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Murder in Season #1
Frozen Fear: Murder In Season - Book 1
No badge, no gun, no backup.
But injured cop Claire Beckett is right in the path of a killer. The death of a look-alike friend brings murder right to the front door of Claire’s quaint log cabin. After being shot in the line of duty she’s spending the winter in cottage country to recover, but it’s more than a vacation. Much more.
The picturesque village of Falcon Lake serves up murder, kidnapping, a mysterious new neighbor, and a blizzard of clues and suspects.
When Detective Constable Claire Beckett decides to spend the winter up north with her partner’s dog, Kojak, mistaken identity leads to a web of death and corruption that may lead all the way back to the city where Claire is still on the payroll. For the moment.
An evening visit to Marina’s Café brings more than latte and dessert. Claire visits with her artist friends and enjoys some music, but by the end of the night, one person is dead. The local police are working hard, but Claire thinks the ‘crime of opportunity’ theory is all wrong. Falcon Lake just doesn’t seem like the kind of place where thugs wait outside the local businesses to rob them. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend Kayla, and why.
Her neighbor is newcomer Miles Gallagher, and he’s distant and as chilly as the winter weather. But helping Claire stay alive and stop a killer may thaw his heart.
Meanwhile things aren’t adding up for Claire at work. The tragedy of her boss’s ambush, where she herself was injured, is being laid at her doorstep. How can she clear her name and get back to work?
Book 1 of the Murder In Season cozy mystery series.
But injured cop Claire Beckett is right in the path of a killer. The death of a look-alike friend brings murder right to the front door of Claire’s quaint log cabin. After being shot in the line of duty she’s spending the winter in cottage country to recover, but it’s more than a vacation. Much more.
The picturesque village of Falcon Lake serves up murder, kidnapping, a mysterious new neighbor, and a blizzard of clues and suspects.
When Detective Constable Claire Beckett decides to spend the winter up north with her partner’s dog, Kojak, mistaken identity leads to a web of death and corruption that may lead all the way back to the city where Claire is still on the payroll. For the moment.
An evening visit to Marina’s Café brings more than latte and dessert. Claire visits with her artist friends and enjoys some music, but by the end of the night, one person is dead. The local police are working hard, but Claire thinks the ‘crime of opportunity’ theory is all wrong. Falcon Lake just doesn’t seem like the kind of place where thugs wait outside the local businesses to rob them. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend Kayla, and why.
Her neighbor is newcomer Miles Gallagher, and he’s distant and as chilly as the winter weather. But helping Claire stay alive and stop a killer may thaw his heart.
Meanwhile things aren’t adding up for Claire at work. The tragedy of her boss’s ambush, where she herself was injured, is being laid at her doorstep. How can she clear her name and get back to work?
Book 1 of the Murder In Season cozy mystery series.
210 pages, ebook
Published April 1, 2020
299 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Anne Shillolo
98 books287 followersI love writing every day and the result so far is three mystery series, and counting. I’ve been retired from teaching for a couple of years, and am totally immersed in my new career as a mystery writer. I hope you enjoy the results!
The Murder In Season trilogy features injured detective constable Claire Beckett.
The longer Poodle Versus… series is a reader favorite. It features small-town action, zany characters, and a Nasty Small Poodle who will capture your heart.
This year I plan to release several books following DC Holly Towns, starting with Goodbye Port Alma.
The Free Prequels to all my series are available on my website, AnneShillolo.com.
You can find me on Facebook as Anne Shillolo Writer.
Happy reading!
The Murder In Season trilogy features injured detective constable Claire Beckett.
The longer Poodle Versus… series is a reader favorite. It features small-town action, zany characters, and a Nasty Small Poodle who will capture your heart.
This year I plan to release several books following DC Holly Towns, starting with Goodbye Port Alma.
The Free Prequels to all my series are available on my website, AnneShillolo.com.
You can find me on Facebook as Anne Shillolo Writer.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 24, 2020
Claire Beckett is injured and on leave from her job at the Windsor Police Department. She is staying at her family's vacation home in Falcon Lake, not far from Windsor. Her partner has sent her his dog, Kojak to hang out with while she is on leave. Claire is making the most of it, meeting with friends and dining at the local cafe. She even has a look alike who works at the cafe! However, things get scary when her look alike turns up dead outside the cafe, and the next day, thugs come to her house and chase her through the frigid temperatures, resulting in severe frost bite! Luckily, her handsome and mysterious neighbor, Miles is there to help.
I enjoyed this first installment. It was pretty fast paced and the story line kept moving along. The story became so much more than a dead look alike and took some wild turns. I am looking forward to reading the next one. It looks like it might be set elsewhere, so I am hoping it keeps some of the same characters.
I enjoyed this first installment. It was pretty fast paced and the story line kept moving along. The story became so much more than a dead look alike and took some wild turns. I am looking forward to reading the next one. It looks like it might be set elsewhere, so I am hoping it keeps some of the same characters.
December 7, 2020
Exciting story
Fast paced, page turner of a story! Great characters and a great mystery with unexpected twists and turns. I loved the setting as well as the types of people involved in the story.
Fast paced, page turner of a story! Great characters and a great mystery with unexpected twists and turns. I loved the setting as well as the types of people involved in the story.
April 3, 2024
Claire has been shot in the line of duty so she is on leave and decided to spend it at the family cabin at Falcon Lake. And it is the dead (forgive the pun) of winter and snow up to your waist and below zero. Everything seems to be going fine until a waitress that looks just like Claire is killed and then her cabin is broken into and it is obvious someone was looking for something by the mess they made. Then one night 2 guys try to break in again and start shooting at her as she runs to get away by being pulled by Kojak, a friend's dog she is keeping, across the frozen lake. She is rescued by her neighbor Miles and between the two of them they start investigating why someone is after her. The book was a slow start but picked up as it went along. Good mystery, writing that kept the story running smoothly and a great cast of characters. I will read the next book in the series to find out what will happen next.
October 16, 2021
I usually don't penalize a book simply because I don't like the main character, the plot, setting, etc. Those things are subjective and I like to be fair. Let me explain the low rating: I took one star away because a section of the book was duplicated. Without going back to look, I suspect it was two or more pages worth; that's a large editing error.
I took another star away because of how "foolish" the main character/protagonist is portrayed. At the very least, she lacks professionalism and good judgment (she's a police officer). In the extreme, she puts herself and others in danger. Her lack of common sense stretched my imagination to the breaking point. I'll give several examples.
1. She didn't report the break-in in which the perpetrators damaged her home in "every single room". 👎🏻 2. When miraculously getting away on skis while being shot at, she stalled to report it because she wanted to go to bed. 👎🏻 3. She didn't report her knowledge of the whereabouts of a missing mother and daughter which ended up getting several people injured and nearly killed. 👎🏻
I would think anyone with this lack of professionalism and simple good judgment would need to find another career--for her own safety as well as others.
I took another star away because of how "foolish" the main character/protagonist is portrayed. At the very least, she lacks professionalism and good judgment (she's a police officer). In the extreme, she puts herself and others in danger. Her lack of common sense stretched my imagination to the breaking point. I'll give several examples.
1. She didn't report the break-in in which the perpetrators damaged her home in "every single room". 👎🏻 2. When miraculously getting away on skis while being shot at, she stalled to report it because she wanted to go to bed. 👎🏻 3. She didn't report her knowledge of the whereabouts of a missing mother and daughter which ended up getting several people injured and nearly killed. 👎🏻
I would think anyone with this lack of professionalism and simple good judgment would need to find another career--for her own safety as well as others.
July 22, 2022
While on a short break from her job as a cop, Claire is spending time out in the frozen north during the winter. But after getting off on the wrong foot with a new neighbor, things only get worse when she finds a good friend of hers dead outside the local diner. Now she seems to be the target of a nefarious killer, but she has no idea why. Can she piece together the puzzle of why she’s now in the crosshairs, or is she doomed to be the next frozen stiff? And what is going on with her neighbor?
This book has a slow start, but it’s not boring. Once you get to know the setting and the characters, the plot unfolds nicely. The mystery of whodunnit isn’t nearly as interesting as the ‘why was it done,” and the convergence of the two was perfection. Claire is an intriguing main character, and her relationship with Miles is the heart of the book.
A cozy mystery with small pieces of a thriller. It’s an interesting combination. If you enjoy clean mysteries, this is one that will interest you. Others who might enjoy this is somebody who wants to move between cozies and thrillers. An interesting combination that has great characters, an entertaining mystery, and a thrilling conclusion, Frozen Fear is a great read that will have you trying to piece together the puzzle.
This book has a slow start, but it’s not boring. Once you get to know the setting and the characters, the plot unfolds nicely. The mystery of whodunnit isn’t nearly as interesting as the ‘why was it done,” and the convergence of the two was perfection. Claire is an intriguing main character, and her relationship with Miles is the heart of the book.
A cozy mystery with small pieces of a thriller. It’s an interesting combination. If you enjoy clean mysteries, this is one that will interest you. Others who might enjoy this is somebody who wants to move between cozies and thrillers. An interesting combination that has great characters, an entertaining mystery, and a thrilling conclusion, Frozen Fear is a great read that will have you trying to piece together the puzzle.
June 20, 2021
Friends, frenemies, allies, enemies and bullies. But who is who and who to trust?
First impressions, the oddities of a ”twin” that you never know- no relation, who is murdered due to
That look-alike. Claire saving herself-almost- from a group of ruthless thugs. Kojak – her dog friend- saves her
By going to the neighbor who didn’t like him. From his first meeting with Kojak, caught “blue pawed”,
Messing up his renovations, of his new home.
Miles -the neighbor- who had a ties to a artist friend who died with out Claire and other friends
Getting to say goodbye. How a criminal Scum-lord-businessman. Was “looking” for his “kidnapped” wife and daughter.
Rescued by Claire and Miles with their combined skills.
Sid -her police friend- is in the hospital after a MVA may not be able to clear her at the Disciplinary
Hearing, she is waiting for to learn her future as a detective or have charges pressed.
First impressions, the oddities of a ”twin” that you never know- no relation, who is murdered due to
That look-alike. Claire saving herself-almost- from a group of ruthless thugs. Kojak – her dog friend- saves her
By going to the neighbor who didn’t like him. From his first meeting with Kojak, caught “blue pawed”,
Messing up his renovations, of his new home.
Miles -the neighbor- who had a ties to a artist friend who died with out Claire and other friends
Getting to say goodbye. How a criminal Scum-lord-businessman. Was “looking” for his “kidnapped” wife and daughter.
Rescued by Claire and Miles with their combined skills.
Sid -her police friend- is in the hospital after a MVA may not be able to clear her at the Disciplinary
Hearing, she is waiting for to learn her future as a detective or have charges pressed.
June 20, 2021
Friends, frenemies, allies, enemies and bullies. But who is who and who to trust?
First impressions, the oddities of a ”twin” that you never know- no relation, who is murdered due to
That look-alike. Claire saving herself-almost- from a group of ruthless thugs. Kojak – her dog friend- saves her
By going to the neighbor who didn’t like him. From his first meeting with Kojak, caught “blue pawed”,
Messing up his renovations, of his new home.
Miles -the neighbor- who had a ties to a artist friend who died with out Claire and other friends
Getting to say goodbye. How a criminal Scum-lord-businessman. Was “looking” for his “kidnapped” wife and daughter.
Rescued by Claire and Miles with their combined skills.
Sid -her police friend- is in the hospital after a MVA may not be able to clear her at the Disciplinary
Hearing, she is waiting for to learn her future as a detective or have charges pressed.
First impressions, the oddities of a ”twin” that you never know- no relation, who is murdered due to
That look-alike. Claire saving herself-almost- from a group of ruthless thugs. Kojak – her dog friend- saves her
By going to the neighbor who didn’t like him. From his first meeting with Kojak, caught “blue pawed”,
Messing up his renovations, of his new home.
Miles -the neighbor- who had a ties to a artist friend who died with out Claire and other friends
Getting to say goodbye. How a criminal Scum-lord-businessman. Was “looking” for his “kidnapped” wife and daughter.
Rescued by Claire and Miles with their combined skills.
Sid -her police friend- is in the hospital after a MVA may not be able to clear her at the Disciplinary
Hearing, she is waiting for to learn her future as a detective or have charges pressed.
September 7, 2023
Anne Shillolo is a new author to me. I enjoyed her book, Frozen Fear: Murder in Season. It tells the story of thirty-something Detective Constable Claire Beckett who was suspended following the death of Sergeant Martin Georgios. For the time being she and her friend Sid's black and white rescue dog Kojak are living in her family's cottage in Falcon Lake. But one minute she is hanging out with her friends Natalie and Mark Lamb and the next minute their cafe waitress friend Kayla McMurty is dead. What follows are a series of scary events including her cottage being vandalized and bad guys shooting at her. Luckily for Claire she has new neighbor Miles Gallagher nearby. This book is the first of a trilogy. It was well written and had a good flow. I liked the setting and the characters and I look forward to reading the next book.
May 31, 2021
This book started out slowly then the action and suspense increased as Claire became determined to stay alive. As I read more of the story, the threats and tension built up so that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.
Detective Constable Claire Beckett and her neighbor Miles Galagher are both strong characters who are determined to get the bad guys. Claire and Miles go through a lot while trying to catch up with them before someone gets killed. There is never a pause in their actions until the end.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a great action filled story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you, Anne, for a great plot and outstanding characters.
Detective Constable Claire Beckett and her neighbor Miles Galagher are both strong characters who are determined to get the bad guys. Claire and Miles go through a lot while trying to catch up with them before someone gets killed. There is never a pause in their actions until the end.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a great action filled story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you, Anne, for a great plot and outstanding characters.
September 24, 2021
I'm simply going to state that the author and her proofreaders and copyeditors need a serious grounding in the use of punctuation, particularly commas and semicolons.
Not a bad story. But nothing to rush out for either. I didn't feel any of the characters were sufficiently developed to feel the story was complete. As well, logic escapes me: while I understand a detective no longer having a duty firearm, it astounds me that she wouldn't have a personal firearm for protection, even if simply a rifle or shotgun.
I'm not enchanted by the on-again, off-again nature of the relationship with Miles. Neither character seems complex enough to warrant the hot-cold switches, and the revelations about Jag don't do their job in clarifying either's motivations.
Nice story, but I won't be looking for book #2.
Not a bad story. But nothing to rush out for either. I didn't feel any of the characters were sufficiently developed to feel the story was complete. As well, logic escapes me: while I understand a detective no longer having a duty firearm, it astounds me that she wouldn't have a personal firearm for protection, even if simply a rifle or shotgun.
I'm not enchanted by the on-again, off-again nature of the relationship with Miles. Neither character seems complex enough to warrant the hot-cold switches, and the revelations about Jag don't do their job in clarifying either's motivations.
Nice story, but I won't be looking for book #2.
January 11, 2022
Crime of opportunity or mistaken identity?
Detective Constable Claire Beckett is on medical leave from her department in Windsor. The family cabin in Falco Lake until her hearing. The hearing will hopefully go well as long as she keeps her nose clean and stays away from any involvement with the police. That is easier said than done when she discovers a murder victim and then also becomes a target for no apparent reason. The local police decide the murder is a robbery gone bad but Claire is not convinced.
This book has a good plot and a storyline that shows imagination. I liked the secondary characters and especially her dog, Kojak. The suspense and twists were superb!
Detective Constable Claire Beckett is on medical leave from her department in Windsor. The family cabin in Falco Lake until her hearing. The hearing will hopefully go well as long as she keeps her nose clean and stays away from any involvement with the police. That is easier said than done when she discovers a murder victim and then also becomes a target for no apparent reason. The local police decide the murder is a robbery gone bad but Claire is not convinced.
This book has a good plot and a storyline that shows imagination. I liked the secondary characters and especially her dog, Kojak. The suspense and twists were superb!
December 29, 2025
Cold cozy mystery
Claire is a police detective who has been suspended due to an incident ending in the death of a fellow officer. She has temporarily relocated to a family cabin, in a small Canadian town. So much happens - the murder of a friend who looks like Claire, especially in winter gear. The kidnapping of a mom and young daughter. Bad guys shooting at her. Fleeing on skis, using her dog as a sled dog across a frozen lake. Frostbite. Enemy to boyfriend with the next door neighbor. My biggest issue is that this strong police detective sure needs a lot of rescuing.
Claire is a police detective who has been suspended due to an incident ending in the death of a fellow officer. She has temporarily relocated to a family cabin, in a small Canadian town. So much happens - the murder of a friend who looks like Claire, especially in winter gear. The kidnapping of a mom and young daughter. Bad guys shooting at her. Fleeing on skis, using her dog as a sled dog across a frozen lake. Frostbite. Enemy to boyfriend with the next door neighbor. My biggest issue is that this strong police detective sure needs a lot of rescuing.
July 10, 2023
Sub-Zero Winter Cozy Mystery
This is the first in a trilogy. In this episode, bad guys create havoc in a small Canadien town. Our heroine is in their crosshairs and she wants to know why. Add in a wonderful dog and it is a great story. The mystery part is solid! The cozy part is what I prefer, just a clean story with no sex, gore, bad language, or serious violence. It is not the kind of cozy that goes overboard about food, fashion, hobbies, or any of the other tiresome things that cozy authors think we love.
This is the first in a trilogy. In this episode, bad guys create havoc in a small Canadien town. Our heroine is in their crosshairs and she wants to know why. Add in a wonderful dog and it is a great story. The mystery part is solid! The cozy part is what I prefer, just a clean story with no sex, gore, bad language, or serious violence. It is not the kind of cozy that goes overboard about food, fashion, hobbies, or any of the other tiresome things that cozy authors think we love.
October 31, 2020
Quick moving and entertaining to the last word!
Love the characters in this first book. Very fast paced story line that keeps you on the edge of each page, wanting to keep reading to the end! Unpredictable mystery with adventure as well as romance and mystery. Can,t wait to read book 2!
Love the characters in this first book. Very fast paced story line that keeps you on the edge of each page, wanting to keep reading to the end! Unpredictable mystery with adventure as well as romance and mystery. Can,t wait to read book 2!
June 23, 2021
An Entertaining Wintery Mystery
Detective Constable Claire Beckett is recovering at her family cottage in Cottage Country. A winter mystery with lots of snow, cold and blizzards along with a borrowed dog, a new neighbour, a murder, and a kidnapping. An enjoyable mystery with great characters and a fast-paced plot with lots of twists and turns.
Detective Constable Claire Beckett is recovering at her family cottage in Cottage Country. A winter mystery with lots of snow, cold and blizzards along with a borrowed dog, a new neighbour, a murder, and a kidnapping. An enjoyable mystery with great characters and a fast-paced plot with lots of twists and turns.
November 15, 2021
You could really see Anne Shillolo evolve as an author through the pages of this cozy mystery.
The book started out a bit slow but then out of nowhere it seemed, I was totally sucked in and couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The book started out a bit slow but then out of nowhere it seemed, I was totally sucked in and couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 18, 2021
I found the book entertaining enough; however, I gave it a 3 rating since the main character failed to connect some obvious connections & danger. Despite what she did connect, research was from basic google availability with time spent. She failed to grasp the depth of danger to herself, those around her, and the two needing rescued.
July 19, 2022
Maybe I’m spoiled from the Holly Towne series but this lead character left a lot to be desired. It was a great story line and I really like how it unfolded. But there’s too much romance in the book and I don’t like that and I don’t like seeing the lead character act stupid over a man when she’s a policewoman trying to save her life and the lives of others.
October 9, 2023
Lots of Action!
This is a great crime mystery book! I loved all the characters and wanted them to succeed in solving the mystery that rumbled into their lives. The dialogue was engaging and the action leading to a conclusion was exhilarating! I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
This is a great crime mystery book! I loved all the characters and wanted them to succeed in solving the mystery that rumbled into their lives. The dialogue was engaging and the action leading to a conclusion was exhilarating! I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
December 6, 2020
Great First Book
I have high hopes for this new series. I really enjoyed Frozen Fear, and I plan to get the next book. The characters are well fleshed out, and her descriptions of the lake area are beautiful.
I have high hopes for this new series. I really enjoyed Frozen Fear, and I plan to get the next book. The characters are well fleshed out, and her descriptions of the lake area are beautiful.
March 1, 2021
Wow!
Claire, Miles and her friends are somehow involved in the solving of a local murder. Organized crime appears to be involved as well. Loved the characters, location and the twists and turns kept me guessing.
Claire, Miles and her friends are somehow involved in the solving of a local murder. Organized crime appears to be involved as well. Loved the characters, location and the twists and turns kept me guessing.
August 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Claire is a cop waiting to return to work after being shot. She's staying at her cabin and dog sitting Kojak. Little does she know she will be shot at, drug through the below zero weather by Kojak and a friend is murdered. Charming story.
October 8, 2022
An intriguing mystery story that will have you turning the pages as quickly as possible. Claire is recuperating after being injured. Unfortunately there’s a murder and Claire will definitely figure it out if she can. Well written with lots of action.
September 30, 2023
Cliffhanger
Story is interesting, but some of the plots are unanswered. Unless you are planning to buy all the books in this series, you will be left with a lot of unanswered questions.
Story is interesting, but some of the plots are unanswered. Unless you are planning to buy all the books in this series, you will be left with a lot of unanswered questions.
July 28, 2020
An enjoyable book. I am ready for the next one!
September 5, 2020
The best book in the series!
December 10, 2020
An engaging cozy mystery set in the frozen North
Was really into the story and characters and really didn't want the book to end. I guess that's what sequels are for!
Was really into the story and characters and really didn't want the book to end. I guess that's what sequels are for!
February 18, 2021
Fun and intriguing.
Unexpected twists and turns. Fun, fast paced and enjoyable cozy mystery. Well worth reading while you try to solve the mysteries.
Unexpected twists and turns. Fun, fast paced and enjoyable cozy mystery. Well worth reading while you try to solve the mysteries.
February 19, 2021
Binge-worthy❣️
You are hooked as soon as you start reading...Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
You are hooked as soon as you start reading...Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
May 10, 2021
A pretty decent book but she spent more time at the bar than she did with the dog . She was kinda savvy though on the neighbor but kinda dumb in not reporting her house being broken into
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews