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John Decker #2
Cold Sanctuary
The bogeyman is real.
In a tunnel deep beneath an Alaskan mountain, a man is brutally murdered.
Just one in a series of grisly deaths, it is not long before whispers grow that the Qalupalik, a terrifying creature born from centuries of superstition and fear, has come to wreak havoc on the small coastal town of Shackleton, Alaska.
With no way to stop the slayings, the town turns to disgraced ex-cop John Decker, hoping he can do what they could not. The assignment, far from his native Louisiana, might be just what Decker needs to put the past behind him. But as the bodies mount, and the town grows frantic, Decker realizes that whatever is on the loose is no mere superstition. The bogeyman is real, and it's up to him to stop it.
Cold Sanctuary is part of the John Decker series of novels, however, each book is a standalone story and does not require you to have read the other books in the series.
In a tunnel deep beneath an Alaskan mountain, a man is brutally murdered.
Just one in a series of grisly deaths, it is not long before whispers grow that the Qalupalik, a terrifying creature born from centuries of superstition and fear, has come to wreak havoc on the small coastal town of Shackleton, Alaska.
With no way to stop the slayings, the town turns to disgraced ex-cop John Decker, hoping he can do what they could not. The assignment, far from his native Louisiana, might be just what Decker needs to put the past behind him. But as the bodies mount, and the town grows frantic, Decker realizes that whatever is on the loose is no mere superstition. The bogeyman is real, and it's up to him to stop it.
Cold Sanctuary is part of the John Decker series of novels, however, each book is a standalone story and does not require you to have read the other books in the series.
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First published June 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 2, 2023
A Good Supernatural Mystery-Thriller.
John Decker is called away from Louisiana to come to Alaska to take over a new case.
In Louisiana, he is ostracized and harassed by his neighbors for the murder of a witch who was on a killing spree.
When he gets to the small town in Alaska, he is not welcome to everyone, but the mayor.
Since she sent for him, she would like for him to get started searching for whom or what is killing folks in town.
John Decker is soon made aware that the town is in great danger. And with the help of a journalist and the mayor he needs to be very careful and very thorough in his investigation.
Short chapters helped move this story along quickly. And despite some of the stupid stuff the writer have the characters doing, which really irked me, it all turned out nice with a great ending.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
John Decker is called away from Louisiana to come to Alaska to take over a new case.
In Louisiana, he is ostracized and harassed by his neighbors for the murder of a witch who was on a killing spree.
When he gets to the small town in Alaska, he is not welcome to everyone, but the mayor.
Since she sent for him, she would like for him to get started searching for whom or what is killing folks in town.
John Decker is soon made aware that the town is in great danger. And with the help of a journalist and the mayor he needs to be very careful and very thorough in his investigation.
Short chapters helped move this story along quickly. And despite some of the stupid stuff the writer have the characters doing, which really irked me, it all turned out nice with a great ending.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
January 2, 2023
Creature Feature Rampage!
A small backstory:
John Decker is back with tracking down another mysterious creature that is laying waste to some townspeople out in the wilds of Alaska. John is hired by a town council woman (Mina) as she has heard that John hunts supernatural creatures as she thinks something is hunting her people and she needs to put a stop to it.
John accepts the challenge of hunting down the creature even under protest from the town sheriff as the sheriff is not a believer in anything supernatural and just thinks there is a killer on the loose, but there is a rude awakening for everyone involved as "something" does exist and it is on a rampage that will decimate the town if John Decker does not take care of the situation ASAP!
Thoughts:
I have really been enjoying reading this series as there is tons of action with lots of creature features running amok in these books. The writing style of this author is smooth and I just seem to fall into the stories with ease.
The pace is quick as it seems that something happens right away in the story and then someone has to reach out to Decker to bring him on board. Once Decker arrives then there is a slow build up of suspense with him trying to figure out how to approach the situation but in the meantime there is something happening with the creature as well so there is constant action and suspense all at the same time. This book is no exception as tons of things are constantly happening in this story that kept me on my toes and the story just flows along with some suspense and tension.
Another reason I love this series so much is that it is a mix between supernatural horror mixed within a crime thriller as I read quite a bit out of both genres so it makes for a fun read to have a book that has both genres within. Looking forward to reading the third book in this series soon. Giving this book five "Supernatural Suspense" stars!
A small backstory:
John Decker is back with tracking down another mysterious creature that is laying waste to some townspeople out in the wilds of Alaska. John is hired by a town council woman (Mina) as she has heard that John hunts supernatural creatures as she thinks something is hunting her people and she needs to put a stop to it.
John accepts the challenge of hunting down the creature even under protest from the town sheriff as the sheriff is not a believer in anything supernatural and just thinks there is a killer on the loose, but there is a rude awakening for everyone involved as "something" does exist and it is on a rampage that will decimate the town if John Decker does not take care of the situation ASAP!
Thoughts:
I have really been enjoying reading this series as there is tons of action with lots of creature features running amok in these books. The writing style of this author is smooth and I just seem to fall into the stories with ease.
The pace is quick as it seems that something happens right away in the story and then someone has to reach out to Decker to bring him on board. Once Decker arrives then there is a slow build up of suspense with him trying to figure out how to approach the situation but in the meantime there is something happening with the creature as well so there is constant action and suspense all at the same time. This book is no exception as tons of things are constantly happening in this story that kept me on my toes and the story just flows along with some suspense and tension.
Another reason I love this series so much is that it is a mix between supernatural horror mixed within a crime thriller as I read quite a bit out of both genres so it makes for a fun read to have a book that has both genres within. Looking forward to reading the third book in this series soon. Giving this book five "Supernatural Suspense" stars!
June 22, 2022
Really liked this one! So this series is about supernatural creatures, and I’m gathering so far that they will center around a culture or area’s mythology and bring it to life and I’m here for it! So far, the series is very plot driven, with not much in the way of character development…but I’m starting to see that it’s because so many of the people are killed!
Set in an extremely small town in Alaska, John Decker is contracted by the town administrator to hunt whatever creature is hunting the townspeople. They’re convinced that the Inuit legend of the Qalupalik has come to life, and after doing some digging, he starts to suspect they’re right!
These are quick, easy, and mindlessly entertaining reads and I’m enjoying them more with each one! We meet to new characters which I think will appear in the next books as a sort of sidekicks to John Decker, feisty and brave Mina, who I adored, and strong and secretive Adam Hunt, who I ended up liking in the end. Excited to keep reading!
Set in an extremely small town in Alaska, John Decker is contracted by the town administrator to hunt whatever creature is hunting the townspeople. They’re convinced that the Inuit legend of the Qalupalik has come to life, and after doing some digging, he starts to suspect they’re right!
These are quick, easy, and mindlessly entertaining reads and I’m enjoying them more with each one! We meet to new characters which I think will appear in the next books as a sort of sidekicks to John Decker, feisty and brave Mina, who I adored, and strong and secretive Adam Hunt, who I ended up liking in the end. Excited to keep reading!
June 19, 2016
Review of COLD SANCTUARY by Anthony M. Strong
(John Decker #2)
Wow!! I loved the first book in this series, WHAT VENGENANCE COMES, but I love this one even more! Might be because this is set in Alaska, not Louisiana, and focuses on biohazards and genetic engineering instead of curses and Loup Garou, but it was a very rapid one-sitting, nonstop reading experience with lots of excitement, adventure, and suspense. Mr. Strong has a talented way with a tale, and while allowing the local populace and perhaps some of his readers to suspect a possible mythological creature come to life, instead he points us in the direction of Dr. Frankenstein, reenacted as it were. I'm not sure I want to fall asleep after reading COLD SANCTUARY, but I'm very glad I read it. My imagination has been totally ignited.
(John Decker #2)
Wow!! I loved the first book in this series, WHAT VENGENANCE COMES, but I love this one even more! Might be because this is set in Alaska, not Louisiana, and focuses on biohazards and genetic engineering instead of curses and Loup Garou, but it was a very rapid one-sitting, nonstop reading experience with lots of excitement, adventure, and suspense. Mr. Strong has a talented way with a tale, and while allowing the local populace and perhaps some of his readers to suspect a possible mythological creature come to life, instead he points us in the direction of Dr. Frankenstein, reenacted as it were. I'm not sure I want to fall asleep after reading COLD SANCTUARY, but I'm very glad I read it. My imagination has been totally ignited.
January 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Creature features are my favorite. This honestly feels like an episode of Supernatural, which I am so here for.
Creature features are my favorite. This honestly feels like an episode of Supernatural, which I am so here for.
November 16, 2022
Not as good as the first one. Could of used a little more of kick.
May 17, 2025
this is number 2 of the John Decker series, I've ordered the first book half a month ago together with number 1 and received installment 2 after 3 days and installment 1 has yet to arrive. after reading the prequel, I think I found potential a x-files replacement series.
John Decker is unemployed after the Loup-Garou mess in the first book and gets an employment off from Alaska which financially makes sense even if it is monsterhunting.
Anyhow the book starts with some specialized crooks breaking and entering a top secret lab to steal something that advertised as supersoldier serum. And of course something goes wrong which also alarms the powers that be to send somebody to solve any problems.
The boss of the burglars also is up in the north knows the option excists that his companions who hé lost contact with doublecrossed him.
John Decker is considered persona-non-grata when the first victim is found after his arrival. which does not stop him at all into taking matters into his own hands.
The whole story is entertaining and has a definite vibe which would attract a certain Mulder character of the FBI, followed by Scully of course.
Mr Strong does deliver an enjoyable tale with supernatural vibes and human frailty and failure.
great beach reading.
John Decker is unemployed after the Loup-Garou mess in the first book and gets an employment off from Alaska which financially makes sense even if it is monsterhunting.
Anyhow the book starts with some specialized crooks breaking and entering a top secret lab to steal something that advertised as supersoldier serum. And of course something goes wrong which also alarms the powers that be to send somebody to solve any problems.
The boss of the burglars also is up in the north knows the option excists that his companions who hé lost contact with doublecrossed him.
John Decker is considered persona-non-grata when the first victim is found after his arrival. which does not stop him at all into taking matters into his own hands.
The whole story is entertaining and has a definite vibe which would attract a certain Mulder character of the FBI, followed by Scully of course.
Mr Strong does deliver an enjoyable tale with supernatural vibes and human frailty and failure.
great beach reading.
October 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this one. Nice bit of spooky reading for this time of year.
Story was great and completely ridiculous, but that's what made it great.
Love getting to know the main character more and have the next instalment already downloaded.
Story was great and completely ridiculous, but that's what made it great.
Love getting to know the main character more and have the next instalment already downloaded.
June 25, 2016
Once I started reading this book, I absolutely could not stop. It has everything I love in a suspense thriller - nonstop action, chilling moments that send goosebumps down your spine, likeable characters, wonderful and believable dialogue and interactions, a fast pace and an awesome setting. And a bit of the mystique of the supernatural as icing on the cake.
I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, or any other books by this author, but you can bet he's going straight to the top of my list.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, or any other books by this author, but you can bet he's going straight to the top of my list.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
November 11, 2024
Another good read and super quick too. This time Decker is off to Alaska where people are being mysteriously murdered and many think an urban legend is to blame. Decker needs the work and off he goes but finding clues turns out to be hard when he’s thwarted by the local sheriff. Turns out small minded people can’t and won’t let go of Deckers history fighting ‘monsters.’ Storyline is fast paced and to the point without a lot of meaningless detail. Off to book 3!
September 27, 2021
Not my favorite of the three John Decker books I've read so far, but still a decent read with some good monster kills
October 1, 2024
The John Decker books are listed as a series of standalones, and that's true for the most part. Being the 2nd book in the series there isn't a whole lot of "backstory" to allude to in this installment, but there are some mentions of the previous incident, and characters from the 1st book.
That aside this is another fantastic John Decker novel. Short, and sweet; meaning it's a nice palette cleanser in-between your other reads.
This book essentially picks up right at the end of the previous. Decker has lost his job as the sheriff of Wolf Haven, and got a mysterious phone call about a "monster hunting" gig in Alaska. Some kind of critter is shredding up the locals, and no one can explain it. The monster in this book was one I've never heard of, and after looking up images I can say without question it is indeed a creepy mofo. You think you have an idea of what it is in the beginning, and then it really gets described, and you're like: "Oh damn. Creepy."
Again just like the 1st book, and I hope this continues, but there is SO much interaction between the characters! Dialogue, and dialogue, and dialogue. It might not sound like a big deal, but it's really refreshing to have characters talking to one another to reveal information instead of static info dumps.
That aside this is another fantastic John Decker novel. Short, and sweet; meaning it's a nice palette cleanser in-between your other reads.
This book essentially picks up right at the end of the previous. Decker has lost his job as the sheriff of Wolf Haven, and got a mysterious phone call about a "monster hunting" gig in Alaska. Some kind of critter is shredding up the locals, and no one can explain it. The monster in this book was one I've never heard of, and after looking up images I can say without question it is indeed a creepy mofo. You think you have an idea of what it is in the beginning, and then it really gets described, and you're like: "Oh damn. Creepy."
Again just like the 1st book, and I hope this continues, but there is SO much interaction between the characters! Dialogue, and dialogue, and dialogue. It might not sound like a big deal, but it's really refreshing to have characters talking to one another to reveal information instead of static info dumps.
January 19, 2022
2nd story in the John Decker series. Really enjoyed this as well- creepy creature, atmospheric and spooky surroundings, good dialogue, short chapters. Yup, everything i look for in a horror book.
March 2, 2022
I didn't love the first book, but John Decker piqued my interest enough to try out the second installment. I have to admit this was a big jump forward in both story and writing quality. John Decker seems to be a cross between Van Helsing and GhostBusters - an ordinary guy with no real special talents, but someone who has seen enough weirdness to become some kind of monster hunter. He takes monster hunting jobs more for survival rather then any higher motivation, you gotta pay the bills somehow right? I like the fact that he's not some superhero with deadly skills who can kill with a glance - he's an average joe, and it makes it easy to root for him.
Of course at it's core, this is still a B movie monster book - there's plot holes left and right, no logic, and authenticity mistakes everywhere. Despite that, this was a fun way to kill a couple of hours. I'll move on to book 3 based on this.
Of course at it's core, this is still a B movie monster book - there's plot holes left and right, no logic, and authenticity mistakes everywhere. Despite that, this was a fun way to kill a couple of hours. I'll move on to book 3 based on this.
December 11, 2021
Finished this second book pretty quickly. Didn't like it as much as the first one but I'm hoping the series will catch me again in the third installment.
November 26, 2024
Such a generic lead character. Not much confidence in him as a monster hunter.
June 12, 2023
Awesome story. I really enjoyed it, and I could not put it down. From not being able to read more than a couple pages to being able to read a few chapters a day. I think I enjoy reading much more than ever before. I couldn't stop reading it, I even read it while in bed, something that I never do with audiobooks, for falling asleep, reading made me more focused. I like the enigmatic elements of sub-zero temperatures, tundra, isolation, caverns, underground, the unknown, feelings of being watched by a cunning supernatural creature. I like all the characters and their relationship with each other. I feel like John Decker felt like a fish out of water the minute he stepped onto this isolated state, but that soon changed, and he was back in business working his way up uncovering the mysteries and finding out what was killing the people in Shackleton, Alaska. I feel that Anthony M. Strong did even a better job on this book and is why I could not put it down.
March 29, 2023
Good solid if simple edition to the series!
This is book two and doesn't really have many surprises. The tropes are pretty old and common and you sort of knew where the story was going to go. They're still building the world adding in some shadowy government agency that doesn't really define itself. The main character has been solid and likable, getting this second book in the series they introduced a young girl that really didn't have much impact because you kept wondering why was she even involved. Some of the story felt a little forced to try to make characters fit a certain box. The story itself was simple and enjoyable and it's an easy airport read. Willing to try the next book see if it can improve. This book was good but unfortunately rather forgettable.
This is book two and doesn't really have many surprises. The tropes are pretty old and common and you sort of knew where the story was going to go. They're still building the world adding in some shadowy government agency that doesn't really define itself. The main character has been solid and likable, getting this second book in the series they introduced a young girl that really didn't have much impact because you kept wondering why was she even involved. Some of the story felt a little forced to try to make characters fit a certain box. The story itself was simple and enjoyable and it's an easy airport read. Willing to try the next book see if it can improve. This book was good but unfortunately rather forgettable.
November 26, 2023
The reading is ok, but the author don’t know anything about guns. His research into mythical creatures is pretty good. I wish he would research his firearms a lot better. A Glock has no safety. After you fire a gun only the projectile comes out of the Barrel not the bullet and brass case it was contained in. A Glock also doesn’t have a hammer you can cock. It’s a sticker. A Glock is cocked by racking the slide and putting a cartridge into the barrel. It doesn’t use clips they are called magazines. Please if you’re going to have your characters use firearms then please research the one you’re using so the information wil be accurate. It’s a big distraction reading a decent book and then you see a glaring mistake in the research of something that should be correctly described.
March 18, 2023
Loved It! I am totally hooked on Strong's John Decker series. I enjoyed the first book (What Vengeance Comes) because I liked his quick pace and short chapters. But I liked this one more, the characters are better developed (including John Decker himself) as is the rest of the cast. Some of the deaths are predictable, and there are a few things not scientifically possible, but hey, it's a supernatural thriller. I do like the ending which foreshadows what's to come for Decker and his career. I can't wait to read the rest in this series! I have the feeling Strong's books will get even better. I'll let you know.
April 27, 2024
Paranormal Thriller with Plenty Of Scares
Decker is back but this time he is in a much colder climate and meets a new kind of partner much better than his old deputy. Something is killing people in an indoor city in Alaska and Decker has been charged to find out what it is, but not everyone is happy that he is there, especially the real sheriff in town. Whatever is killing people is tearing them apart, something is not quite normal in this cold place. I recommend you read this book to find out what is really happening to these people.
Decker is back but this time he is in a much colder climate and meets a new kind of partner much better than his old deputy. Something is killing people in an indoor city in Alaska and Decker has been charged to find out what it is, but not everyone is happy that he is there, especially the real sheriff in town. Whatever is killing people is tearing them apart, something is not quite normal in this cold place. I recommend you read this book to find out what is really happening to these people.
September 6, 2024
I enjoyed this one much more than the first one. I loved the “monster of the book.” I also really liked the addition of Mina, however I have a feeling she was just in this book and will not be a recurring character but I do hope. This author brings random people into the book just to kill them off, which I skipped over those chapters which made the read quick. I do love that he was offered a job, he was completely wronged in the last book. I do hope he gets to show up Chad one day! On to the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
The second in the John Decker Thriller series in which we find John Decker, disgraced Louisiana law enforcement official, traveling to Alaska at the request of the administrator of a an isolated Alaskan community where several grisly unsolved murders have occurred. Rumors of the Qalupalik, an Inuit legendary creature, are spreading among some in the community. John soon realizes, as more attacks and killings occur, that he is not facing a mythical legend but an actual monster of unknown origin that must somehow be stopped.
I am enjoying this series and will continue to read these tense and exciting standalone novels.
I am enjoying this series and will continue to read these tense and exciting standalone novels.
September 24, 2025
A secret lab hidden beneath an Alaskan mountain... something escaped... and no one’s quite sure if it’s a legendary Qalupalik, a bear, or something else. Toss in a disgraced detective, a prideful (and completely out-of-his-depth) sheriff, and a cast of small-town characters (some shady), and you’ve got a fast-paced, entertaining read.
The story blends creature horror with mystery and just the right touch of humor. If you're in the mood for action, monsters, and a story that keeps you turning pages without getting too heavy, this is a fun one!
The story blends creature horror with mystery and just the right touch of humor. If you're in the mood for action, monsters, and a story that keeps you turning pages without getting too heavy, this is a fun one!
October 25, 2022
Cold
I'd have to say the backdrop of the story was pretty good. The monsters were different. It was kind of slow at times but it did have a intriguing story. But honestly I took a star away for the ending. Frankly it was abrupt and kind of lazy. It was kind of crazy and unrealistic. Others will probably like it but I think I will move on to maybe some crime thriller for a change.
I'd have to say the backdrop of the story was pretty good. The monsters were different. It was kind of slow at times but it did have a intriguing story. But honestly I took a star away for the ending. Frankly it was abrupt and kind of lazy. It was kind of crazy and unrealistic. Others will probably like it but I think I will move on to maybe some crime thriller for a change.
October 12, 2024
Cold Sanctuary, John Decker Supernatural Thriller book 2 of 15, Anthony M. Strong. John Decker is offered a job in Shackleton Alaska. Local police aren't cooperative. A killer on the lose, he'll need all his skills to solve the case. Book 1 the resolution of the case caused him to be gisgraced and he lost his job. A great sequel, great characters, fast paced, action packed, descriptive gory deaths. 4* kindle.
August 3, 2025
I liked this one even better than the first one. John is called to the town of Shackleton Alaska, Most of the town resides in one skycraper left over from a navy base that has since moved on. The town is completely isolated and that's when the killing's start. Most people believe it to be an animal attack, but there are others who have seen it, and it's no animal. With a witless sheriff, and teenage reporter and a mayor terrified, John must somehow save this town from the killings. This is an edge of your seat thriller, and I don't want to give to much away. It's really good.
August 29, 2025
When is a Mermaid not a Mermaid?
When it's a scary monster that can walk on land!
Decker heads to Alaska, to a remote town where everyone lives in the same tower block.
Nothing happens until everything does, and people start turning up dead and mutilated.
Cue Decker, fresh from the humiliation of his sacking/resignation and not ready to believe in more monsters.
This was a fun read, but lacked the "cop crime" vibe that I loved about the first book....... now on to book 3!
When it's a scary monster that can walk on land!
Decker heads to Alaska, to a remote town where everyone lives in the same tower block.
Nothing happens until everything does, and people start turning up dead and mutilated.
Cue Decker, fresh from the humiliation of his sacking/resignation and not ready to believe in more monsters.
This was a fun read, but lacked the "cop crime" vibe that I loved about the first book....... now on to book 3!
May 19, 2022
Excellent book
Loved the story. It has a cold war flavor to it. Aside from really scary intelligent monsters. The characters are very well developed and have individual voices. The hero, Decker is very well done, damaged enough not to be perfect, proficient enough not to get killed. In short a good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
Loved the story. It has a cold war flavor to it. Aside from really scary intelligent monsters. The characters are very well developed and have individual voices. The hero, Decker is very well done, damaged enough not to be perfect, proficient enough not to get killed. In short a good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
October 6, 2022
Another great John Decker book! Not a creature of myths like the other 2 of his I've read but a scary creature just the same! I started with book 8 and couldn't put it down it was so good so I've gone back and started with #1. The books are great and it is interesting to see the progression in how John becomes a true monster hunter. Looking forward to starting book #3.
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