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A Cold Retreat
Penny was a naïve child, only ever wanting to please. And men can be evil, and quick to take advantage of her. Forcing her deeper into a dark world.
Only when Penny hits rock bottom, does she finally wake up with a new sense of worth, and an appetite for retribution. The men had known what they were doing was wrong, and now it’s her turn to make them wish they’d never messed with her.
Love can be a real killer.
Only when Penny hits rock bottom, does she finally wake up with a new sense of worth, and an appetite for retribution. The men had known what they were doing was wrong, and now it’s her turn to make them wish they’d never messed with her.
Love can be a real killer.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jim Ody
42 books161 followersJim spent 10 years writing music reviews and interviewing bands for a rock music website. He also contributed lifestyle and comedic features and poems to a number of websites.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 13, 2018
A Cold Retreat has quite a cast of characters. Throughout, the chapters swap between the different characters but it is done in a way that was easy to keep up with and I didn’t feel lost in getting to know the different people.
The nature of the book makes it quite a dark one. In parts it was quite emotional to read of some of the characters experiences. In a way I could totally relate to Penny. We are fed fairy tales from such a young age that sometimes it just does not prepare us for the cruelty that exists out there.
With the story also flicking between past and present, you get to know events for the characters past that have made them who they are today. In some cases it is quite pitiful and I had a lot of empathy for certain characters.
A Cold Retreat takes us on a dark journey of which I hope will make some think more about the effects of their actions and have more consideration for others. The story is shrouded with suspense as to what the out come is going to be and boy what an outcome! No way could I have ever envisioned how things would turn out in the end and boy did it get the adrenaline pumping. The author certainly knows how to end his books on a high.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The nature of the book makes it quite a dark one. In parts it was quite emotional to read of some of the characters experiences. In a way I could totally relate to Penny. We are fed fairy tales from such a young age that sometimes it just does not prepare us for the cruelty that exists out there.
With the story also flicking between past and present, you get to know events for the characters past that have made them who they are today. In some cases it is quite pitiful and I had a lot of empathy for certain characters.
A Cold Retreat takes us on a dark journey of which I hope will make some think more about the effects of their actions and have more consideration for others. The story is shrouded with suspense as to what the out come is going to be and boy what an outcome! No way could I have ever envisioned how things would turn out in the end and boy did it get the adrenaline pumping. The author certainly knows how to end his books on a high.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
March 8, 2018
This is the third book I have read by Jim Ody and has always he certainly knows how to grab the killer from the start and leave them hanging. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story because the blurb doesn't give that much away so I was shocked when the author describes some rather uncomfortable rape scenes.
This book certainly isn't for the faint hearted Personally think it was a very brave thing to do being a male author. It is normally females that write about this subject matter. But I will say the author has done a brilliant job showing tensity in his writing.
There are quite a few characters in A Cold Retreat with chapters that alternate between them building up the story telling Penny's heartbreaking story.
One thing I have noticed in the author's novels is the music references. I am thinking this is Jim's thing and with this being such an intense dark gritty story. I felt that the beginning of the story didn't need them in the descriptions for me i found it rather distracting. When this story is brilliantly written.
This story is full of twists and turns will take your on a roller coaster ride of a emotions and keep you hooked from start to finish. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
This book certainly isn't for the faint hearted Personally think it was a very brave thing to do being a male author. It is normally females that write about this subject matter. But I will say the author has done a brilliant job showing tensity in his writing.
There are quite a few characters in A Cold Retreat with chapters that alternate between them building up the story telling Penny's heartbreaking story.
One thing I have noticed in the author's novels is the music references. I am thinking this is Jim's thing and with this being such an intense dark gritty story. I felt that the beginning of the story didn't need them in the descriptions for me i found it rather distracting. When this story is brilliantly written.
This story is full of twists and turns will take your on a roller coaster ride of a emotions and keep you hooked from start to finish. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
February 14, 2021
This is the first of Ody's books that I've read and it won't be the last.
It took me a little while to get to know all the different characters across different dates, but then I found the story really interesting. At one point towards the end I began thinking I knew how things would end, and then, BAM! - what an unexpected (and grisly,) ending!
A tale of lost innocence and vengeance that I'd recommend. You just need a strong stomach for the end!
It took me a little while to get to know all the different characters across different dates, but then I found the story really interesting. At one point towards the end I began thinking I knew how things would end, and then, BAM! - what an unexpected (and grisly,) ending!
A tale of lost innocence and vengeance that I'd recommend. You just need a strong stomach for the end!
January 9, 2021
Loved this book - so different to anything else I’ve read. The author has a vivid imagination & a wicked, if somewhat gruesome, sense of humour.
Each chapter follows a different character & timeline but it reads so well, that there is no confusion with following the plot (which is clear on the blurb, so I won’t repeat it).
A fast-paced retribution tale with an ending you won’t see coming. Brilliant read & highly recommended.
Each chapter follows a different character & timeline but it reads so well, that there is no confusion with following the plot (which is clear on the blurb, so I won’t repeat it).
A fast-paced retribution tale with an ending you won’t see coming. Brilliant read & highly recommended.
March 11, 2018
This book was amazing from start to finish. Penny who dreams of being a princess suddenly finds out that the real world is a much crueller place. This story kept me drawn in from the beginning of the prologue. I was glued to my iPad.
The story flowed easily, and I never found myself taken out of the story. I really enjoyed the alternating Points of Views, and I like how the author made note of the jump in the timeframe. This did not cause any confusion to me.
I thought the dialogue was spot on and realistic for the characters. The characters showed great growth from the beginning of the story to the end. Each character had their own voice and made you feel a connection with them. This story will definitely be recommended to others.
I give it 5/5 Platypires.
The story flowed easily, and I never found myself taken out of the story. I really enjoyed the alternating Points of Views, and I like how the author made note of the jump in the timeframe. This did not cause any confusion to me.
I thought the dialogue was spot on and realistic for the characters. The characters showed great growth from the beginning of the story to the end. Each character had their own voice and made you feel a connection with them. This story will definitely be recommended to others.
I give it 5/5 Platypires.
October 4, 2020
A cold retreat by Jim Ody.
This was another brilliant read by Jim.
A great story and cast of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written too. A cracking read. 5*.
This was another brilliant read by Jim.
A great story and cast of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written too. A cracking read. 5*.
November 21, 2020
Thought provoking
Fantastic read. Did not expect that finish. A real page turner I was hooked from page one. I would highly recommend it
Fantastic read. Did not expect that finish. A real page turner I was hooked from page one. I would highly recommend it
March 27, 2021
A deeply dark and twisted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing up to the very end. Told from multiple perspectives and during different time lines, this is a disturbing vision of a woman's retreat into revenge on the men who she perceives have wronged her during her life.
I loved how the author draws you in, giving you more and more insight and information until it feels as though you're running full tilt down and steep hill and can't stop, not that you want to. As I was approaching the climax of the book, it felt for all the world as though I just couldn't read it fast enough.
Gave me a serious case of the chills, a very powerful read, which reverberated with me for days afterwards
I loved how the author draws you in, giving you more and more insight and information until it feels as though you're running full tilt down and steep hill and can't stop, not that you want to. As I was approaching the climax of the book, it felt for all the world as though I just couldn't read it fast enough.
Gave me a serious case of the chills, a very powerful read, which reverberated with me for days afterwards
February 4, 2018
What a complex and gripping read this is... we know by now that Ody's books will not be short on drama and twists, but this time he takes it to a new level. I love the way he uses language. Each character has a voice and each voice is distinct. For me this is real writing and that makes it great reading.
March 21, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Jim Ody. It was interesting following peoples lives from when they were young adolescents and the different kinds of trauma they have all gone through since then. A well thought out story and a great style of writing by Jim Ody. I would recommend this book
March 3, 2018
Wow, what a read and what a journey I just went on through this brilliant book. This is the first book I’ve read by Jim but I’m dying to get my hands on his others as this was just fabulous.
At first I got a little confused – there were lots of characters introduced and the timeline flitted around. However I stuck with it and at about 20% in, it all clicked and I fell in love with the book. Jim has made it a little easier with the character name and the time period at the start of each chapter.
This is the story of Penny and what has happened to her – the blurb is quite vague so I will be vague as well, I found the beauty of this book was discovering where it was going to go. The story of Penny broke my heart and I was hoping everything would turn out okay.
Jim’s writing is fabulous, it flows really well and I loved the chapters alternated between the different character voices as you really got to know the characters more that way. It’s one of those books where you say “just one chapter” and before you know it, the book is finished!
There are plenty twists and turns to keep the story going and at times I had no idea where the book was going to end up. At times I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath while reading.
I’m excited to read more from Jim and his unique voice. Just brilliant.
At first I got a little confused – there were lots of characters introduced and the timeline flitted around. However I stuck with it and at about 20% in, it all clicked and I fell in love with the book. Jim has made it a little easier with the character name and the time period at the start of each chapter.
This is the story of Penny and what has happened to her – the blurb is quite vague so I will be vague as well, I found the beauty of this book was discovering where it was going to go. The story of Penny broke my heart and I was hoping everything would turn out okay.
Jim’s writing is fabulous, it flows really well and I loved the chapters alternated between the different character voices as you really got to know the characters more that way. It’s one of those books where you say “just one chapter” and before you know it, the book is finished!
There are plenty twists and turns to keep the story going and at times I had no idea where the book was going to end up. At times I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath while reading.
I’m excited to read more from Jim and his unique voice. Just brilliant.
March 6, 2018
You know those times when you're reading a mystery, or a thriller, and think you know the ending and then something else pops up to surprise you? Well, this novel was definitely one those for me. I don’t often read this kind of thriller horror but A Cold Retreat is very well written, gripping and took some attention to detail.
Multiple points of view can be sometimes repetitive, and I felt this happened at times, but mostly I found it to be a very good way of describing what’s happening as seen from the other perspective of a situation. I think it works well int his novel because there are multiple viewpoints to be considered and multiple characters to understand- or at least try to understand!
The multiple characters each have their strengths and weaknesses, some are likeable and some cause a good dose of revulsion. I didn't feel drawn to any one in particular but neither did I feel the opposite, each character demanded my time fairly equally.
Feeling a victim. Out of control situations. Retribution. Payback. Reading a situation wrongly. Memory perhaps not always sharp or accurate over time- There are plenty of themes and other aspects to 'chew' over by the end of this nightmarish novel... which if I describe them any more it would be a ‘spoiler’ and I always try to avoid them!
Did I enjoy the novel? I'm not sure, but I was very engaged while
Multiple points of view can be sometimes repetitive, and I felt this happened at times, but mostly I found it to be a very good way of describing what’s happening as seen from the other perspective of a situation. I think it works well int his novel because there are multiple viewpoints to be considered and multiple characters to understand- or at least try to understand!
The multiple characters each have their strengths and weaknesses, some are likeable and some cause a good dose of revulsion. I didn't feel drawn to any one in particular but neither did I feel the opposite, each character demanded my time fairly equally.
Feeling a victim. Out of control situations. Retribution. Payback. Reading a situation wrongly. Memory perhaps not always sharp or accurate over time- There are plenty of themes and other aspects to 'chew' over by the end of this nightmarish novel... which if I describe them any more it would be a ‘spoiler’ and I always try to avoid them!
Did I enjoy the novel? I'm not sure, but I was very engaged while
April 21, 2018
The beginning of this book had already planted the seeds of mystery, dreams that were dashed, and a betrayal that needed avenging.
I enjoyed the varying perspectives of Travis and Penny. Each told a completely different version of events and I was eager to continue reading to see what would happen next.
Chapter 7 had the plot thickening with intrigue yet again, while Chapter 12 both shocked and saddened me.
The increasing cast of characters and the ways that their paths seemingly crossed had me on the edge of my seat wondering how things were going to conclude. As things became clearer in Part 4, I was speechless and racing towards the finish to see what would happen. The ending was shocking on a lot of levels and left my head spinning. A Cold Retreat took me on a crazy ride.
I enjoyed the varying perspectives of Travis and Penny. Each told a completely different version of events and I was eager to continue reading to see what would happen next.
Chapter 7 had the plot thickening with intrigue yet again, while Chapter 12 both shocked and saddened me.
The increasing cast of characters and the ways that their paths seemingly crossed had me on the edge of my seat wondering how things were going to conclude. As things became clearer in Part 4, I was speechless and racing towards the finish to see what would happen. The ending was shocking on a lot of levels and left my head spinning. A Cold Retreat took me on a crazy ride.
April 16, 2018
The book starts off with different people and they're lives, it changes between them and time differences, giving you, the reader a chance to get immersed into the story and why it carries onto what it does and why the characters react as they do.
This kept me so involved and wanting to know why and where it was going to go next.
You really have to follow until the end to find out. It's a well balanced web of who, what, where and is so good at digging into them all.
Don't let that sound confusing, it isn't it's written so everything comes together and it's all there.
Really worth the read.
This kept me so involved and wanting to know why and where it was going to go next.
You really have to follow until the end to find out. It's a well balanced web of who, what, where and is so good at digging into them all.
Don't let that sound confusing, it isn't it's written so everything comes together and it's all there.
Really worth the read.
January 29, 2018
What a brilliant read. To start with I was getting a bit confused where each chapter not only switched characters, but also time periods. Once I got my head around this I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought it was a brilliant read. The storyline is very disjointed where it changes periods in time, but this makes it such a great story as I personally couldn't figure out where the book was going.
March 31, 2020
Hells bells! A new author to me and a fantastic start. I did like the way this book was writen. Each character had their own chapter, telling their story and the sequence of events.... their own story and how life became...for them. Everything gels together beautifully. Hey...Karma, fate, wishful thinking...it needs a psycho, right? Who would have thought the ending would turn out like that?!! An eye opener with nothing left to the imagination. Great reading and got my next one downloaded.
April 27, 2020
This is one of those books that really will keep you guessing.
A great "cast" of characters whose lives you are drawn into over several years through the chapters of the book.
You will wonder where you are being taken with the story ; but nothing will quite prepare you for how the book concludes.
Great writing again from the author, this being the second book of his that I have read.
A great "cast" of characters whose lives you are drawn into over several years through the chapters of the book.
You will wonder where you are being taken with the story ; but nothing will quite prepare you for how the book concludes.
Great writing again from the author, this being the second book of his that I have read.
January 14, 2021
This is my first read by this author and I was absolutely blown away. This story is about a young girl who is taken advantage of but seeks her revenge. There are many twists and turns that you don’t see coming and a surprising ending. I will definitely be reading more books by this author top marks
February 10, 2020
I didn't care much for this book.It was full of rape,unusual sex etc.It went from what one person was thinkingto what another was thinking.Hannibal Hills was excellent as the narrator,as usual.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
January 2, 2021
GREAT SUSPENSE READ!
A COLD RETREAT provides a unique and detailed characterization of a group of people with tenuous a connection between them. This culminates in a stunning, mind-boggling, explosive, horrific series of events that you can't possibly see coming.
A COLD RETREAT provides a unique and detailed characterization of a group of people with tenuous a connection between them. This culminates in a stunning, mind-boggling, explosive, horrific series of events that you can't possibly see coming.
March 15, 2021
I found this book a little slow to get going - there are quite a few characters with their own story. However, as I got to know the characters the story swept me along. It builds up to a fantastic finale which took me quite by surprise. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 14, 2023
Not gonna lie, this was pretty bad.
April 29, 2022
I have read several books by Jim Ody, but this one didn’t feel up to his usual standards. I found the cast of characters to be extensive, and unless it was being read in one long sitting, it was difficult to remember who was who, but that may be more on me than on the author.
June 26, 2024
Penny was a people pleaser especially when it came to men and their mistreatment has sent her to a dark place.
As she falls deeper into worthlessness she gains an appetite for vengeance.
A psychological thriller exploring the real horror of other people. Some scenes are graphic so do be warned but they are handled so well and are essential for the storyline. This is a story exploring perspectives and how an interaction can be viewed so differently by the people present.
Multiple perspectives, different timelines, it is a tangled web of a fast paced thriller that will gave you on the edge of your seat.
An incredible, you won’t see coming, ending.
This in my opinion is his darkest book, you will not put this down!
As she falls deeper into worthlessness she gains an appetite for vengeance.
A psychological thriller exploring the real horror of other people. Some scenes are graphic so do be warned but they are handled so well and are essential for the storyline. This is a story exploring perspectives and how an interaction can be viewed so differently by the people present.
Multiple perspectives, different timelines, it is a tangled web of a fast paced thriller that will gave you on the edge of your seat.
An incredible, you won’t see coming, ending.
This in my opinion is his darkest book, you will not put this down!
April 17, 2018
Gripping
This. Book was so good I couldn't put it down once i started reading and getting towards the end you just feel so pulled in to the story it will leave you chilled. Loved it
This. Book was so good I couldn't put it down once i started reading and getting towards the end you just feel so pulled in to the story it will leave you chilled. Loved it
January 20, 2018
Jim odys best to date - well plotted and written with an intriguing end, I liked the intertwining tales from the characters and think you can see an amazing growth in the author I look forward to seeing more from the author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews