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Cold Betrayal
Trapped in a wintry setting, and followed by two men determined to kill her, Tori Anderson searches for someone who doesn’t want to be found. She drove the length of the east coast in a quest to find Danny Wilcox, intending to convince him to return to Florida with her. The drug lord, the most wanted criminal in the province of Quebec, has other plans.
Tori is nothing if not loyal. She unflaggingly defends Danny and refuses to believe he’d harm her, despite several attempts on her life. Others befriend her, even while advancing their own agendas. Tori’s devotion is tested at every turn, not knowing who she can trust, or the consequences of her ultimate decision.
Tori is nothing if not loyal. She unflaggingly defends Danny and refuses to believe he’d harm her, despite several attempts on her life. Others befriend her, even while advancing their own agendas. Tori’s devotion is tested at every turn, not knowing who she can trust, or the consequences of her ultimate decision.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2018
504 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
A.J. McCarthy
13 books166 followersAs an author of mystery suspense novels, A.J. McCarthy is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her friends and family are cautious, concerned they may become a victim in her next novel. Those who are more adventurous offer up ideas and are willing to sacrifice certain family members for the cause. A.J. bides her time, waiting for the right moment and the perfect victim. She hides behind a quiet façade, and few know what she’s really thinking.
A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.
A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 18, 2019
Cold Betray is an edge of your seat thriller and a great crime novel. I enjoyed this fast paced story with its intrigue and suspense I was engaged throughout and will be seeking to read more by this author
May 16, 2019
A Stylish, Smart Thriller
From its exciting opening in snowy Quebec to a wild and surprising climax, Cold Betrayal by AJ McCarthy is a fun, romantic thriller. Our conflicted protagonist Tori tries to chase down and rehabilitate her beloved Danny, a drug lord who has run amuck in Canada. McCarthy has skillfully plotted this story as sticky situations and menacing actions are balanced by clever, credible revelations.
Tori’s stubborn support of Danny is psychologically fascinating, and ultimately McCarthy delivers compelling reasons for her outlook. Late in the novel, undercover officer Jeff wonders, “Who could compete with that kind of love?” McCarthy offers an answer to that question and so many others with satisfying plot twists.
The novel has a cinematic quality as compelling, stylish characters like Mario and Chantel are set against the frosty landscape of Quebec City and the woods beyond. The early chapters in and around a rustic cabin where Tori encounters Ben get the reader hooked. What follows delivers so many unexpected moments that I’d ruin them by providing too many details. Let’s just say ultimately the internal crisis of Tori’s allegiance between Danny and those who have ostensibly aided her (with the help of a clever maneuver by Inspector Bouchard) is deftly resolved. Cold Betrayal is fun, smart, and thrilling … a terrific read.
From its exciting opening in snowy Quebec to a wild and surprising climax, Cold Betrayal by AJ McCarthy is a fun, romantic thriller. Our conflicted protagonist Tori tries to chase down and rehabilitate her beloved Danny, a drug lord who has run amuck in Canada. McCarthy has skillfully plotted this story as sticky situations and menacing actions are balanced by clever, credible revelations.
Tori’s stubborn support of Danny is psychologically fascinating, and ultimately McCarthy delivers compelling reasons for her outlook. Late in the novel, undercover officer Jeff wonders, “Who could compete with that kind of love?” McCarthy offers an answer to that question and so many others with satisfying plot twists.
The novel has a cinematic quality as compelling, stylish characters like Mario and Chantel are set against the frosty landscape of Quebec City and the woods beyond. The early chapters in and around a rustic cabin where Tori encounters Ben get the reader hooked. What follows delivers so many unexpected moments that I’d ruin them by providing too many details. Let’s just say ultimately the internal crisis of Tori’s allegiance between Danny and those who have ostensibly aided her (with the help of a clever maneuver by Inspector Bouchard) is deftly resolved. Cold Betrayal is fun, smart, and thrilling … a terrific read.
April 11, 2019
This was a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters were interesting and realistic, and while some things I guessed - so many, many others I didn't. I was always curious where the story was going to go. It kept me turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend.
January 11, 2019
A edge of your seat thriller. A great storyline, and chemistry between protagonist.
4 stars !
I received this ARC though Netgalley for a honest review.
4 stars !
I received this ARC though Netgalley for a honest review.
February 6, 2019
Cold betrayal is a fiction thriller story about Victoria Anderson trying to find Danny. She has to find him so bad that she travels all the way from Florida to Quebec, Canada. The story unfolds many ups and down in her attempt to find him, as it appears that he is a wanted man. Tori risks her life trying to bring Danny back and the entire story ends with revealing why that is.
I found the story to be very thrilling. I could not understand what the obsession in the mystery was but was glad to find out in the end. The story, in my opinion, could have worked well with more character background and story. I believe it would have hugely impacted the ending and the reveal.
The literature standard was very fitting to the thrilling nature of the mystery. It was suspenseful and the pace was steady enough for keeping the reader intrigued.
Coldness not only works well with the season being winter but also to the brutality of the nature of which Tori is under. I appreciated the author’s delicacy is writing with such style creating tense scenes which kept me intrigued.
I found the story to be very thrilling. I could not understand what the obsession in the mystery was but was glad to find out in the end. The story, in my opinion, could have worked well with more character background and story. I believe it would have hugely impacted the ending and the reveal.
The literature standard was very fitting to the thrilling nature of the mystery. It was suspenseful and the pace was steady enough for keeping the reader intrigued.
Coldness not only works well with the season being winter but also to the brutality of the nature of which Tori is under. I appreciated the author’s delicacy is writing with such style creating tense scenes which kept me intrigued.
January 2, 2019
Cold Betrayal, a fast paced crime novel, follows an inexperienced woman from Florida in her unlikely dalliance with crime in Quebec city and her reluctant conflict with the police who protect that city and its surrounding countryside. Victoria (Tori) Anderson is a naive homebody from Florida who is looking for Danny Wilcox, a vicious criminal, to whom she is extremely loyal and will protect at any cost. Cold Betrayal is A. J. McCarthy’s follow-up novel from Sins of the Father.
Tori runs off the road in the harsh winter of rural Quebec and she knows she has to get away from her car quickly. In spite of her light clothing she decides to walk in search of shelter. She runs into an isolated cabin and is helped back into the city where she resumes her search for Danny. Thus continues Tories narrow escape from death and several unpleasant encounters with the police. Why is Tori so bent on talking to Danny and at the same time refusing to help the police to find him?
I am disappointed in McCarthy’s lack of descriptions throughout the novel. For the most part it is reported rather than described. She does not provide you with detailed descriptions that might add to the richness of the narrative.
For example:
“When they approached the famous Chateau Frontenac, majestically overlooking the St. Lawrence, Tory audibly gasped. It was picture postcard perfect.” The Chateau Frontenac and the district it sits in is one of the most beautiful and historical locations in the world. What about it was picture card perfect.
And
When she describes the Ice Palace (one of the wonders of the Quebec winter carnival) as an “open air structure made entirely of ice…. It was a novel experience for Tori to eat breakfast while standing ankle deep in snow inside a frozen castle.” Is that all one can say is that a novel experience?
On the other hand the story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.
Character development is complete for the most part through conversation and interaction. However, again I think there is a lack of description of the person, which helps the reader truly get to know the characters. Describing a person as blond-haired and blue-eyed helps you identify them, but it doesn’t help know what they are like. McCarthy does a better job of describing people’s emotions.
Overall I like the book. The story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fast paced, good crime story. I give it a 3 on 5 because the descriptions don’t make me feel like I am there. I want to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Tori runs off the road in the harsh winter of rural Quebec and she knows she has to get away from her car quickly. In spite of her light clothing she decides to walk in search of shelter. She runs into an isolated cabin and is helped back into the city where she resumes her search for Danny. Thus continues Tories narrow escape from death and several unpleasant encounters with the police. Why is Tori so bent on talking to Danny and at the same time refusing to help the police to find him?
I am disappointed in McCarthy’s lack of descriptions throughout the novel. For the most part it is reported rather than described. She does not provide you with detailed descriptions that might add to the richness of the narrative.
For example:
“When they approached the famous Chateau Frontenac, majestically overlooking the St. Lawrence, Tory audibly gasped. It was picture postcard perfect.” The Chateau Frontenac and the district it sits in is one of the most beautiful and historical locations in the world. What about it was picture card perfect.
And
When she describes the Ice Palace (one of the wonders of the Quebec winter carnival) as an “open air structure made entirely of ice…. It was a novel experience for Tori to eat breakfast while standing ankle deep in snow inside a frozen castle.” Is that all one can say is that a novel experience?
On the other hand the story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.
Character development is complete for the most part through conversation and interaction. However, again I think there is a lack of description of the person, which helps the reader truly get to know the characters. Describing a person as blond-haired and blue-eyed helps you identify them, but it doesn’t help know what they are like. McCarthy does a better job of describing people’s emotions.
Overall I like the book. The story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fast paced, good crime story. I give it a 3 on 5 because the descriptions don’t make me feel like I am there. I want to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
September 22, 2025
Cold Betrayal by A.J. McCarthy is about a woman on the run in Quebec, but not equipped for either the weather nor the man whose cabin in the woods that she found.
First, let me thank the publisher Black Rose Writing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Sorry for this very long delay in reviewing
Well, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised. This was a fast and entertaining read.
My only problem was the naivety of Tori. For someone who was strong enough to come to Canada alone, in the middle of winter, without knowing anything about Quebec, she definitely showed stupidity at almost every turn. Her devotedness to Danny was flawless, and their relationship was somewhat predictable, as was the end. She also seemed to accept help from any man she met. Talk about gullible.
However, the actual plot was quite good. And although I am not a fan of romance in my mystery novels, this was done well, and didn't really interfere with the storyline.
So, overall, it was a good mystery, and when I have some time, I'll check out her other novels.
Anyway, until next time....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
February 19, 2019
I really enjoyed reading the book Cold Betrayal, it was a excellent suspense/thriller. A easy and fast read, full of intrigue and lots of layers to the plot lines in the story. I loved the two main characters in the story, and will certainly read more books from this author. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys suspense/thrillers.
April 6, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. I just kept asking myself who the heck is Danny!! I connected with the characters and liked the way the story was written with all the twist and turns. Highly recommend.
May 4, 2022
I received this book in print as a gift from the author; later downloaded it on my Kindle. Victoria is a feisty girl from Florida who makes a trip to Quebec on a personal mission. She is strong, determined, stubborn, and has tunnel vision. She is too feisty for my taste, and it continually gets her in serious trouble and danger. I have had "villains" and heroes in my long life, but nothing like our Tori's at either end of the spectrum. Having such a hero must be absolutely wonderful. I love this author's smooth command of the language, and plot twists. I easily figured the relationship with the man she sought, but I did not come close to the identity of the final betrayer. Always look forward to reading McCarthy books. [Note to all authors: if you use a foreign language, please give immediate translation in the language corresponding with that of the edition one is reading.]
February 17, 2019
The clues were there in her head.
Tori never said anything out loud that told anyone why she was so loyal to Danny. All she knew was she had to protect him from the police no matter what it cost her.
Tori never said anything out loud that told anyone why she was so loyal to Danny. All she knew was she had to protect him from the police no matter what it cost her.
May 18, 2019
Great Book
This book kept up the interest until the very end. It had explained the sights of Quebec.
The plot was terrific; the suspense gripped you; the characters were well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This book kept up the interest until the very end. It had explained the sights of Quebec.
The plot was terrific; the suspense gripped you; the characters were well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 18, 2019
An incredible read
Immediately absorbs you into a maze of cops versus killer drug-runners. Intriguingly, fast-moving, . plotted with realistic characters. An added surprise, an unexpected ending.
Immediately absorbs you into a maze of cops versus killer drug-runners. Intriguingly, fast-moving, . plotted with realistic characters. An added surprise, an unexpected ending.
May 18, 2019
Tests and turns
The book kept you guessing. Many twists and turns. Descriptive. Great characters. Many surprises . You will enjoy reading this book.
The book kept you guessing. Many twists and turns. Descriptive. Great characters. Many surprises . You will enjoy reading this book.
May 17, 2019
Great
Loved this book...excitement no cursing romance what more could a girl want. Just lost myself in all the different moods portrayed.ok
Loved this book...excitement no cursing romance what more could a girl want. Just lost myself in all the different moods portrayed.ok
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters, and I cared about what happened to them. I have never read any books by this author, but I will certainly be looking for more books by A.J. McCarthy.
August 21, 2022
I read this book on my Paperwhite, received it FREE from Amazon… thanks so much.
Victoria (Tori) finds herself in Quebec, Canada in the winter, she traveled there from Florida, so needless to say the weather was shocking to say the least.
She is looking for Danny Wilcox, who also is looking for her, but for entirely different reasons.
Along the way she meets up with some very interesting males. First there is Ben and Riley (my favorite), than she finds herself in Quebec itself where she meets up with Mario, who she really likes a lot… until she finds out the truth… and then she meets Jeff! You tell me which one of these males you like the best.
Good, quick read, but I figured out the connection pretty quick.. was fun to read.
Victoria (Tori) finds herself in Quebec, Canada in the winter, she traveled there from Florida, so needless to say the weather was shocking to say the least.
She is looking for Danny Wilcox, who also is looking for her, but for entirely different reasons.
Along the way she meets up with some very interesting males. First there is Ben and Riley (my favorite), than she finds herself in Quebec itself where she meets up with Mario, who she really likes a lot… until she finds out the truth… and then she meets Jeff! You tell me which one of these males you like the best.
Good, quick read, but I figured out the connection pretty quick.. was fun to read.
January 24, 2019
Dramatic and Intense
McCarthy pens a remarkable story in Cold Betrayal, and that title explains the story. With that, there is a lot more in this story. There are different layers of depths and plot lines. Victoria "Tori" is a strong character and gives the story a lot of power, and she interacts with a lot of seedy characters. I really liked McCarthy's writing style and how she tells a story. The premise is unique and this reader, like Tori, never knows who to trust. Enter in the drug lord, and it gives more depth to the story. This was one page-turner that I won't soon forget, and I hope to read more by this author.
McCarthy pens a remarkable story in Cold Betrayal, and that title explains the story. With that, there is a lot more in this story. There are different layers of depths and plot lines. Victoria "Tori" is a strong character and gives the story a lot of power, and she interacts with a lot of seedy characters. I really liked McCarthy's writing style and how she tells a story. The premise is unique and this reader, like Tori, never knows who to trust. Enter in the drug lord, and it gives more depth to the story. This was one page-turner that I won't soon forget, and I hope to read more by this author.
September 24, 2020
Cold Betrayal, A. J. McCarthy and Black Rose Writing were all unknown to me when I was offered an ARC of Cold Betrayal to read and review. The title intrigued me. If you enjoy a really action-packed, fast-paced, mystery-thriller, you must read this book.
Victoria, A.K. A, “Tori,” Anderson is on a mission to find Danny Wilcox in Old Quebec City and bring him back to Florida She’s dead set on ripping him away from his lowlife associates and the drug trafficking lifestyle he has adopted, getting him to start a new life for himself back in the states. While on her quest she is beaten up and was almost murdered three times, all by men that worked for Danny Wilcox. Each time the same undercover police officer rescued her, a man that she falls in love with before she discovers that he is an undercover cop on a quest of his own. He wants to find Danny Wilcox to arrest him for his drug dealing and the many other crimes he has evaded prosecution for.
Tori refuses to help the police find Danny, swearing that he had nothing to do with the attempts that had been made on her life. She believes that if he had known that, he would have protected her. Even after being shot in the back in the courthouse by one of Danny’s associates, she remains loyal to Danny. It’s not until they manipulate her into believing that the cop she has fallen in love with will infiltrate Danny’s gang and will be killed does she agree to help the cops get Danny.
So why does Tori remain so loyal to Danny? Like the police, I figured that they had been lovers in the past and she was still in love with him. We were wrong. The real reason for Tori’s loyalty. Don’t come out until the very end. The way this story ends will bow your mind and you’ll have to read this book for yourself to find out.
Victoria, A.K. A, “Tori,” Anderson is on a mission to find Danny Wilcox in Old Quebec City and bring him back to Florida She’s dead set on ripping him away from his lowlife associates and the drug trafficking lifestyle he has adopted, getting him to start a new life for himself back in the states. While on her quest she is beaten up and was almost murdered three times, all by men that worked for Danny Wilcox. Each time the same undercover police officer rescued her, a man that she falls in love with before she discovers that he is an undercover cop on a quest of his own. He wants to find Danny Wilcox to arrest him for his drug dealing and the many other crimes he has evaded prosecution for.
Tori refuses to help the police find Danny, swearing that he had nothing to do with the attempts that had been made on her life. She believes that if he had known that, he would have protected her. Even after being shot in the back in the courthouse by one of Danny’s associates, she remains loyal to Danny. It’s not until they manipulate her into believing that the cop she has fallen in love with will infiltrate Danny’s gang and will be killed does she agree to help the cops get Danny.
So why does Tori remain so loyal to Danny? Like the police, I figured that they had been lovers in the past and she was still in love with him. We were wrong. The real reason for Tori’s loyalty. Don’t come out until the very end. The way this story ends will bow your mind and you’ll have to read this book for yourself to find out.
May 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book rather more than I thought I would. Normally if I read a glowing review before I read the book I end up very disappointed as the story tends to fall far short of my expectations. Not so with this book.
There were a couple of minor "tsks" with little grammaticals that sneaked through, but no big ones. The story is good and well told, free flowing and relatively easy to follow and keep track of although there were times I wanted to give Tori a good clip around the ear for some of the decisions she made, but they served to enhance the story. Danny, on the other hand, needed something a little more solid around the ears. No spoilers.....
All up, this is worth reading if you like a bit of mystery/adventure and a reasonably quick read that moves along nicely.
I gave it 4 stars which is the highest I ever give because, let's face it, there's always room for improvement.
Thank you for sharing your talents. I look forward to more of your books
There were a couple of minor "tsks" with little grammaticals that sneaked through, but no big ones. The story is good and well told, free flowing and relatively easy to follow and keep track of although there were times I wanted to give Tori a good clip around the ear for some of the decisions she made, but they served to enhance the story. Danny, on the other hand, needed something a little more solid around the ears. No spoilers.....
All up, this is worth reading if you like a bit of mystery/adventure and a reasonably quick read that moves along nicely.
I gave it 4 stars which is the highest I ever give because, let's face it, there's always room for improvement.
Thank you for sharing your talents. I look forward to more of your books
November 14, 2024
I'm working my way through all of McCarthy's work--she remains one of my favorite authors, penning crime and suspense in a Quebec setting she knows so well.
Her sophomore novel hooked me from the start. "Cold Betrayal" is a tense thriller featuring Floridian Tori Anderson as she tracks down a man close to her but also wanted by the authorities. Soon she's ensnared in a web of deceit, violence, and shifting loyalties. Despite several near-fatal attacks and questionable allies, her loyalty to the man she seeks drives her deeper into peril, testing her trust--but not her resolve--along a high-stakes journey.
A 5-star read in which McCarthy deftly explores contrasting themes of resilience and betrayal.
Her sophomore novel hooked me from the start. "Cold Betrayal" is a tense thriller featuring Floridian Tori Anderson as she tracks down a man close to her but also wanted by the authorities. Soon she's ensnared in a web of deceit, violence, and shifting loyalties. Despite several near-fatal attacks and questionable allies, her loyalty to the man she seeks drives her deeper into peril, testing her trust--but not her resolve--along a high-stakes journey.
A 5-star read in which McCarthy deftly explores contrasting themes of resilience and betrayal.
January 7, 2019
I received this book from the author for an honest review. I enjoyed the story, it was fast moving with many unexpected twists and turns. Tori, the protagonist, went to Quebec to find a man. It was vague at first for whom she was searching. All the reader knew is someone wanted her out of the picture. It was a little distracting at first, but as the story progressed the reader was given more information. I felt the book was well written and maintained my interest to the end. I thank the author for allowing me to read and review her novel.
May 20, 2019
Good murder mystery with some romance not to much. Just enough
Wonderful disruption of Quebec and there festival. It is a page turning book you don't want to put down. Very nice ending
Wonderful disruption of Quebec and there festival. It is a page turning book you don't want to put down. Very nice ending
July 25, 2019
I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH. THE STORY LINE WAS GOOD, THERE WERE TWISTS AND TURNS, IT MOVED AT A GOOD PACE AND KEPT YOU INTERESTED. THE ENDING FELT A BIT RUSHED TO ME BUT MAYBE I JUST WANTED A LITTLE MORE BUT THAT DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THE BOOK.
February 8, 2020
Great Read
Gripping story that keeps you guessing about who is on which side. Lots of twists to keep you intrigued but not so many that he story somehow gets lost. Would highly recommend this book.
Gripping story that keeps you guessing about who is on which side. Lots of twists to keep you intrigued but not so many that he story somehow gets lost. Would highly recommend this book.
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May 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2019)! 🎁
October 8, 2021
This was a quick read. The story held my attention.
July 13, 2021
A page turning thriller that had me reading to the end. nicely written
May 24, 2020
Superb story
Suspense, mystery and action plus a hint of romance thrown in and a real twist in the end. All aspects that make a great story.
Suspense, mystery and action plus a hint of romance thrown in and a real twist in the end. All aspects that make a great story.
May 9, 2019
Cold Betrayal is a thriller/love story wrapped round a woman named Tori, who believes that the thugs trying to kill her will stop if she just gets a chance to explains thing to Danny, their boss, with whom she has an unstated relationship. Tori, a Florida native, is lost in snowy Quebec desperately trying to survive long enough to set things right. A chance encounter with a man named Ben, complicates an already difficult situation.
Cold Betrayal is a rollercoaster of a book as Tori turns this way and that trying to decide who and what is most important to her. Well written and fast paced, this will appeal to those readers who like danger and romance rolled into one.
Cold Betrayal is a rollercoaster of a book as Tori turns this way and that trying to decide who and what is most important to her. Well written and fast paced, this will appeal to those readers who like danger and romance rolled into one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews