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Cold: A Ghostly Tale of Revenge
Michael and Julia witness the murder of their mother at the hands of their stepfather, John, before he disappears into the night. Twenty-three years later, Michael and Julia have dealt with her death in their own way. Julia is a successful publisher with a high profile author, Jackson Ignacio, to rope in. Michael can't find his place in the world until he moves back into his mother's old house, and meets Melissa. Everything seems fine until weird things start happening around the old house. What will happen when death goes unavenged?
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B00P33V4KO here.
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B00P33V4KO here.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2014
16 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Larson
7 books8 followersI'm an author living in the heart of the Midwest. Ever since I was a kid, I've been inspired by the magic of nature around me, and the interpersonal relationships we have with others. I've always loved putting my hopes and dreams down on paper, so combining this with my inspirations, is a cathartic experience. I hope you enjoy my work, and also hope that you'll follow me on my journey. Check out my website (link below), it's a great place to find out all about me, my interests, and all the latest with my books!
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 3, 2015
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
Cold by H.A. Larson was a joy to read. The novel was extremely well written with great flow and interesting characters. I enjoyed Michael and Jules’ individual struggles with their mother’s death and how they each handled it in their own way. All the characters were vividly drawn with unique voices and distinctive characteristics. The action moved at an appropriate pace as Larson unfolded her tale of ghostly revenge. The scenes with the ghosts were well done and gave me chills.
The initial murder scene pushed the reader right into the action. It was done tastefully and was written from a twelve-year-old’s perspective. When jumping forward to Michael at thirty-seven, the transition was handled well. The author handled this was true mastery.
The side romances offered a nice alternative to the ghost story line. I enjoyed Michael and Melissa’s relationship, as well as Jules and Jackson’s. I would have liked a little more transition for the romances. In one scene the characters spend all night talking and then in the next they are waking up next to each other. A line about how the relationship progressed from all-night discussions to a serious relationship would have been a welcome addition.
The plot was intriguing and developed at a good pace. It didn't feel rushed or cliché. I enjoyed the additional story line and sleuthing.
The first dream sequence wasn't my favorite, only because it pushed me too far out of the story with the use of “he” and “she” instead of using the character’s names or some other technique to identify that the dream was one Michael was having and that it was about his mother. The rest of the dreams didn't present that problem.
The villain in particular was well-rounded. It was refreshing to read about a really bad man who had some decent qualities and in the end was remorseful and had true regret, and still got his. Villains can easily become caricatures and it showed a mature writing style by Larson to spend the time to develop her villain as well.
It was hard to find anything to criticize with this book. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone who likes a good mystery with some thrills, and a touch of romance. I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.
Cold by H.A. Larson was a joy to read. The novel was extremely well written with great flow and interesting characters. I enjoyed Michael and Jules’ individual struggles with their mother’s death and how they each handled it in their own way. All the characters were vividly drawn with unique voices and distinctive characteristics. The action moved at an appropriate pace as Larson unfolded her tale of ghostly revenge. The scenes with the ghosts were well done and gave me chills.
The initial murder scene pushed the reader right into the action. It was done tastefully and was written from a twelve-year-old’s perspective. When jumping forward to Michael at thirty-seven, the transition was handled well. The author handled this was true mastery.
The side romances offered a nice alternative to the ghost story line. I enjoyed Michael and Melissa’s relationship, as well as Jules and Jackson’s. I would have liked a little more transition for the romances. In one scene the characters spend all night talking and then in the next they are waking up next to each other. A line about how the relationship progressed from all-night discussions to a serious relationship would have been a welcome addition.
The plot was intriguing and developed at a good pace. It didn't feel rushed or cliché. I enjoyed the additional story line and sleuthing.
The first dream sequence wasn't my favorite, only because it pushed me too far out of the story with the use of “he” and “she” instead of using the character’s names or some other technique to identify that the dream was one Michael was having and that it was about his mother. The rest of the dreams didn't present that problem.
The villain in particular was well-rounded. It was refreshing to read about a really bad man who had some decent qualities and in the end was remorseful and had true regret, and still got his. Villains can easily become caricatures and it showed a mature writing style by Larson to spend the time to develop her villain as well.
It was hard to find anything to criticize with this book. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone who likes a good mystery with some thrills, and a touch of romance. I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.
February 11, 2015
Well written, this somewhat 'cosy' ghost story, is filled with believable characters, all of which I felt some degree of sympathy for, even the bad guy.
The most disturbing event occurs in the first few pages, seen through the eyes of a twelve year old boy, and would probably be ok for a mature child of that age to read as only the aftermath of violence is witnessed.
It was interesting to see how a brother and sister dealt with the murder of their mother in different ways. One focusing on it almost constantly, the other trying to shut it out but suffering equally due to being unable to commit to a relationship for fear of losing a loved one again.
The romances that eventually arise for the brother and sister provide a new step for both of them, after years of emotional isolation. For me, the ghostly aspect was comforting, the murdered mother watching over her children, rather than any sense of fear. As the revenge aspect was part of the title, I expected/hoped for significantly more suspense as the bad guy neared his end, but this almost seemed a relief for the murderer, and was accomplished without significant drama. His suffering seemed to come from hiding out, drinking and womanising for the intervening twenty years.
Apart from the very occasional f bomb, perhaps two or three in the whole book, a single mildly graphic sex scene, and a fairly sanitised scene of domestic violence, all other 'adult' material is of the fade to black variety which makes this book suitable for a wide audience. I was hoping for a little 'more' but that is my personal preference, and not a reflection on the clear skill of the author to craft a story.
The most disturbing event occurs in the first few pages, seen through the eyes of a twelve year old boy, and would probably be ok for a mature child of that age to read as only the aftermath of violence is witnessed.
It was interesting to see how a brother and sister dealt with the murder of their mother in different ways. One focusing on it almost constantly, the other trying to shut it out but suffering equally due to being unable to commit to a relationship for fear of losing a loved one again.
The romances that eventually arise for the brother and sister provide a new step for both of them, after years of emotional isolation. For me, the ghostly aspect was comforting, the murdered mother watching over her children, rather than any sense of fear. As the revenge aspect was part of the title, I expected/hoped for significantly more suspense as the bad guy neared his end, but this almost seemed a relief for the murderer, and was accomplished without significant drama. His suffering seemed to come from hiding out, drinking and womanising for the intervening twenty years.
Apart from the very occasional f bomb, perhaps two or three in the whole book, a single mildly graphic sex scene, and a fairly sanitised scene of domestic violence, all other 'adult' material is of the fade to black variety which makes this book suitable for a wide audience. I was hoping for a little 'more' but that is my personal preference, and not a reflection on the clear skill of the author to craft a story.
April 12, 2015
For the most part, I thought this book was a joy to read. I'm not a fan of ghost stories, but this one was well put-together. The characters are relate-able and the scenes were very detailed. The plot was a little slower that I would have liked and the ending didn't end with a "boom", as I had hoped to see. And there were a few moments where I thought the dialogue could be improved.
But, I still enjoyed the great detail the author put forth to explain everything from beginning to end. The plot, though slow, was spread out and not jumbled; I understood everything that was happening. The characters were all unique and the story, in general, was believable.
I gave Cold, a 4.2 because I really enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the sequel and hoping for much more suspenseful moments!
But, I still enjoyed the great detail the author put forth to explain everything from beginning to end. The plot, though slow, was spread out and not jumbled; I understood everything that was happening. The characters were all unique and the story, in general, was believable.
I gave Cold, a 4.2 because I really enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the sequel and hoping for much more suspenseful moments!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews