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Dean Matheson #2
Where the Snow Bleeds
“You want to know what I’ve learnt after living in Lone Creek all my life? I know the snow bleeds here …”
Former police officer Dean Matheson has been playing it safe since the case that cost him almost everything. But working as a PI doesn’t quite cut it, that is until a British woman walks into his office with a job that Dean can’t resist.
The woman’s daughter, Hannah Walker, and her friend Jodie have gone missing whilst working at a ski resort in Colorado. It’s clear there’s something sinister about the girls’ disappearance, but then why are the local police department being so unhelpful?
So begins Dean’s journey to Lone Creek on the trail of the missing girls – and he’ll soon find out that in Lone Creek, everyone has something to hide …
Former police officer Dean Matheson has been playing it safe since the case that cost him almost everything. But working as a PI doesn’t quite cut it, that is until a British woman walks into his office with a job that Dean can’t resist.
The woman’s daughter, Hannah Walker, and her friend Jodie have gone missing whilst working at a ski resort in Colorado. It’s clear there’s something sinister about the girls’ disappearance, but then why are the local police department being so unhelpful?
So begins Dean’s journey to Lone Creek on the trail of the missing girls – and he’ll soon find out that in Lone Creek, everyone has something to hide …
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
503 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Dranfield
21 books624 followersWendy is the author of the Detective Madison Harper series. Her novels and short stories have been shortlisted and longlisted for various writing competitions and awards, including the International Thriller Writer Awards.
Please note; as Wendy writes crime fiction, including police procedurals and psychological thrillers, her books contain plots, characters and actions dealing with a variety of crimes, including physical and psychological.
Wendy does not use social media, so if you find an account pretending to be her on any platform, it’s 100% fake! Visit her website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about her books: wendydranfield.co.uk
The final book in the Det. Madison Harper series will be out in May 2026.
Please note; as Wendy writes crime fiction, including police procedurals and psychological thrillers, her books contain plots, characters and actions dealing with a variety of crimes, including physical and psychological.
Wendy does not use social media, so if you find an account pretending to be her on any platform, it’s 100% fake! Visit her website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about her books: wendydranfield.co.uk
The final book in the Det. Madison Harper series will be out in May 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 1, 2019
Where Snow Bleeds by Wendy Dranfield is a 2019 Ruby Fiction publication.
Two girls working at a Colorado ski resort seemingly vanish into thin air. The local authorities aren’t too worried, claiming the girls probably just took off on their own accord. But, the mother of Hannah Walker refuses to accept that, especially since the girls left all their belongings behind. She decides to hire Dean Matheson to help her discover what really happened to her daughter.
Dean, now working in Las Vegas as a private detective, jumps at the chance to do something other than find missing pets. So, he heads to Lone Creek, Colorado, hoping to find the missing girls.
Upon arrival he meets Eva, a local police officer working the case, without the support of her superiors. After getting off to a rocky start, the pair will eventually join forces as more evidence points to foul play. Will they find the girls before it's too late?
It was a bit of a surprise to find Dean in the role of ‘pet detective’, initially, but his own dog, Rocky, is a terrific sidekick. One couldn’t blame Dean for hoping to catch a meatier assignment, but he got a bit more than he bargained for with this case. Eva’s attitude, however, was perhaps a bit over the top at first.
I knew she was grieving, mad, and generally out of sorts, with good reason. However, she was also very rude to Dean, a person she had only just met, for no reason. While I never doubted her sincerity, it took me a little while to warm up to her. But, as the case proceeds, Eva and Dean wind up becoming a fluid detective team, as the tension between them slowly thaws.
The case is more of a ‘race against time’ suspense drama than a whodunit, but there are several nice surprise twists I never saw coming. The suspense mounts which leads to a couple of riveting and epic showdowns that kept me glued to the pages. The baddies are super creepy, the plot line is unique, and the author did a solid job of weaving the threads together cohesively.
I strongly urge you to read the first book in the series before tackling this one. Most of the book works fine as a stand alone, but there are references to people and events which took place in the first installment. It looks as though the events that transpired in the first chapter may also segue into the third installment, so you will definitely want to know the full story beforehand. I for one can’t wait to see how all this will play out!!
4 stars
Two girls working at a Colorado ski resort seemingly vanish into thin air. The local authorities aren’t too worried, claiming the girls probably just took off on their own accord. But, the mother of Hannah Walker refuses to accept that, especially since the girls left all their belongings behind. She decides to hire Dean Matheson to help her discover what really happened to her daughter.
Dean, now working in Las Vegas as a private detective, jumps at the chance to do something other than find missing pets. So, he heads to Lone Creek, Colorado, hoping to find the missing girls.
Upon arrival he meets Eva, a local police officer working the case, without the support of her superiors. After getting off to a rocky start, the pair will eventually join forces as more evidence points to foul play. Will they find the girls before it's too late?
It was a bit of a surprise to find Dean in the role of ‘pet detective’, initially, but his own dog, Rocky, is a terrific sidekick. One couldn’t blame Dean for hoping to catch a meatier assignment, but he got a bit more than he bargained for with this case. Eva’s attitude, however, was perhaps a bit over the top at first.
I knew she was grieving, mad, and generally out of sorts, with good reason. However, she was also very rude to Dean, a person she had only just met, for no reason. While I never doubted her sincerity, it took me a little while to warm up to her. But, as the case proceeds, Eva and Dean wind up becoming a fluid detective team, as the tension between them slowly thaws.
The case is more of a ‘race against time’ suspense drama than a whodunit, but there are several nice surprise twists I never saw coming. The suspense mounts which leads to a couple of riveting and epic showdowns that kept me glued to the pages. The baddies are super creepy, the plot line is unique, and the author did a solid job of weaving the threads together cohesively.
I strongly urge you to read the first book in the series before tackling this one. Most of the book works fine as a stand alone, but there are references to people and events which took place in the first installment. It looks as though the events that transpired in the first chapter may also segue into the third installment, so you will definitely want to know the full story beforehand. I for one can’t wait to see how all this will play out!!
4 stars
July 20, 2019
Dean Matheson became a PI after the case in his police career that shattered him, leaving him with basically nothing. As the boredom set in – finding lost dogs seemed to fill his days – he was pleased when a woman wanted his expertise in finding her missing daughter, Hannah. It seemed Hannah and her friend Jodie had gone missing from the job they were working in Lone Creek at the ski resort. The police had basically closed the case, saying that the eighteen-year-old girls had run away. But Hannah’s mum knew that wouldn’t happen. So Dean found himself at Lone Creek in the middle of a snow storm, wondering what he would find.
Eva Valdez had returned to work after her husband had been killed in the line of duty. But the lack of support from her peers saw her heading to Lone Creek to pick up the case of the missing girls, much to the disgust of the police officer who’d stated they’d run away. When Dean and Eva realized what the other was doing, they joined forces, immediately finding clues the police had missed. But the confusion and danger were all around them as the lies and secrets started showing. Who could they trust? The blizzard which knocked the power out and saw trees downed was causing major problems – what would happen in this eerie backwater?
Where the Snow Bleeds is my first by Wendy Dranfield and I found it brutal, bloodthirsty and gory! The pace is electric and while the plot is good, some of the situations are unbelievable. Twists, turns and shocks litter the novel but all that said, I did enjoy it! (what does that say about me!!) I didn’t realise that this one is the 2nd in the series, but it worked fine as a standalone. Recommended.
With thanks to Ruby Fiction for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Eva Valdez had returned to work after her husband had been killed in the line of duty. But the lack of support from her peers saw her heading to Lone Creek to pick up the case of the missing girls, much to the disgust of the police officer who’d stated they’d run away. When Dean and Eva realized what the other was doing, they joined forces, immediately finding clues the police had missed. But the confusion and danger were all around them as the lies and secrets started showing. Who could they trust? The blizzard which knocked the power out and saw trees downed was causing major problems – what would happen in this eerie backwater?
Where the Snow Bleeds is my first by Wendy Dranfield and I found it brutal, bloodthirsty and gory! The pace is electric and while the plot is good, some of the situations are unbelievable. Twists, turns and shocks litter the novel but all that said, I did enjoy it! (what does that say about me!!) I didn’t realise that this one is the 2nd in the series, but it worked fine as a standalone. Recommended.
With thanks to Ruby Fiction for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2019
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I thought that this book was excellent – it started off really well and the ending was superb, there were plot twists I didn’t guess, or see coming and the author really kept me on my toes – and I loved the book so much for that!!
The characters were excellent, well developed and the interaction between them was superb, Dean was an excellent character and I loved how he developed as the book progressed too – I hope to read more about him in future books too!
No hesitation in giving the book five stars, it was an excellent story, I loved the pace, the setting and the characters – and the cover is perfect for the book too!! Very highly recommended and if you do grab a copy, I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did and would love to see your reviews!
I thought that this book was excellent – it started off really well and the ending was superb, there were plot twists I didn’t guess, or see coming and the author really kept me on my toes – and I loved the book so much for that!!
The characters were excellent, well developed and the interaction between them was superb, Dean was an excellent character and I loved how he developed as the book progressed too – I hope to read more about him in future books too!
No hesitation in giving the book five stars, it was an excellent story, I loved the pace, the setting and the characters – and the cover is perfect for the book too!! Very highly recommended and if you do grab a copy, I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did and would love to see your reviews!
February 19, 2025
3.75⭐️ Im enjoying this series, but im not a fan of knowing who the perpetrator is before the main characters do.
August 28, 2019
This book.. OMG... This book took a bite out of me. It was the most scariest of all. It was a thriller which thrilled me completely with its scenes in every other chapter. My goosebumps had goosebumps.
2 missing girls from a ski resort, 1 police department not bothered much, 2 investigators one cop, other PI, 1 smart dog. Mix them all up with a bunch of weird characters who can raise the tiny hair of your neck and bring out intense emotions primary being fear, anger, despair, desperation, and you have a book. This Book.
Dean was the PI who was hired to find the missing girls, and Eva was the cop who had taken up this case. They met at the resort, and the story took off from there. Both these characters were extremely strong, they added a whirlwind dynamic to the story.
My first book by Wendy Dranfield, I don't think I've ever read such a book where my breath hitched after every few pages. There were moments when I had to force myself to relax and take deep breaths. Some of the scenes caused me to stop breathing till my lungs demanded oxygen.
The race against time to save the girls, or at least know what happened to them, caused me to pound at my kindle, snapping away the pages every few seconds. The ski resort in a town where children disappeared and cops did nothing had my fear and ire rising up. That raised the atmosphere of the book to dangerous limits. Every character had a mask, some more deadlier than the others. I soon learned not to trust anyone.
I thought the book ended wuth this plot line, but it didn't. There was another shocker after the present one, and that had me gasping. This was the most I have reacted while reading a book. Wendy Dranfield's writing had one deadly intent, to make my pulse race. And she did that brilliantly. It was dark and twisted, and there was a creepazoid at every corner.
I didn't know this was book 2 in the series as it could be read easily as a standalone. The author made the snow bleed in that town and my heart bleed leaving a trail of dark, scary emotions. A mark of a good thriller, wouldn't you say?!
2 missing girls from a ski resort, 1 police department not bothered much, 2 investigators one cop, other PI, 1 smart dog. Mix them all up with a bunch of weird characters who can raise the tiny hair of your neck and bring out intense emotions primary being fear, anger, despair, desperation, and you have a book. This Book.
Dean was the PI who was hired to find the missing girls, and Eva was the cop who had taken up this case. They met at the resort, and the story took off from there. Both these characters were extremely strong, they added a whirlwind dynamic to the story.
My first book by Wendy Dranfield, I don't think I've ever read such a book where my breath hitched after every few pages. There were moments when I had to force myself to relax and take deep breaths. Some of the scenes caused me to stop breathing till my lungs demanded oxygen.
The race against time to save the girls, or at least know what happened to them, caused me to pound at my kindle, snapping away the pages every few seconds. The ski resort in a town where children disappeared and cops did nothing had my fear and ire rising up. That raised the atmosphere of the book to dangerous limits. Every character had a mask, some more deadlier than the others. I soon learned not to trust anyone.
I thought the book ended wuth this plot line, but it didn't. There was another shocker after the present one, and that had me gasping. This was the most I have reacted while reading a book. Wendy Dranfield's writing had one deadly intent, to make my pulse race. And she did that brilliantly. It was dark and twisted, and there was a creepazoid at every corner.
I didn't know this was book 2 in the series as it could be read easily as a standalone. The author made the snow bleed in that town and my heart bleed leaving a trail of dark, scary emotions. A mark of a good thriller, wouldn't you say?!
July 29, 2019
The first book in this series was tremendously good. I was very anxious to find out if the author would be able to stay on the same high level or would she be able to top it even?
Well, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. There was a lot going on in this book. The first chapter sawed right through my bones and it was very clear I was in for a thrilling read.
In the first book my heart broke for officer Matheson while his was broken as well. It seems now that he is on a path to recovery. Of course his dog Rocky plays an important role here also and he really hasn't stolen his name. He always is Dean's rock.
You can read this book as a standalone, but I would strongly advise to read the previous part as well. I am not going to reveal why, but believe me you will be happy if you do and when you have finished them you will understand why I say this.
This book is filled with twists and turns and at times very emotional as well.
There is only one thing to add and that is the answer to my question : the author managed to keep me entertained the whole time. Never two without three, so bring it on. :) High level : check! 5 stars.
Well, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. There was a lot going on in this book. The first chapter sawed right through my bones and it was very clear I was in for a thrilling read.
In the first book my heart broke for officer Matheson while his was broken as well. It seems now that he is on a path to recovery. Of course his dog Rocky plays an important role here also and he really hasn't stolen his name. He always is Dean's rock.
You can read this book as a standalone, but I would strongly advise to read the previous part as well. I am not going to reveal why, but believe me you will be happy if you do and when you have finished them you will understand why I say this.
This book is filled with twists and turns and at times very emotional as well.
There is only one thing to add and that is the answer to my question : the author managed to keep me entertained the whole time. Never two without three, so bring it on. :) High level : check! 5 stars.
March 5, 2023
Loved it
Great book, again a little predictable from about the middle of the book but this one also had a surprise turn which kept my attention and wanting more. Ready to start the next one now.
Great book, again a little predictable from about the middle of the book but this one also had a surprise turn which kept my attention and wanting more. Ready to start the next one now.
August 21, 2019
OH MY DAYS!!!! When the intensity ramped up in the book, Dranfield took us in a completely different direction. I wanted to know what the hell was going on, but instead of being in the action I was taken out and made to watch other things unfurl, but boy did it all hit the fan. I cried, I was fraught with nerves, and seriously Dean needs a break and in the sun preferably.
Where I gushed about book one and all the characters, this book blew it far out of the park. Picking up after the aftermath of book one we find a not so confident Dean who has taken a battering and is now working as a PI in Vegas. Yes, this is book two, but not until the last 10% do you meet any of the original characters but you get a brief backdrop to help bring the gap from the first book. Please for the love of god read Who Cares If They Die because really you will not regret it, especially as I have a feeling you will need to up to date for the next one.
I adore Dean and I am so glad he finally got a new case that was not finding dogs because he got the chance to meet Detective Eva Valdez and god she was a spitfire! Isolated by her co-workers for taking a week off to grief for her husband who died in the line of fire, I mean jeez, she takes this case due to the incompetence of a detective she has no time for. Little did she know how entailed and messed up her life would become.
When her world collides with Dean I was excited! Two fabulous minds working together, with Rocky of course (Rocky still steals the show FYI), surely had to find these two missing girls and off the clock starts to tick. Watching them clash at the start and then fall into an easy working pattern was great to watch, both have their own ideas and both personalities shine.
Like every book, you have a character you do not like, and boy was they evil and unlikeable in this book. I have never met anything like it, the behaviour was shocking. It was unreal the evil was palpable from the pages. I was terrified, I think I may or may not have checked my front door once or twice. Rotten to the core, but the worrying thing was how this rot spread into so many people. (No spoiler here).
The final events and twists were so shocking, gah I am still thinking about this book, and it is one I really did not want to keep putting down. I wanted to read it in one sitting but did not want to rush it either. The plotlines were tied up nicely, just when you thought everything was ok and the dust could settle, bam another thing would happen and bam yet another thing adding to the excitement I felt when reading this book.
In this sequel, you can see how much further Wendy’s writing has come. Where she was dark and twisty in book one, she is worse in book two. There was so much going on at once she knew how to make my head spin, my breath stop and make me swipe quickly on my kindle. She laid the land with the calm before the storm perfectly, lulling you in however making sure the intensity in the book did not relent.
Where The Snow Bleeds is darker than its predecessor, it packs a harder punch, it is brutal and gawd the shocks in this book!! Well, I was on edge, but when it ended not going to lie I was annoyed! I mean where is book three already!! Exciting cliffhanger or what! I am so excited to see how much more this series can grow.
I also just found out that Wendy’s book The Girl Who Died is actually a spin-off written and set before this book! So you know where I am going with this….see ya!
Where I gushed about book one and all the characters, this book blew it far out of the park. Picking up after the aftermath of book one we find a not so confident Dean who has taken a battering and is now working as a PI in Vegas. Yes, this is book two, but not until the last 10% do you meet any of the original characters but you get a brief backdrop to help bring the gap from the first book. Please for the love of god read Who Cares If They Die because really you will not regret it, especially as I have a feeling you will need to up to date for the next one.
I adore Dean and I am so glad he finally got a new case that was not finding dogs because he got the chance to meet Detective Eva Valdez and god she was a spitfire! Isolated by her co-workers for taking a week off to grief for her husband who died in the line of fire, I mean jeez, she takes this case due to the incompetence of a detective she has no time for. Little did she know how entailed and messed up her life would become.
When her world collides with Dean I was excited! Two fabulous minds working together, with Rocky of course (Rocky still steals the show FYI), surely had to find these two missing girls and off the clock starts to tick. Watching them clash at the start and then fall into an easy working pattern was great to watch, both have their own ideas and both personalities shine.
Like every book, you have a character you do not like, and boy was they evil and unlikeable in this book. I have never met anything like it, the behaviour was shocking. It was unreal the evil was palpable from the pages. I was terrified, I think I may or may not have checked my front door once or twice. Rotten to the core, but the worrying thing was how this rot spread into so many people. (No spoiler here).
The final events and twists were so shocking, gah I am still thinking about this book, and it is one I really did not want to keep putting down. I wanted to read it in one sitting but did not want to rush it either. The plotlines were tied up nicely, just when you thought everything was ok and the dust could settle, bam another thing would happen and bam yet another thing adding to the excitement I felt when reading this book.
In this sequel, you can see how much further Wendy’s writing has come. Where she was dark and twisty in book one, she is worse in book two. There was so much going on at once she knew how to make my head spin, my breath stop and make me swipe quickly on my kindle. She laid the land with the calm before the storm perfectly, lulling you in however making sure the intensity in the book did not relent.
Where The Snow Bleeds is darker than its predecessor, it packs a harder punch, it is brutal and gawd the shocks in this book!! Well, I was on edge, but when it ended not going to lie I was annoyed! I mean where is book three already!! Exciting cliffhanger or what! I am so excited to see how much more this series can grow.
I also just found out that Wendy’s book The Girl Who Died is actually a spin-off written and set before this book! So you know where I am going with this….see ya!
August 26, 2019
What a great story this is - a real, edge of your seat crime thriller that I didn't want to put down until I'd read it all.
Eighteen year olds Hannah Walker and her best friend, Jodie, had gone to work at a ski resort in Lone Creek before they disappeared, leaving their belongings behind them. Hannah's Mum is frustrated by the lack of progress being made by the police and is certain they aren't taking her daughter's disappearance seriously. She hires a PI, former police officer Dean Matheson, to see if he can help find the missing girls.
Eva Valdez is returning to work a week after her husband had been murdered in the line of duty. She's shocked at the callous attitudes of most of her colleagues, only one acknowledging her loss and absence. She's also shocked to discover the lack of progress in the search for the missing teenagers and suggests she go out to Lone Creek to see if she can uncover any further evidence. A supportive sergeant agrees, though the investigating officer is anything but pleased!
Though they previously didn't know each other, these two meet at the ski resort and, eventually, agree to help each other. They discover that all is not well in this community, with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing this really is an enthralling and surprising crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. As I stated earlier, you don't need to have read the first book in this series to enjoy this one but I am now looking forward to reading that book soon, too! If you enjoy intriguing crime thrillers, I can't recommend this highly enough.It worked brilliantly and I didn't realise it was the second book in a series until I came to write this review. Anyway, that was great news to me - my first move then was to purchase myself a copy of the first book in this series, Who Cares if They Die: A compelling psychological thriller you won't want to put down. That should tell you how impressed I was by this book!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after finding it an amazing read.
Eighteen year olds Hannah Walker and her best friend, Jodie, had gone to work at a ski resort in Lone Creek before they disappeared, leaving their belongings behind them. Hannah's Mum is frustrated by the lack of progress being made by the police and is certain they aren't taking her daughter's disappearance seriously. She hires a PI, former police officer Dean Matheson, to see if he can help find the missing girls.
Eva Valdez is returning to work a week after her husband had been murdered in the line of duty. She's shocked at the callous attitudes of most of her colleagues, only one acknowledging her loss and absence. She's also shocked to discover the lack of progress in the search for the missing teenagers and suggests she go out to Lone Creek to see if she can uncover any further evidence. A supportive sergeant agrees, though the investigating officer is anything but pleased!
Though they previously didn't know each other, these two meet at the ski resort and, eventually, agree to help each other. They discover that all is not well in this community, with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing this really is an enthralling and surprising crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. As I stated earlier, you don't need to have read the first book in this series to enjoy this one but I am now looking forward to reading that book soon, too! If you enjoy intriguing crime thrillers, I can't recommend this highly enough.It worked brilliantly and I didn't realise it was the second book in a series until I came to write this review. Anyway, that was great news to me - my first move then was to purchase myself a copy of the first book in this series, Who Cares if They Die: A compelling psychological thriller you won't want to put down. That should tell you how impressed I was by this book!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after finding it an amazing read.
September 1, 2019
OMG. What the hell did I just read… One hell of a book I would say...
plot
Dean Matheson is currently working as Private Investigator In Las Vagas, he was a police officer back in Maple Valley but due to past circumstances and events, he decided he needed a new fresh start away from his old town.
Along with his awesome dog Rocky, he is indifferent of finding pets for a living and minuscule investigating jobs.
Until he was contacted by Jackie Walker to help him find her daughter Hannah Walker and Her friend Jodie. They have both gone missing from a ski resort in Lone Creek. The law enforcement doesn’t seem interested and thinks that the two girls have jumped town leaving all their belongings behind and no contact with anybody.
Dean travels up to Lone Creek with Rocky to investigate the missing girls, where he meets Eva who is a Detective working for Maddison Police Department who has taken over the case.
The plot is distinctive, grabbing and skillfully absorbing and intriguing.
While I LOVED this book, I didn’t realise or forgot this was Book Two, although there were some underlying details that I think were in Book One. I don’t think I missed out on TOO much but it can definitely be read as a standalone. But after reading this one I highly HIGHLY recommend reading book one Who Cares If They Die which magically materialized on to my kindle, and I’m super stoked to read it.
characters
Dean Matheson
Oh, I loved Dean, he is an incredibly fascinating character, down to earth, seemingly complicated to work out at first.
Eva Valdez
Isn’t she a world wind? I love a strong, independent female character.
Eva had just come back from a week off after her husbands funeral, who died in the line of duty. She isn’t getting along properly with her other colleagues, and she is angry and still greiving. She spots that the missing case hasn’t been properly investigated by lazy a colleague so she decides to investigate and a chance to get away from Madison PD for a week or two.
Dean and Eva turn out to be an awesome team together.
Other characters – all I will say is some other characters in this book are terrifying. I have never in my life been scared of a character in a book, I can always compartmentalise. I am utterly freaked out.
writing style
This is some brilliant and remarkable writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and book. This is dark, daring, terrifying, immensely tense and speeds your heart rate up to a whole distinctive level.
pacing
This starts of a little slow , but it speeds up and sends you on a dark and twisty ride.
cover
Perfect
mini-review
A distinctive, grabbing and skillfully absorbing and intriguing book.
This is some brilliant and remarkable writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is dark, daring, terrifying and immensely tense.
Find full review or more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog
plot
Dean Matheson is currently working as Private Investigator In Las Vagas, he was a police officer back in Maple Valley but due to past circumstances and events, he decided he needed a new fresh start away from his old town.
Along with his awesome dog Rocky, he is indifferent of finding pets for a living and minuscule investigating jobs.
Until he was contacted by Jackie Walker to help him find her daughter Hannah Walker and Her friend Jodie. They have both gone missing from a ski resort in Lone Creek. The law enforcement doesn’t seem interested and thinks that the two girls have jumped town leaving all their belongings behind and no contact with anybody.
Dean travels up to Lone Creek with Rocky to investigate the missing girls, where he meets Eva who is a Detective working for Maddison Police Department who has taken over the case.
The plot is distinctive, grabbing and skillfully absorbing and intriguing.
While I LOVED this book, I didn’t realise or forgot this was Book Two, although there were some underlying details that I think were in Book One. I don’t think I missed out on TOO much but it can definitely be read as a standalone. But after reading this one I highly HIGHLY recommend reading book one Who Cares If They Die which magically materialized on to my kindle, and I’m super stoked to read it.
characters
Dean Matheson
Oh, I loved Dean, he is an incredibly fascinating character, down to earth, seemingly complicated to work out at first.
Eva Valdez
Isn’t she a world wind? I love a strong, independent female character.
Eva had just come back from a week off after her husbands funeral, who died in the line of duty. She isn’t getting along properly with her other colleagues, and she is angry and still greiving. She spots that the missing case hasn’t been properly investigated by lazy a colleague so she decides to investigate and a chance to get away from Madison PD for a week or two.
Dean and Eva turn out to be an awesome team together.
Other characters – all I will say is some other characters in this book are terrifying. I have never in my life been scared of a character in a book, I can always compartmentalise. I am utterly freaked out.
writing style
This is some brilliant and remarkable writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and book. This is dark, daring, terrifying, immensely tense and speeds your heart rate up to a whole distinctive level.
pacing
This starts of a little slow , but it speeds up and sends you on a dark and twisty ride.
cover
Perfect
mini-review
A distinctive, grabbing and skillfully absorbing and intriguing book.
This is some brilliant and remarkable writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is dark, daring, terrifying and immensely tense.
Find full review or more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog
November 11, 2023
Having read the first in this series, I was in a rush to get stuck into the second one, as I was curious to know what Dean Matheson would do next after his dreadful ordeal. I am pleased to say that this one was every bit as good as the first. Initially, I admit that it was much slower, however the opening sequence was horrifying, and it definitely made me want to continue reading. The first few chapters were mainly introductory sections to explain what Dean had been doing since leaving Maple Valley, and the reasons why Eva Valdez ends up working with Dean at the ski resort in Colorado. The main story was extremely intense and chilling with the usual twists and turns, and even when the killer was revealed fairly early on it didn’t kill the suspense or action in any way. In fact, it made it even more horrific. The ending of the book was extremely fast paced and scary and there were times when I really thought that Dean’s life was about to end. Admittedly, the final 4 chapters did move on far too fast and, although the lose ends were tied up, it did seem that the author had been in a rush to get the novel over with in order to move onto the next one. Having said that, it does lead very nicely into the next chapter of Dean’s life and makes me keen to find out what will happen next. It was also wonderful to know that Rocky is still around and will return in book 3 of the series. The book itself is well written and careful thought out – I have to say I am intrigued where this author gets her fantastic ideas from because they are very creepy.
August 4, 2019
This is the second book in the series about Dean Mattheston. I would say that they need to be read in order as they have a underlying storyline that follows on.
I did wonder if the author would be able to top the previous book, but she did. In Where the Snow Bleeds, Dean is trying to move on and recover from what happened back home. He’s moved away for a fresh start and is working as a PI. But his last case turns out to be the most exciting one yet for him.
This book had me captivated from page 1 until that last page. It had me gripped, I stayed up late and got up early just so I could carry on reading. This book took me through so many emotions. There were so many twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming.
I book ended with a good ending for there to be a 3rd book and I can’t wait to see what the author brings next!
I did wonder if the author would be able to top the previous book, but she did. In Where the Snow Bleeds, Dean is trying to move on and recover from what happened back home. He’s moved away for a fresh start and is working as a PI. But his last case turns out to be the most exciting one yet for him.
This book had me captivated from page 1 until that last page. It had me gripped, I stayed up late and got up early just so I could carry on reading. This book took me through so many emotions. There were so many twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming.
I book ended with a good ending for there to be a 3rd book and I can’t wait to see what the author brings next!
August 27, 2019
I've only ever read romance novels set in ski resorts and I've never really thought about them as sinister settings for a novel, until now!
I have the first Dean Matheson novel waiting on my kindle and haven't read it yet. This novel works well as a stand alone but there are references to earlier event which I feel would be filled in by reading book 1 - Who Cares if They Die?.
When private investigator Dean Matheson is asked to investigate the disappearance of two young women who were working at a ski resort it couldn't come at a better time. Bored and fed up of missing dog cases and the blistering Vegas heat, he jumps at the chance. Eva Valdez has returned to work too soon after the loss of her husband and is disheartened and appalled to find a missing person's case has been left un-investigated. Working together the two soon realise there's something sinister going on at the ski lodge but nobody wants to talk about it.
From the first page this book feels as though you are in a film. I quickly became totally immersed and engrossed and couldn't put it down. The setting is just pure terrifying. Not in a ghosty goulie kind of way but in a malevolent and intense way where you are never sure where the danger lies or who with. I spent a lot of this novel holding my breath without even realising it. Wendy Dranfield has managed to turn what is usually a magical and pretty scene into something nightmares are made of and it provides the perfect backdrop for this novel.
Combining Matheson with Valdez was a surefire way of making sure the investigative team were explosive. Both recovering for personal losses relating to their jobs but both filled with determination to find what happened to the missing girls makes them a duo not to be messed with. I love how both characters have been written equally vulnerable, emotional and tough - making them both strong equals in the partnership.
The plot just totally consumed me. I became so lost in the story and every twist and turn took my breath away.
I cannot wait to go back and read book 1 and I am so looking forward to more of Wendy's work after reading this brilliant crime thriller.
I have the first Dean Matheson novel waiting on my kindle and haven't read it yet. This novel works well as a stand alone but there are references to earlier event which I feel would be filled in by reading book 1 - Who Cares if They Die?.
When private investigator Dean Matheson is asked to investigate the disappearance of two young women who were working at a ski resort it couldn't come at a better time. Bored and fed up of missing dog cases and the blistering Vegas heat, he jumps at the chance. Eva Valdez has returned to work too soon after the loss of her husband and is disheartened and appalled to find a missing person's case has been left un-investigated. Working together the two soon realise there's something sinister going on at the ski lodge but nobody wants to talk about it.
From the first page this book feels as though you are in a film. I quickly became totally immersed and engrossed and couldn't put it down. The setting is just pure terrifying. Not in a ghosty goulie kind of way but in a malevolent and intense way where you are never sure where the danger lies or who with. I spent a lot of this novel holding my breath without even realising it. Wendy Dranfield has managed to turn what is usually a magical and pretty scene into something nightmares are made of and it provides the perfect backdrop for this novel.
Combining Matheson with Valdez was a surefire way of making sure the investigative team were explosive. Both recovering for personal losses relating to their jobs but both filled with determination to find what happened to the missing girls makes them a duo not to be messed with. I love how both characters have been written equally vulnerable, emotional and tough - making them both strong equals in the partnership.
The plot just totally consumed me. I became so lost in the story and every twist and turn took my breath away.
I cannot wait to go back and read book 1 and I am so looking forward to more of Wendy's work after reading this brilliant crime thriller.
August 27, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this e-book from the tour organiser.
WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield will make your jaw drop, have you double-checking your doors, and have you looking over your shoulder when you go outside because it is that good!
Dean Matheson is struggling with mundane cases as a P.I. but after what happened in his last case as a police officer, he knows that he isn't ready to go back. But when a woman asks him to look into her missing daughter's case at a ski resort in Colorado, Dean is determined to uncover the truth, because something just doesn't feel right.
Meanwhile, Eva Valdez, a cop, who is struggling with her grief, heads up to the snow resort to take a look at the missing girls' case herself, knowing that the Detective in charge hasn't done his job properly but the last thing she needs is a P.I. messing up her case.
But they soon realise that working together may just benefit them both as the evil that seems to breed in this place starts to crawl to the surface, and the truth is more horrifying and cruel than they could possibly imagine ...
Harrowing, terrifying, and shocking to the core, WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield is the perfect blend of crime fiction and psychological thriller while also having main characters that I really warmed to and wanted to see succeed.
While this is the second book in this detective series (Who Cares If They Die is the first), it can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you get both books as they are both amazing.
If you are looking for a read that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing tall, then look no further than WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield. I cannot wait for more from these characters!
WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield will make your jaw drop, have you double-checking your doors, and have you looking over your shoulder when you go outside because it is that good!
Dean Matheson is struggling with mundane cases as a P.I. but after what happened in his last case as a police officer, he knows that he isn't ready to go back. But when a woman asks him to look into her missing daughter's case at a ski resort in Colorado, Dean is determined to uncover the truth, because something just doesn't feel right.
Meanwhile, Eva Valdez, a cop, who is struggling with her grief, heads up to the snow resort to take a look at the missing girls' case herself, knowing that the Detective in charge hasn't done his job properly but the last thing she needs is a P.I. messing up her case.
But they soon realise that working together may just benefit them both as the evil that seems to breed in this place starts to crawl to the surface, and the truth is more horrifying and cruel than they could possibly imagine ...
Harrowing, terrifying, and shocking to the core, WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield is the perfect blend of crime fiction and psychological thriller while also having main characters that I really warmed to and wanted to see succeed.
While this is the second book in this detective series (Who Cares If They Die is the first), it can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you get both books as they are both amazing.
If you are looking for a read that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing tall, then look no further than WHERE THE SNOW BLEEDS by Wendy Dranfield. I cannot wait for more from these characters!
November 18, 2019
I loved it, loved it, loved it. Wendy has written another really great book and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent reading it. I don’t normally do scary and there were some scary moments here, but by then I was too caught up in the story to think about putting the book down. There are two very likeable and believable characters, both of whom I loved. Dean Matheson, taking a break from the police is working as a private investigator when he is asked to investigate two missing girls. He meets Eva when the case takes him to Lone Creek and they end up working together to solve a mystery, filled with twists and turn. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 22, 2019
This is an excellent book. It is a follow up to Who Cares If They Die, which I would recommend reading but it is not necessary, it works really well as a stand alone.
The story is extremely well written and pulls you in immediately. The story follows Dean and his faithful dog Rocky, Dean is now working as a Pi but he finds the work quite tedious.
However a big case is now coming his way, a mother is concerned when her daughter and her friend goes missing in Lone Creek. She is exasperated by the police’s lack of interest and hires Dean to look into the matter.
A gripping intense thriller.
The story is extremely well written and pulls you in immediately. The story follows Dean and his faithful dog Rocky, Dean is now working as a Pi but he finds the work quite tedious.
However a big case is now coming his way, a mother is concerned when her daughter and her friend goes missing in Lone Creek. She is exasperated by the police’s lack of interest and hires Dean to look into the matter.
A gripping intense thriller.
August 29, 2019
This is the second Dean Matheson novel and by far the best so far. Although I enjoyed Who Cares if they Die there was something about this story which elevated it to a different level. A thoroughly unputdownable read which gives plenty of edge of the seat moments. Then when it looked as if everything was sorted and all the loose ends tied, the story took another totally unexpected turn. All I can say is I can't wait to read book 3 in the series.
June 3, 2021
Gripping read
Again this author has managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. Fantastic storyline that kept me guessing right to the end. So glad I started reading Wendy Dranfield novels. On to the next one so excited here comes another late night.
Again this author has managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. Fantastic storyline that kept me guessing right to the end. So glad I started reading Wendy Dranfield novels. On to the next one so excited here comes another late night.
February 25, 2020
Superb. Creepy in all the right places and an interesting take on the crime genre. Just started the next in the series.
June 8, 2025
Really good book, lots of twists & turns, having a Dog Star made it even better
August 26, 2019
I read a lot of thrillers and to be honest after a while, they do tend to blur into each other a bit. Not this one! This is the second book I've read featuring Dean Matheson and if anything it's even better than the first. It really had me staying up late at night and then not being able to sleep afterwards. Other than promoting insomnia, I can't fault it. It's tightly written, well-paced and full of thrills. Even if you work out who is behind the murders, you're still left wondering if they will be caught before striking again.
September 7, 2019
WOW
Rollercoaster ride does not cover how fast and full on this book speeds along. There is so much to the story, twists and turns is an understatement. This book really does make you gasp, hold your breath and shout out loud. There was also a number of OMGs. Definitely a 5 *****+ from me.
Dean Matheson is now a private investigator but everyone knows he should be back on the force, he's that good. Set, for the main part, in Colorado, although we do go to Vegas and Matheseon's home town Maple Valley. He teams up with, after a somewhat shaky start, Detective Eva Valdez to find out what happened to two missing teenagers from Vegas. What they uncover is shocking and horrific.
Rollercoaster ride does not cover how fast and full on this book speeds along. There is so much to the story, twists and turns is an understatement. This book really does make you gasp, hold your breath and shout out loud. There was also a number of OMGs. Definitely a 5 *****+ from me.
Dean Matheson is now a private investigator but everyone knows he should be back on the force, he's that good. Set, for the main part, in Colorado, although we do go to Vegas and Matheseon's home town Maple Valley. He teams up with, after a somewhat shaky start, Detective Eva Valdez to find out what happened to two missing teenagers from Vegas. What they uncover is shocking and horrific.
November 4, 2023
Round up to 4.5 stars.
October 24, 2024
Well constructed escapism
November 14, 2023
Excellent story well told.
This was a wonderful continuation of ongoing stories. The characters are interesting and easy to relate to. I look forward to the next book.
This was a wonderful continuation of ongoing stories. The characters are interesting and easy to relate to. I look forward to the next book.
July 30, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Oh. My. Goodness. — Just, wow. I don’t normally gush over a new-to-me author, and certainly never before over a book in a genre that I read only occasionally, but WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS changed that in a heartbeat (or maybe in a skipped heartbeat might be more accurate).
Because of the type of story WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS is, Mystery/Crime/Thriller I will not go into the details of the plot. That’s not in the least fair to future readers, and it’s not my style of review to willingly give away spoilers. So I’m left with giving you an emotional reaction to this Mystery with little more than – read the cover description to know what you’ll find in this book – as a plot temptation.
This is a story that will grip your emotions and attention early on. It’s vivid in many areas, so when you come to areas that make your heart beat faster simply push on, it will be so worth it. The interactions between Eva and Dean as they combined forces in the search for the missing girls rang true and realistic to me. There are certainly twists and turns to be encountered. Events from the previous book WHO CARES IF THEY DIE are mentioned. I don’t believe it’s essential to have read them in order, however, I wish I had for some things would have been clearer to me. An oversight that I will be tending to soon.
In all, WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS is a story that will have you flipping pages, drinking lots of coffee to stay awake to read it in one sitting, and take you directly into the action and the fear of these characters. I was terrified by this world and yet certainly cannot wait to return to more tales of Dean Matheson in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend this Mystery/Thriller to readers who love a puzzle to put together, enjoys seeing not only the crime but the human side of those trying to solve it, one adorable and smart sidekick in Rocky the dog, and just a damned good story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher Ruby Fiction / Choc Lit. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Oh. My. Goodness. — Just, wow. I don’t normally gush over a new-to-me author, and certainly never before over a book in a genre that I read only occasionally, but WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS changed that in a heartbeat (or maybe in a skipped heartbeat might be more accurate).
Because of the type of story WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS is, Mystery/Crime/Thriller I will not go into the details of the plot. That’s not in the least fair to future readers, and it’s not my style of review to willingly give away spoilers. So I’m left with giving you an emotional reaction to this Mystery with little more than – read the cover description to know what you’ll find in this book – as a plot temptation.
This is a story that will grip your emotions and attention early on. It’s vivid in many areas, so when you come to areas that make your heart beat faster simply push on, it will be so worth it. The interactions between Eva and Dean as they combined forces in the search for the missing girls rang true and realistic to me. There are certainly twists and turns to be encountered. Events from the previous book WHO CARES IF THEY DIE are mentioned. I don’t believe it’s essential to have read them in order, however, I wish I had for some things would have been clearer to me. An oversight that I will be tending to soon.
In all, WHEN THE SNOW BLEEDS is a story that will have you flipping pages, drinking lots of coffee to stay awake to read it in one sitting, and take you directly into the action and the fear of these characters. I was terrified by this world and yet certainly cannot wait to return to more tales of Dean Matheson in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend this Mystery/Thriller to readers who love a puzzle to put together, enjoys seeing not only the crime but the human side of those trying to solve it, one adorable and smart sidekick in Rocky the dog, and just a damned good story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher Ruby Fiction / Choc Lit. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 9, 2023
Well written, great storyline
I couldn't put it down! Loved the character choices and the storyline peaked interest early on. Was solving as I read.
I couldn't put it down! Loved the character choices and the storyline peaked interest early on. Was solving as I read.
January 5, 2024
Brilliant
Really getting into this series now, don't know why I hadn't discovered this amazing author before. Just astoundingly great stories and interesting characters
Really getting into this series now, don't know why I hadn't discovered this amazing author before. Just astoundingly great stories and interesting characters
July 30, 2019
5* Gripping, a real page turner.
Settle into your comfy chair and be prepared to be shocked and shaken up. A dramatic opening chapter to 'Where the Snow Bleeds' with the tension continuing throughout the book.
After leaving the police force, Dean Matheson has moved to Las Vegas and is now working as a private investigator. He feels too hot, is bored and his detecting consists mainly of finding lost dogs for their owners. When he's approached by the mother of one of two college students missing in Colorado he jumps at taking the case. The police force in Colorado are about to close the case insisting that the girls have just moved on, but the mother know this cannot be true. Dean leaves the heat of Vegas and sets off to the snowy mountains of Colorado where the girls were working in a winter sports resort.
At the same time Eva Valdez, mourning the death of her fellow policeman husband, hears about the missing girls and requests working on the case, chiefly to escape from her fellow police colleagues and also get out of town.
Both Dean and Eva intend to work separately but discover that by joining forces they can achieve more, especially with the wall of silence they meet at the resort.
A well written murder mystery with unexpected surprises for the reader. Probably not for late night reading.
Settle into your comfy chair and be prepared to be shocked and shaken up. A dramatic opening chapter to 'Where the Snow Bleeds' with the tension continuing throughout the book.
After leaving the police force, Dean Matheson has moved to Las Vegas and is now working as a private investigator. He feels too hot, is bored and his detecting consists mainly of finding lost dogs for their owners. When he's approached by the mother of one of two college students missing in Colorado he jumps at taking the case. The police force in Colorado are about to close the case insisting that the girls have just moved on, but the mother know this cannot be true. Dean leaves the heat of Vegas and sets off to the snowy mountains of Colorado where the girls were working in a winter sports resort.
At the same time Eva Valdez, mourning the death of her fellow policeman husband, hears about the missing girls and requests working on the case, chiefly to escape from her fellow police colleagues and also get out of town.
Both Dean and Eva intend to work separately but discover that by joining forces they can achieve more, especially with the wall of silence they meet at the resort.
A well written murder mystery with unexpected surprises for the reader. Probably not for late night reading.
July 30, 2019
This is the second in Maple Valley series although it stands on it's own if you haven't yet read the first. The story starts with Dean and Rocky in Las Vegas, with Dean as a P.I. The story then moves to snow bound Colorado and finishes in Maple Valley. I found the story exciting and I could not guess exactly where it would go next. The threads are clear but the twists unexpected. Dean's relationship with Eva, the local cop, and Rocky are so believable I found myself almost crying at some points. The crimes committed in Colorado are both simple and horrific but, unfortunately, believable. I loved this book despite the fact it was a slightly more 'normal' crime than the first in series, but l cannot wait for the next.
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