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Jake Boulder #4
Die Cold
Looking for a fast-paced and utterly gripping crime thriller? Then try this book by #1 best-selling author Graham Smith, an explosive thriller full of stunning twists and turns.
Boulder is back.Jake Boulder is working as a bartender, at an exclusive Vermont ski resort on New Year’s Eve, when armed terrorists hold up the lodge and take all the customers and guests hostage.
Trapped with the other hostages, Boulder watches in horror as the female terrorist leader disfigures a singer to make her point. He wants to fight back, but is unarmed and being held at gunpoint.
Boulder finds a way to escape from the terrorists and searches for a way to raise the alarm. After he discovers the terrorists’ plan to leave no witnesses to their crime, he knows he has a race against time to save as many innocent people as he can…
But will Boulder be the reluctant hero and save the day?
Also available in the Jake Boulder Series:Watching the Bodies
The Kindred Killers
Past Echoes
Die Cold is a fast-paced and action-packed crime thriller. It can be enjoyed as part of the international best-selling Jake Boulder Series or as a thrilling stand-alone. It will appeal to fans of authors like Ian Rankin, Mark Dawson and Damien Boyd.284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 22, 2020
Wow, do not start this book if you have anything else to do in the next few hours. You will not believe the pace of this book.
Whereas this could be read as a standalone, it would make more sense if you had read the previous 3 books. As it really helps to know Jake Boulder as well as you possibly can to understand him and why he does or doesn’t do as he progresses through this adventure.
There is a new character in this book that I really hop is in the next. He is called Daniel and he gives glimpses and insightful thoughts and comments as to what is happening.
Die Cold has a slightly a different feel, to it than the other books, but it really refreshed the series, as I was a little disappointed in the 3rd book. Jake is a guy who may do “bad” things but always for the right reason. A guy you do not want to cross.
Whereas this could be read as a standalone, it would make more sense if you had read the previous 3 books. As it really helps to know Jake Boulder as well as you possibly can to understand him and why he does or doesn’t do as he progresses through this adventure.
There is a new character in this book that I really hop is in the next. He is called Daniel and he gives glimpses and insightful thoughts and comments as to what is happening.
Die Cold has a slightly a different feel, to it than the other books, but it really refreshed the series, as I was a little disappointed in the 3rd book. Jake is a guy who may do “bad” things but always for the right reason. A guy you do not want to cross.
November 12, 2018
Boulder is back! BOULDER IS BACK!!! I may be a wee excited.
Die Cold is the fourth instalment in the Jake Boulder series and really, if you’re not reading these, you need to go sit in a corner and think about your life’s choices!
First things first, do yourselves a favour and do not treat this as a stand-alone! Jake’s struggle is real and I feel it’s important that you know him as well as you possibly can to understand him and his actions better. Our reluctant hero has been through a lot and events from the previous book especially have made a massive impact on him.
So much so, that he’s left behind family, friends and his hometown. Jake is now working as a bartender at an exclusive ski resort in Vermont. It’s New Year’s Eve but before the champagne even has the opportunity to start flowing, terrorists hold up the lodge and take everyone hostage. Their female leader is a cold and vile woman who has no qualms whatsoever in getting her point across. But what is it these terrorists want? Stuck up on a mountain in the middle of a fierce snow blizzard, what are the odds that help is coming? Does anyone even realise the people at the resort need any help? Or will it be left to Jake to save the hostages and the day?
Die Cold should have come with a warning to hook up an oxygen tank before you start reading because hoo boy, I found myself thrown right into the action from the very first page and it just didn’t let up! I was holding my breath numerous times (not literally, obviously, or I probably wouldn’t be here right now), could almost feel the adrenaline pumping inside my veins and was quite frankly left utterly exhausted. This would make an incredible action movie!
Now, I must admit, I missed Alphonse. But a character called Daniel made up for so much of that and I’m kind of hoping (possibly against all hope) that he might somehow make an appearance in other Boulder books. I’d quite like that. Through Daniel’s eyes and a few other hostages, we constantly get a glimpse into what’s going on, which really added to the tension. I found myself desperately trying to figure out what the terrorists had in mind, while all the time hoping I’d never find myself in that position.
What an immensely thrilling journey this was. Action-packed from the word “go”, tense, totally addictive and a fantastic addition to this series, Die Cold may just leave you gasping for air. I absolutely can’t wait to see where Graham Smith takes Jake Boulder next. Although, I do hope it’s somewhere warmer.
Die Cold is the fourth instalment in the Jake Boulder series and really, if you’re not reading these, you need to go sit in a corner and think about your life’s choices!
First things first, do yourselves a favour and do not treat this as a stand-alone! Jake’s struggle is real and I feel it’s important that you know him as well as you possibly can to understand him and his actions better. Our reluctant hero has been through a lot and events from the previous book especially have made a massive impact on him.
So much so, that he’s left behind family, friends and his hometown. Jake is now working as a bartender at an exclusive ski resort in Vermont. It’s New Year’s Eve but before the champagne even has the opportunity to start flowing, terrorists hold up the lodge and take everyone hostage. Their female leader is a cold and vile woman who has no qualms whatsoever in getting her point across. But what is it these terrorists want? Stuck up on a mountain in the middle of a fierce snow blizzard, what are the odds that help is coming? Does anyone even realise the people at the resort need any help? Or will it be left to Jake to save the hostages and the day?
Die Cold should have come with a warning to hook up an oxygen tank before you start reading because hoo boy, I found myself thrown right into the action from the very first page and it just didn’t let up! I was holding my breath numerous times (not literally, obviously, or I probably wouldn’t be here right now), could almost feel the adrenaline pumping inside my veins and was quite frankly left utterly exhausted. This would make an incredible action movie!
Now, I must admit, I missed Alphonse. But a character called Daniel made up for so much of that and I’m kind of hoping (possibly against all hope) that he might somehow make an appearance in other Boulder books. I’d quite like that. Through Daniel’s eyes and a few other hostages, we constantly get a glimpse into what’s going on, which really added to the tension. I found myself desperately trying to figure out what the terrorists had in mind, while all the time hoping I’d never find myself in that position.
What an immensely thrilling journey this was. Action-packed from the word “go”, tense, totally addictive and a fantastic addition to this series, Die Cold may just leave you gasping for air. I absolutely can’t wait to see where Graham Smith takes Jake Boulder next. Although, I do hope it’s somewhere warmer.
November 5, 2018
Die Cold is a superb addition in the Jake Boulder series. Readers will probably benefit from having read previous books to understand a bit more about Boulder's background.
The story starts off well and truly in the thick of things with the hotel that Boulder is working in being taken over by terrorists. It's not often that stories start off like this so right away I was thrown back into my seat and right then I knew I was in for another thrilling read.
In Die Cold we have not one, but two strong female roles. I was literally in my element reading of both women. On one hand we have Sharon, like Boulder she is Scottish and there is no holding this lady back. She is strong minded and feisty and her bravery was out standing. She plays a major part in helping Boulder and was great to have a female in this role.
The other lady in question is Hannah. We don't get to know a lot about her but she seems to be in charge of the whole take over and was refreshing to have a lead female baddie. As much as I really disliked this cold and calculating woman, I also to some extent couldn't help but admire her.
This is a story that starts off running and is packed full of action, violence and thrills. It probably won't be for the more feint hearted of readers but for those among us that love to have an edge of your seat experience then this series is definitely one for you.
Die Cold is a story that will certainly grab you by the throat and send you hurtling at full speed through it. An absolute page turner of a read that will have the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Not sure how the author keeps managing to top the last but each one is as effortlessly brilliant as the last one.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story starts off well and truly in the thick of things with the hotel that Boulder is working in being taken over by terrorists. It's not often that stories start off like this so right away I was thrown back into my seat and right then I knew I was in for another thrilling read.
In Die Cold we have not one, but two strong female roles. I was literally in my element reading of both women. On one hand we have Sharon, like Boulder she is Scottish and there is no holding this lady back. She is strong minded and feisty and her bravery was out standing. She plays a major part in helping Boulder and was great to have a female in this role.
The other lady in question is Hannah. We don't get to know a lot about her but she seems to be in charge of the whole take over and was refreshing to have a lead female baddie. As much as I really disliked this cold and calculating woman, I also to some extent couldn't help but admire her.
This is a story that starts off running and is packed full of action, violence and thrills. It probably won't be for the more feint hearted of readers but for those among us that love to have an edge of your seat experience then this series is definitely one for you.
Die Cold is a story that will certainly grab you by the throat and send you hurtling at full speed through it. An absolute page turner of a read that will have the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Not sure how the author keeps managing to top the last but each one is as effortlessly brilliant as the last one.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 15, 2018
Well, the clue may well be in the title but Jake Boulder has gone all John McClane on us in Graham Smiths fourth book in his much admired series! There was certainly a different vibe here as Jake is taken out of his natural environment following the emotional developments in book 3. Out of the series so far, I do think this is probably the best one to be read as a standalone book as you really don’t need to know too much background detail to be able to enjoy this stonking good read!
While Jake may be the “have a go” hero of Die Cold, he’s not alone as there are some fabulous characters keeping him company at the exclusive Vermont ski resort where he is working as a barman. One of the most intriguing was Sharon, a fellow Glaswegian who made a great sidekick. And my heart went out to Daniel, one of the hostages taken when terrorists take over the resort on New Years Eve as he was an incredibly strong young man who commanded my admiration with whatever he did. I didn’t miss the usual supporting crowd either as there was a brief insight into their lives without Jake. I have a real affinity with Ivy and I would certainly miss her if she didn’t have a recurring role in this series!
Die Cold may have had a different feel but it breathed an icy blast of fresh air into Jakes character that worked perfectly. He may do “bad” things but everything he delivers is always for the right reason. I was worried he would become too cold and detached from society after previous events but I think the opposite has happened instead! This may have been a high octane, fast paced “thrill a minute” instalment in the life of Jake Boulder but that doesn’t mean that the action packed narrative lacked an intensity of feeling! I probably came to care about what happened to everyone more than usual which definitely makes this my favourite of the Jake Boulder books so far.
Top marks from me!
While Jake may be the “have a go” hero of Die Cold, he’s not alone as there are some fabulous characters keeping him company at the exclusive Vermont ski resort where he is working as a barman. One of the most intriguing was Sharon, a fellow Glaswegian who made a great sidekick. And my heart went out to Daniel, one of the hostages taken when terrorists take over the resort on New Years Eve as he was an incredibly strong young man who commanded my admiration with whatever he did. I didn’t miss the usual supporting crowd either as there was a brief insight into their lives without Jake. I have a real affinity with Ivy and I would certainly miss her if she didn’t have a recurring role in this series!
Die Cold may have had a different feel but it breathed an icy blast of fresh air into Jakes character that worked perfectly. He may do “bad” things but everything he delivers is always for the right reason. I was worried he would become too cold and detached from society after previous events but I think the opposite has happened instead! This may have been a high octane, fast paced “thrill a minute” instalment in the life of Jake Boulder but that doesn’t mean that the action packed narrative lacked an intensity of feeling! I probably came to care about what happened to everyone more than usual which definitely makes this my favourite of the Jake Boulder books so far.
Top marks from me!
November 12, 2018
This was very different to the only other Boulder book I had previously read. Whereas that was a multi-layered hunt-the-serial-killer novel, this is much more of a single focus read. At the end I concluded that it was not only the title that put me in mind of the Die Hard movie franchise, with perhaps just a touch of Reacher siege mentality and selfless honour slipped into the mix.
Boulder is a changed character from the first book, now clearly haunted by the people he has been forced to kill in order to keep others alive. His vow not to take another life cheaply plays a significant role here, as his part in taking down a bunch of terrorists inside a snowbound, mountain-top hotel, becomes much more of a challenge than if he was spraying bullets around.
All in all, an excellent read, featuring more baddies than you can shake a stick at – the leader of whom is a callous monster.
Boulder is a changed character from the first book, now clearly haunted by the people he has been forced to kill in order to keep others alive. His vow not to take another life cheaply plays a significant role here, as his part in taking down a bunch of terrorists inside a snowbound, mountain-top hotel, becomes much more of a challenge than if he was spraying bullets around.
All in all, an excellent read, featuring more baddies than you can shake a stick at – the leader of whom is a callous monster.
November 16, 2018
Jake Boulder is back but he’s no longer in Casperton. He’s in the snowy mountains playing barman at a swanky ski resort in Vermont! But life isn’t dull in a Boulder book, oh no siree! It’s New Years Eve, the cusp of a fresh start for all and it all kicks off big style!
There is a different feel to this book. Jake is still in a strange place following recent events. There are references to the reasons behind Jake’s mental state, but to get the full extent I whole heartedly recommend you read the first three books (in order) in this series.
I loved the character of Sharon. She’s a ballsy Glaswegian not to be messed with….kind of a female Boulder! She’s determined to fight these terrorists to the end, with no fear for her own safety.
Despite it being an more of an action thriller than previous Boulder outings, I still got the author’s sense of humour coming through with the little quips in Jake’s narrative. Graham Smith never fails to me to make smile with the mental descriptions he lets his leading characters give to their foes.
I loved the chilly backdrop of Vermont. It gave the definite feel of seclusion that the elite desire when they pay a pretty penny for their winter break but also the perfect setting for terrorists to take control and carry out their dastardly plan. This is a totally action packed thriller from Mr Smith. He takes Jake to a different level to test his skill, wits and nerve.
There is a different feel to this book. Jake is still in a strange place following recent events. There are references to the reasons behind Jake’s mental state, but to get the full extent I whole heartedly recommend you read the first three books (in order) in this series.
I loved the character of Sharon. She’s a ballsy Glaswegian not to be messed with….kind of a female Boulder! She’s determined to fight these terrorists to the end, with no fear for her own safety.
Despite it being an more of an action thriller than previous Boulder outings, I still got the author’s sense of humour coming through with the little quips in Jake’s narrative. Graham Smith never fails to me to make smile with the mental descriptions he lets his leading characters give to their foes.
I loved the chilly backdrop of Vermont. It gave the definite feel of seclusion that the elite desire when they pay a pretty penny for their winter break but also the perfect setting for terrorists to take control and carry out their dastardly plan. This is a totally action packed thriller from Mr Smith. He takes Jake to a different level to test his skill, wits and nerve.
November 12, 2018
One sudden attack. One reluctant hero. Many eager readers. The fourth novel in the Jake Boulder series is an action-packed adventure that offers page-turning drama every frozen step of our hero’s journey to save the day.
I am new to the series, and new to reading Graham Smith - after reading many a novel set elsewhere, the thought of ‘what about stories set locally?’ led to a treasure trove of local talent and novels set in recognisable locations. However, the chance to review a new release meant first reading a novel about a stranger abroad in a series of books I’d not previously read.
As first reads go, of the fourth novel in the Jake Boulder series, this is an explosive introduction to a character who neither relishes, nor is even certain of, his abilities to confront the situation he and everyone around him are drawn into.
With an assured writing style and excellent pacing this novel is worthy of the characters Graham has created, with a hero who is reluctant to shoot first, but is believable in his ability to justify what he must do to survive and succeed in saving lives.
The story of a terrorist attack on a high class ski resort is taught, pacy and certainly atmospheric - reading Die Cold will give you chills.
Did I enjoy the book. Yes. Will I now buy and read the rest of the books in the series? Absolutely. If supporting local authors means reading stories worthy of an international audience I am happy to oblige. Die Cold is a stone cold hit.
I am new to the series, and new to reading Graham Smith - after reading many a novel set elsewhere, the thought of ‘what about stories set locally?’ led to a treasure trove of local talent and novels set in recognisable locations. However, the chance to review a new release meant first reading a novel about a stranger abroad in a series of books I’d not previously read.
As first reads go, of the fourth novel in the Jake Boulder series, this is an explosive introduction to a character who neither relishes, nor is even certain of, his abilities to confront the situation he and everyone around him are drawn into.
With an assured writing style and excellent pacing this novel is worthy of the characters Graham has created, with a hero who is reluctant to shoot first, but is believable in his ability to justify what he must do to survive and succeed in saving lives.
The story of a terrorist attack on a high class ski resort is taught, pacy and certainly atmospheric - reading Die Cold will give you chills.
Did I enjoy the book. Yes. Will I now buy and read the rest of the books in the series? Absolutely. If supporting local authors means reading stories worthy of an international audience I am happy to oblige. Die Cold is a stone cold hit.
November 13, 2018
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I loved this story!! It was fast paced, full of excitement and has the best lead character in the rough and ready Jake Boulder!!
Having read the previous Boulder books, I was delighted when I found out that a new release in the series (this book, Die Cold) was coming out and I jumped at the change of getting my hands on a copy – and I am so glad I did, it is an excellent story and I thought it was fantastic!!
The pace in this book is spot on, it leads you along almost without allowing you to take a breath until you reach the end of the story. It is very well written as I would expect from this author and the plot is superb. The supporting characters are great, everyone is well developed and I loved seeing how they interacted as the story came to an ending – and what an ending it is!!
Everything in this book is executed very well and it was a complete treat to read – and one that was worth waiting for!!
Definitely 5 stars from me – it is excellent – very highly recommended!!
I loved this story!! It was fast paced, full of excitement and has the best lead character in the rough and ready Jake Boulder!!
Having read the previous Boulder books, I was delighted when I found out that a new release in the series (this book, Die Cold) was coming out and I jumped at the change of getting my hands on a copy – and I am so glad I did, it is an excellent story and I thought it was fantastic!!
The pace in this book is spot on, it leads you along almost without allowing you to take a breath until you reach the end of the story. It is very well written as I would expect from this author and the plot is superb. The supporting characters are great, everyone is well developed and I loved seeing how they interacted as the story came to an ending – and what an ending it is!!
Everything in this book is executed very well and it was a complete treat to read – and one that was worth waiting for!!
Definitely 5 stars from me – it is excellent – very highly recommended!!
February 14, 2019
This was my second Jake Boulder book and there's no denying that it's an exciting, action-packed, page-turner. And there's no denying that I really enjoyed it.
But I can't give it five stars because it was just a little bit too close to being Die Hard: On the Piste - you even have Boulder in bare feet on broken glass, the terrorist leader saying, "Where are my explosives?" and one of the other bad guys saying, "You killed my brother, so now I'm going to kill you". But I suppose it was always going to be that way - the clue's in the title!
My only other gripe is this. Throughout the book, Boulder struggles with his conscience. Shall I kill him, or just maim him? Sorry, Jake, but it's a pretty simple answer.....
Apart from that, very entertaining and I'll certainly catch up with the other books.
I finished this on the 6.46am train to Marylebone.
But I can't give it five stars because it was just a little bit too close to being Die Hard: On the Piste - you even have Boulder in bare feet on broken glass, the terrorist leader saying, "Where are my explosives?" and one of the other bad guys saying, "You killed my brother, so now I'm going to kill you". But I suppose it was always going to be that way - the clue's in the title!
My only other gripe is this. Throughout the book, Boulder struggles with his conscience. Shall I kill him, or just maim him? Sorry, Jake, but it's a pretty simple answer.....
Apart from that, very entertaining and I'll certainly catch up with the other books.
I finished this on the 6.46am train to Marylebone.
January 11, 2019
Great read
Makes you want to read anything this writer wrote. It was about good people versus evil. I will reread this again.
Makes you want to read anything this writer wrote. It was about good people versus evil. I will reread this again.
November 17, 2018
So glad to be able to bring back Jake Boulder on Chocolate'n'Waffles!
Thank you so much to Emma at Bloodhound Books for inviting me to be part of the blog tour for this new installment of the series! This review is unbiased and based on my sole opinion.
It really is exciting to review a new book in a series you’ve been following and reading. Exciting and scary, as always. What if this time, I’m bored?
Ah ah. Jake Boulder doesn’t do boring. I’m pretty sure that even if he tried, he’d fail. His author always makes sure we get the best of this character. But even if Jake wants to avoid trouble, trouble always finds him...
I don’t like skiing. I love the cold as long as I can stay under a blanket in front of a good fire. I’d never book a holiday in the middle of nowhere with only a few escape paths. Being trapped by a snowstorm on a white top? NO WAY. This is probably why Graham Smith’s latest novel had me claustrophobic very early on! The setting, although beautiful I imagine, is described in such a detailed manner that you instantly understand the dangers, the issues. I mean, first, it’s cold! Then the snow is never your friend. But where in some other fiction, the setting would have only been brushed, in Die Cold, it is a character in itself. Something Jake Boulder has to fight against. As if he didn’t already have enough on his plate…
Because while snowflakes cut wealthy-people’s idea of a paradise holiday from the rest of the world, terrorists take over the place. I was skeptical when I read the word terrorist for the first time, dreading a religious side to the attack. Call it a scar from today’s society. But Graham Smith is smart, and he uses this fear to take it in another direction. A bunch of crazy but extremely professional and heavily armed people in charge for an unknown reason? My instinct was going crazy. I loved how the reader is not given access to every information. Like Jake, we are in the dark regarding the bad guys’ plans, the silence surrounding their mission being as deafening as the methods they use to get what they want. I could see the fear and rage on the hostages’ faces, the blood run cold in each body. Still, there is no respite in the narration. You witness events that trigger reactions, good and bad, from both sides.
Now, let’s chew the bigger piece of cake. Jake Boulder himself. A haunted man running from a past that he can’t make peace with, hoping his job as a bartender in the middle of nowhere will be enough to give him time to heal, or at least, to stop causing pain. But what broke my heart was the fact that Jake doesn’t realize he actually is the one in pain. Incapable of forgiving himself, forced to second-guess his thoughts and guts because of his past, Jake’s guilt follows him in the snow like a mosquito with a light. All that he wants is to forget, or at least pretend to. Be invisible. But can you really stay dead when lives are at stake and you can help? How do you help when your confidence is shattered? What do you rely on when you are not sure of anything anymore? The questioning going on throughout the novel makes it different from other adrenaline-fuelled novels. Jake doesn’t want to be James Bond. He is never sure his decisions are the right ones. He doesn’t want to kill. I was amazed at how Graham Smith uses guilt as a weapon against his own character, and how as minutes tick by, Jake’s train of thoughts evolves so that the fear of doing wrong is wiped out by the need and desire to make things right. You can SEE it happening. Jake doesn’t want to add a name to the list of dead bodies he’s responsible for, but how long can you spare the bad ones if they don’t play by the rules and are a real threat to innocent people? Would I stick to my shell and say ‘not my problem’? I don’t know, but exploring Jake’s mental fights was as captivating as the game between him and the terrorists.
Plot-wise, Graham Smith hits hard! We get a few characters’ perspective, all in a different situation. We get the shock of the attack, the tension of the never-ending moments when all you can do is wait for rescue, the stress of a plan being carried out step after step, the surprise you’d rather do without. I feared for my dear friend Sharon, a wonderful guest in this fab read (read her review here!)
Die Cold is a brilliantly freezing and addictive read that is not to be confused with an all-action-big-muscle-dull-characters fiction. Gripping and spot-on, it offers a heart-stopping look at what it takes to fight the big evil. One man against many. I cannot wait to meet Jake again!
November 16, 2018
BOOM! 💥BOOM!💥 BOOM!💥 Jake Boulder is back and I couldn’t be happier! Set in a Vermont ski resort on New Years Eve, the reader is faced with escaping the past, protection, moving forward /new beginnings, change, greed, guilt, blame, survival, and justice to name but a few of the things you will come across in another explosive action thriller from the fabulous Graham Smith!
Although I still haven’t forgiven the author for the emotional torment that was delivered in Past Echoes, the absolute adrenaline rush I got from reading Die Cold soon made up for it all. As always, the reader is immediately pulled in by Mr Smith’s amazing ability to deliver a #killerhook that has you desperate to read on. Various POV’s gives the reader the full picture of what is happening and the narrative / characterisation shows once again how talented Mr Smith is at providing the reader with interesting, diverse, and relatable characters. The plot has us going through highs and lows – perfectly paced to allow the reader to catch their breath before the next punch-in-the-gut moment occurs. I think it is safe to say that Mr Smith is a DIE HARD fan as the inference is woven throughout the pages wonderfully!
Now for my favourite part – CHARACTERS! *Swoon* – oh yeah! Jake Boulder is one of my favourite characters – he’s a deductive thinker and I love the way the reader gets to ‘see’ Boulder assess and dissect a situation to come to a resolution. After the absolute DEVASTATION in Past Echoes (have I mentioned I am STILL not over this! – no spoilers) Jake just wants to find himself again – but as always, trouble has a way of finding him even when he is trying to avoid it. Will Jake ever be able to forgive himself? Will we see our hero find peace and move on? Well you’ll have to read DIE COLD to find out!
Sharon Bairden – well where did this kickass, Glasgow lass come from?! (and don’t say Glasgow 🤣) I love this character – a heart of gold but fierce when required, she helps Boulder in his mission to take down the terrorists.
Poor, Poor Nathan! Wrong place and wrong time – he may not be as relevant as our other characters in the grand scheme of things, but he served to move the story along in all the right places. I was always keen to see him appear!
‘Hannah’ and the terrorists – Sounds like a rock band, right? But nowhere near as entertaining in their delivery – this group is brutal, ruthless, greedy, power-thirsty, evil, narcissistic mofo’s who will do whatever it takes to get what they want. Will Jake be able to outfox them?
And don’t worry- Jake Boulder fans will be pleased to see that Ivy, Alfonse and another favourite- Dr Edwards (can I get a woohoo!) make an appearance as well! I love the Dr and hope we get to see more of him again in future Boulder books. Jake needs him and despite the Dr’s views on the outcome of what happened in Past Echoes, I think the Dr likes the challenge of working with Jake and may even get something out of it too.
One final character I want to mention is Daniel Prior. Clever, wise beyond his young years, protective and oh-so-observant – he added a wonderful flavour to the story in his desire to aid Jake in protecting those he was held captive with. Almost like the go between for Jake and Sharon, his bravery was second to none. Fabulous!
Soooo, would I recommend this read? Well, you know I am going to say it ….It’s a Yippe-Ki-Yay M***********-ing Hell Yeah from me! A stealth game of cat & mouse, heart-racing, captivating and oh-so-action packed read, you need to add this #badboy to your TBR! Follow the tour and see what everyone else thinks too!
Although I still haven’t forgiven the author for the emotional torment that was delivered in Past Echoes, the absolute adrenaline rush I got from reading Die Cold soon made up for it all. As always, the reader is immediately pulled in by Mr Smith’s amazing ability to deliver a #killerhook that has you desperate to read on. Various POV’s gives the reader the full picture of what is happening and the narrative / characterisation shows once again how talented Mr Smith is at providing the reader with interesting, diverse, and relatable characters. The plot has us going through highs and lows – perfectly paced to allow the reader to catch their breath before the next punch-in-the-gut moment occurs. I think it is safe to say that Mr Smith is a DIE HARD fan as the inference is woven throughout the pages wonderfully!
Now for my favourite part – CHARACTERS! *Swoon* – oh yeah! Jake Boulder is one of my favourite characters – he’s a deductive thinker and I love the way the reader gets to ‘see’ Boulder assess and dissect a situation to come to a resolution. After the absolute DEVASTATION in Past Echoes (have I mentioned I am STILL not over this! – no spoilers) Jake just wants to find himself again – but as always, trouble has a way of finding him even when he is trying to avoid it. Will Jake ever be able to forgive himself? Will we see our hero find peace and move on? Well you’ll have to read DIE COLD to find out!
Sharon Bairden – well where did this kickass, Glasgow lass come from?! (and don’t say Glasgow 🤣) I love this character – a heart of gold but fierce when required, she helps Boulder in his mission to take down the terrorists.
Poor, Poor Nathan! Wrong place and wrong time – he may not be as relevant as our other characters in the grand scheme of things, but he served to move the story along in all the right places. I was always keen to see him appear!
‘Hannah’ and the terrorists – Sounds like a rock band, right? But nowhere near as entertaining in their delivery – this group is brutal, ruthless, greedy, power-thirsty, evil, narcissistic mofo’s who will do whatever it takes to get what they want. Will Jake be able to outfox them?
And don’t worry- Jake Boulder fans will be pleased to see that Ivy, Alfonse and another favourite- Dr Edwards (can I get a woohoo!) make an appearance as well! I love the Dr and hope we get to see more of him again in future Boulder books. Jake needs him and despite the Dr’s views on the outcome of what happened in Past Echoes, I think the Dr likes the challenge of working with Jake and may even get something out of it too.
One final character I want to mention is Daniel Prior. Clever, wise beyond his young years, protective and oh-so-observant – he added a wonderful flavour to the story in his desire to aid Jake in protecting those he was held captive with. Almost like the go between for Jake and Sharon, his bravery was second to none. Fabulous!
Soooo, would I recommend this read? Well, you know I am going to say it ….It’s a Yippe-Ki-Yay M***********-ing Hell Yeah from me! A stealth game of cat & mouse, heart-racing, captivating and oh-so-action packed read, you need to add this #badboy to your TBR! Follow the tour and see what everyone else thinks too!
November 15, 2018
As usual Boulder is in the centre of trouble. Not his doing I might add, he just seems to certainly be in wrong places at the wrong time. Only there is no way of him getting out of this wrong place, as he's at an exclusive Vermont ski resort on New Year’s Eve, in the middle of a snow storm, where only the rich can afford to stay. A Private getaway or so it seemed. That is until terrorist take over, and Boulder is now trapped along with the other hostages.
Clearly this being Boulder you just know he's not going to sit back and let these monsters do as they please, he's got to wait for a perfect opportunity to fight back. And he certainly does fight back.
What then happens is a roller coaster of a read, I found myself more than once holding my breath, trying not to breath and interrupt what was happening. My heart was pounding. This book felt so real you could almost be shivering in the storm. If this book had been a film I think I'd have been hiding behind a cushion throughout.
A High octane , fast paced, edge of your seat battle. I was totally lost in this book, and I can't find a way of saying what I thought, without giving to much of the story away. I wouldn't like to spoil it for anyone, but what I can say is what a damn treat you are in for.
I just love the character that is Jake Boulder, he's lost and wanted to get away, blend into the background and figure out life, that's just never going to happen for him.
Graham Smith, I am again more than just a little impressed with your writing skills.
Clearly this being Boulder you just know he's not going to sit back and let these monsters do as they please, he's got to wait for a perfect opportunity to fight back. And he certainly does fight back.
What then happens is a roller coaster of a read, I found myself more than once holding my breath, trying not to breath and interrupt what was happening. My heart was pounding. This book felt so real you could almost be shivering in the storm. If this book had been a film I think I'd have been hiding behind a cushion throughout.
A High octane , fast paced, edge of your seat battle. I was totally lost in this book, and I can't find a way of saying what I thought, without giving to much of the story away. I wouldn't like to spoil it for anyone, but what I can say is what a damn treat you are in for.
I just love the character that is Jake Boulder, he's lost and wanted to get away, blend into the background and figure out life, that's just never going to happen for him.
Graham Smith, I am again more than just a little impressed with your writing skills.
November 6, 2018
This is the fourth Jake Boulder novel, although my first introduction to him. Jake has been through some pretty traumatic events and is carrying a lot of guilt around with him. He has a talent for getting involved in the sort of situations he really shouldn't and has learnt a fair few survival and fighting skills along the way. Trying to stay out of trouble he has taken a bartender job at the prestigious Ridge-Top ski resort in Vermont, a destination for only the very rich. However trouble seems to find Jake, and within a few weeks the hotel has been invaded by armed terrorists who hold all the guests and staff as hostages. They make it absolutely clear how vicious and determined they are, particularly as their lack of disguise tells Jake that they plan to leave no witnesses. Still unclear as to their goal, Jake seizes a chance to escape from their clutches, and raises the alarm whilst trying to pick off the baddies one by one. One untrained civilian versus at least a dozen ex-military gunmen would appear to be a very unfair fight, even when he can call on ex-army hostage Sharon to assist him, but along with his wits and instincts Jake does seem to have far more than his share of good fortune! The book is well written and is a real page turner which keeps the reader glued to it till the end with a twist they might not see coming. Very enjoyable reading.
November 12, 2018
I'm a crime fiction reader and I LOVE JAKE BOULDER. There, it's out there - judge me if you will. So, my lovely damaged Jake is pushed almost to the end in this one. Battling the weather as well as the terrorists is only half the battle for Jake. he's also got his own internal demons to battle ... and believe me they are so much scarier for him than the terrorists inside the ski resort he's working at or the weather.
So what really drew me into Die Cold? Well, it's that knowledge that Jake, despite all his flaws, is a good man and he'll do his utmost to save innocent people. he's like a modern day Batman without the car or the suit (although he'd probably have been quite grateful for a Batsuit in this one) More than that though it's the very human instincts that carry him forward. Smith artfully juxtaposes the ice cold surroundings and the obstacles it throws up for Jake with the fire and heat of the fast paced, action-led, hurtling adrenalin rush that propels the narrative forward at a rate of knots.
Very different from the other Jake Boulder books this , I think, has been my favourite so far. It pushes boundaries, tests human endurance and above all provides an optimism that melts the coldness that Smith so adeptly portrays throughout.
So what really drew me into Die Cold? Well, it's that knowledge that Jake, despite all his flaws, is a good man and he'll do his utmost to save innocent people. he's like a modern day Batman without the car or the suit (although he'd probably have been quite grateful for a Batsuit in this one) More than that though it's the very human instincts that carry him forward. Smith artfully juxtaposes the ice cold surroundings and the obstacles it throws up for Jake with the fire and heat of the fast paced, action-led, hurtling adrenalin rush that propels the narrative forward at a rate of knots.
Very different from the other Jake Boulder books this , I think, has been my favourite so far. It pushes boundaries, tests human endurance and above all provides an optimism that melts the coldness that Smith so adeptly portrays throughout.
December 4, 2018
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the free ebook copy in exchange for my honest review
This is the fourth installment in the Jake Boulder series! I’m always impressed with the books in this series and how they seem to improve as the series progresses. I would highly recommend picking up the other books in this crime series in order to really get a feel for Jake Boulder.
I couldn’t believe how quickly this book picked up. Terrorist taking over the hotel immediately and chaos ensues. This is a high-tension thriller with plenty to keep you fully absorbed. I loved the strong female leads in this novel, Sharon and Hannah, both are a force to be reckoned with but on opposite sides of the hostage situation. Sharon is strong willed and will do anything to help Boulder and the other hostages get away safely. Meanwhile, Hannah is one of the terrorists and makes a truly cold and calculating antagonist.
As expected, there��s some violence and gore in this thriller, including torture. So that’s something to keep in mind before diving into this book and the series. Overall, if you’re looking for a thriller that grabs you and doesn’t let go, then you need to check out Jake Boulder! I hope there’s more to come in this series.
This is the fourth installment in the Jake Boulder series! I’m always impressed with the books in this series and how they seem to improve as the series progresses. I would highly recommend picking up the other books in this crime series in order to really get a feel for Jake Boulder.
I couldn’t believe how quickly this book picked up. Terrorist taking over the hotel immediately and chaos ensues. This is a high-tension thriller with plenty to keep you fully absorbed. I loved the strong female leads in this novel, Sharon and Hannah, both are a force to be reckoned with but on opposite sides of the hostage situation. Sharon is strong willed and will do anything to help Boulder and the other hostages get away safely. Meanwhile, Hannah is one of the terrorists and makes a truly cold and calculating antagonist.
As expected, there��s some violence and gore in this thriller, including torture. So that’s something to keep in mind before diving into this book and the series. Overall, if you’re looking for a thriller that grabs you and doesn’t let go, then you need to check out Jake Boulder! I hope there’s more to come in this series.
November 6, 2018
OMW..... what a fantastic, fast paced and action packed thriller. I am ashamed to say that I have not read the first three in this series, as Graham Smith is one of my favourite authors and he never, ever disappoints. Even though I am sorry that I did not read these books in order, I did manage to follow book four just fine, but it did leave me wanting to catch up on the first 3 books.
Jake Boulder and fellow Scot, Sharon are two fantastic and strong lead characters, who are both working at a ski resort for the super rich, and are taken hostage along with all the guests when terrorists invade the lodge.
Jake Boulder manages to escape from the terrorists when he realises that no hostages will survive the attack. What follows is nonstop action and jaw dropping excitement that had me glued to my kindle with bated breath. I would like to say this is the best so far from Graham Smith, but that is what I think every time I read one of his books.
Highly, highly recommended and I will not be missing anymore books from this brilliant author.
Jake Boulder and fellow Scot, Sharon are two fantastic and strong lead characters, who are both working at a ski resort for the super rich, and are taken hostage along with all the guests when terrorists invade the lodge.
Jake Boulder manages to escape from the terrorists when he realises that no hostages will survive the attack. What follows is nonstop action and jaw dropping excitement that had me glued to my kindle with bated breath. I would like to say this is the best so far from Graham Smith, but that is what I think every time I read one of his books.
Highly, highly recommended and I will not be missing anymore books from this brilliant author.
November 19, 2018
I love this seres and Die Cold is the best yet! Jake Boulder is a great leading man in the Reacher mould and this story of a hostage situation in a mountain top hotel in a snowstorm is absolutely gripping from start to finish!
November 14, 2018
I read and reviewed Graham Smith’s books featuring DI Harry Evans and I really enjoyed them. Although I have a couple of the books featuring Jake Boulder on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ pile, I have never got around to reading them. Sorry Graham. However, when I was invited to take part in the blog blitz for ‘Die Cold’, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to get to know Jake Boulder. Now I realise just what it is I have been missing and I can guarantee that the rest of the Jake Boulder series will not be on my ‘to be read’ mountain for that much longer.
I must admit that I took to and liked the character of Jake Boulder from the start. In fact I developed something of a soft spot for him. I guess every girl and boy likes a hero. That’s certainly what I found him to be. Jake is a complex character. It’s obvious that he has been through some very traumatic incidents in his past and they still affect him to this day. Jake has cut himself off from his nearest and dearest to protect them. It’s as if he has gone into self imposed exile. Jake is taking time out to heal and to find himself again. It’s very true to say that trouble certainly follows him around and in that respect he is very much line John McClane from the Die Hard films. Jake is a loner and he avoids getting too close to others. Will Jake save the day again? Who are the terrorists and what is their motivation? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘Die Cold’ is a cleverly plotted book, which grabs you by the throat and it certainly doesn’t let you go until the moment you have finished reading. It was definitely a case of ‘settle down, strap yourself in and enjoy the ride (or in this case enjoy the read)’. That was certainly the case for me. Reading this book was much like watching a Hollywood movie in that you have a hero, you have terrorists, you have a situation but bam in comes the hero to save the day.
I soon became addicted to reading ‘Die Cold’. The author’s writing style is such that he draws you into the story from the moment you begin to read. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. It seemed to take next to no time for me to get through the book but in reality it was a matter of hours. I was enjoying the writing style, the plot and the characters so much I didn’t realise how quickly the time was passing. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was able to focus solely on the story.
Reading ‘Die Cold’ was much like being on a rather scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty. It is one of those books that causes your adrenaline levels to soar, your heart rate to hit the roof and will leave you speechless at times. I found that there were also certain moments that I didn’t see coming and when they came along, I felt as though I had taken a punch to the gut and had the breath knocked out of me. There were several occasions where I almost had to read through my fingers because I genuinely feared what was awaiting me and my hero over the page.
In short I loved reading ‘Die Cold’ and I will definitely be reading the other Jake Boulder books just as soon as I can. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Graham Smith. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I must admit that I took to and liked the character of Jake Boulder from the start. In fact I developed something of a soft spot for him. I guess every girl and boy likes a hero. That’s certainly what I found him to be. Jake is a complex character. It’s obvious that he has been through some very traumatic incidents in his past and they still affect him to this day. Jake has cut himself off from his nearest and dearest to protect them. It’s as if he has gone into self imposed exile. Jake is taking time out to heal and to find himself again. It’s very true to say that trouble certainly follows him around and in that respect he is very much line John McClane from the Die Hard films. Jake is a loner and he avoids getting too close to others. Will Jake save the day again? Who are the terrorists and what is their motivation? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘Die Cold’ is a cleverly plotted book, which grabs you by the throat and it certainly doesn’t let you go until the moment you have finished reading. It was definitely a case of ‘settle down, strap yourself in and enjoy the ride (or in this case enjoy the read)’. That was certainly the case for me. Reading this book was much like watching a Hollywood movie in that you have a hero, you have terrorists, you have a situation but bam in comes the hero to save the day.
I soon became addicted to reading ‘Die Cold’. The author’s writing style is such that he draws you into the story from the moment you begin to read. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. It seemed to take next to no time for me to get through the book but in reality it was a matter of hours. I was enjoying the writing style, the plot and the characters so much I didn’t realise how quickly the time was passing. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was able to focus solely on the story.
Reading ‘Die Cold’ was much like being on a rather scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty. It is one of those books that causes your adrenaline levels to soar, your heart rate to hit the roof and will leave you speechless at times. I found that there were also certain moments that I didn’t see coming and when they came along, I felt as though I had taken a punch to the gut and had the breath knocked out of me. There were several occasions where I almost had to read through my fingers because I genuinely feared what was awaiting me and my hero over the page.
In short I loved reading ‘Die Cold’ and I will definitely be reading the other Jake Boulder books just as soon as I can. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Graham Smith. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 10, 2018
Wow!! This books barely gives you chance to breathe it's so fast paced and thrilling. Another great book Mr Smith.
February 9, 2019
The author knows his character so well, his writing gives us a definite mental picture of Jake and his thoughts and actions. Yes, the story will remind you of Die Hard and every Steven Seagal movie you ever saw...but didn't you love those movies? Jake has survived many tough situations and spoiler alert, he survives this one too. But along the way, readers are given a wild ride with many close encounters. You'll find yourself holding your breath along with Jake as he moves through the resort trying to save the day again. How many times can he face these odds and survive? Let's hope many more so we can read the next few books in the series.
November 19, 2018
Heart Stopping Action
After reading the author's note at the beginning, I was tempted to just return the book. Glad I didn't. I don't recall him using "tyre" or "kerb," but he did proceed to write not only the best book of this series, but one of the best of the hundreds of books I have read. I hate using the cliche "page turner," but it certainly applies in this case. Nearly every page had heart stopping action.
Thank you Graham Smith, and you are forgiven for writing like a Brit.
After reading the author's note at the beginning, I was tempted to just return the book. Glad I didn't. I don't recall him using "tyre" or "kerb," but he did proceed to write not only the best book of this series, but one of the best of the hundreds of books I have read. I hate using the cliche "page turner," but it certainly applies in this case. Nearly every page had heart stopping action.
Thank you Graham Smith, and you are forgiven for writing like a Brit.
January 12, 2019
Yet again has Smith written a great story about ex bouncer Boulder. This time it's cold outside. Some people have complained about the use of English instead of American language but Jake is from England so I think it's fitting since he is the one telling the story. I stumbled across Graham Smith by accident a while ago and have no regrets. Maybe I will find the time to read some of his other work to but I can strongly recommend this series.
August 12, 2019
Fab
Always expect the unexpected from this Author the characters are brilliant. Maybe we need a few boulders in real life to fix the injustices in the world. Fab because his books are on kindle unlimited which I can afford but I couldn't afford to read the or twelve books a month from great authors so thank you all Authors on kindleunlimited . magdg
Always expect the unexpected from this Author the characters are brilliant. Maybe we need a few boulders in real life to fix the injustices in the world. Fab because his books are on kindle unlimited which I can afford but I couldn't afford to read the or twelve books a month from great authors so thank you all Authors on kindleunlimited . magdg
June 15, 2019
Die Cold
A riveting, compelling story. I found it difficult to put down.......finished it in three sittings! The plot is so very plausible! Having grown quite fond of Jake, I hope we get to read another books shortly......
A riveting, compelling story. I found it difficult to put down.......finished it in three sittings! The plot is so very plausible! Having grown quite fond of Jake, I hope we get to read another books shortly......
March 24, 2019
Great Story
This is the first book by Graham Smith that I have read but it will not be the last. A really enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and a great central hero.
This is the first book by Graham Smith that I have read but it will not be the last. A really enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and a great central hero.
May 3, 2022
I ended up giving 4 stars to this book because it did keep me wanting to read more every night.
But… a completely ordinary man being able to take down, all by himself, some twenty terrorists?!?
Beware that once you read this book, you WILL know that, if terrorists show up without masks on, it’s because they plan to kill all hostages; the protagonists says us so about 6 times in the first 50 pages and other minor characters say it too.
The main character says repeatedly ( many repeats in this book) that he knows about nothing about firearms, yet he knows which to use for what purpose and how to angle a weapon to get his target depending on the wind factor.
He also knows nothing about explosives but is able to identify and neutralize them safely.
He doesn’t want to kill anyone and can calm his conscience by injuring people and leave them to die in the cold because, well, he didn’t actually killed them, the weather did.
Let’s say it bluntly; the book’s plot is totally irreal.
Yet, despite all I wrote, this book will keep you wanting to go on reading it.
But… a completely ordinary man being able to take down, all by himself, some twenty terrorists?!?
Beware that once you read this book, you WILL know that, if terrorists show up without masks on, it’s because they plan to kill all hostages; the protagonists says us so about 6 times in the first 50 pages and other minor characters say it too.
The main character says repeatedly ( many repeats in this book) that he knows about nothing about firearms, yet he knows which to use for what purpose and how to angle a weapon to get his target depending on the wind factor.
He also knows nothing about explosives but is able to identify and neutralize them safely.
He doesn’t want to kill anyone and can calm his conscience by injuring people and leave them to die in the cold because, well, he didn’t actually killed them, the weather did.
Let’s say it bluntly; the book’s plot is totally irreal.
Yet, despite all I wrote, this book will keep you wanting to go on reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
As breathless and breakneck as I have come to expect from Graham Smith's Jake Boulder in a tale where the odds against survival - not only of his life but his moral code - seem too overwhelming to be got away with this time. Yet the myriad inventive ways and means by which he does - the cognac and sugar a sweet extra - and the reason why wealthy ski-resort guests are gathered together and targeted by too many terrorists to contemplate, kept me guessing until the end.
September 9, 2023
Unbelievable! I wanted at least a two page description of frost bite. After reading the previous three books in this series, I found myself skipping the descriptions of his fights. And with all the head butts Jake delivers, he is bound to have brain damage any time now! I think I have reached my limit of reading descriptions of fighting.
July 23, 2023
Great Read
Good read for anyone who enjoys fast paced action and interesting characters.
Keeping the reader unaware of the rationale behind the behavior
of the terrorists until the end propelled the narrative well,
Good read for anyone who enjoys fast paced action and interesting characters.
Keeping the reader unaware of the rationale behind the behavior
of the terrorists until the end propelled the narrative well,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews