Ice Cold Alice made me question what justice really means as Alice is a calculating and violent murderer, but I wanted her to succeed and get away with her crimes. That didn’t make for a very comfortable consideration of my own character!
Alice’s personality is at the heart of the book as C.P. Wilson gradually uncovers who she is and why she behaves quite as she does. I think I would have preferred a more linear plot line, but that is a matter of personal taste, and the ‘Then’ sections are compelling in their ability to help the reader understand Alice’s motivation.
Ice Cold Alice is a powerful and persuasive read that gets the pulse racing. I really enjoyed it.
April 15, 2017
There is so much I want to tell you about this book. So many plot points, the wonderful characterization, the flurry of emotions that will take hold with each of the small twists and turns that you will encounter as you are carried through the thrilling plot, but I can't. I don't want to ruin anything for you, or your experience with this brilliant tale. The skill and creativity of the author is that precise, that perfect, that nothing I can say is enough to show you how good this read really is. Just trust yourself. Pick this up and buckle in.
This book has something for everyone. I bet you will find something you love. Whether it is the relatable characters, the flawless description of setting and action, the mood that flows from the plot so easily, or the thrills and chills, this is a great read and a very enjoyable experience. There is something for everyone. Skill – got it. Intensity – got it. Emotion – got it. Revenge – of course.
Wilson paints a beautiful picture. A woman, Alice, is the perfect killer. She is cool and collected, and her careful preparation helps her become the perfect vengeance, despite the fire raging within. She exacts revenge for abused spouses, add in a growing following for a blog detailing these crimes, and we have the blurb you have already read. But take the next step and pick this one up. Read why so many people are saying this book is so good. It doesn't matter what we believe, let Wilson prove to you why he is one of the best. Let him hook you from the start, and tear through the pages as quickly as we did when you see how hard it is to put down.
Definitely one of the favorites for a brilliant year in reading so far, very pleased with the impressive skills of the author and this purchase. You've read what I think, now see for yourself.
This book has something for everyone. I bet you will find something you love. Whether it is the relatable characters, the flawless description of setting and action, the mood that flows from the plot so easily, or the thrills and chills, this is a great read and a very enjoyable experience. There is something for everyone. Skill – got it. Intensity – got it. Emotion – got it. Revenge – of course.
Wilson paints a beautiful picture. A woman, Alice, is the perfect killer. She is cool and collected, and her careful preparation helps her become the perfect vengeance, despite the fire raging within. She exacts revenge for abused spouses, add in a growing following for a blog detailing these crimes, and we have the blurb you have already read. But take the next step and pick this one up. Read why so many people are saying this book is so good. It doesn't matter what we believe, let Wilson prove to you why he is one of the best. Let him hook you from the start, and tear through the pages as quickly as we did when you see how hard it is to put down.
Definitely one of the favorites for a brilliant year in reading so far, very pleased with the impressive skills of the author and this purchase. You've read what I think, now see for yourself.
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