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Cold Wallet: Can you trust the one you loved?
When her new husband dies on their honeymoon, Dr. Jess Gordon inherits his cryptocurrency exchange, Vaultange. Plunged into a high-stakes world of digital finance and surrounded by suspicious characters, Jess must navigate a treacherous maze of secrets to uncover the truth behind her husband's death and the missing millions.As Vaultange's clients demand answers and the police close in, Jess turns to her few remaining allies. But whom can she trust when everyone seems to be hiding something? Her quest for the truth puts a target on her back as powerful figures emerge from the shadows, willing to do anything to keep their secrets buried.In this gripping techno-thriller, no one is who they seem and danger lurks behind every blockchain. Author Rosy Fenwicke weaves a taut, suspenseful tale of deception, betrayal, and one woman's determination to unravel a deadly conspiracy. As the body count rises and the clock runs out, Jess must summon all her strength and wits to crack the encrypted maze, bring down the criminals, and stay one step ahead of a killer.Cold Wallet is a pulse-pounding pageturner that ventures into the dark heart of the cryptocurrency world and the lengths people will go for wealth and power. Strap in for an electrifying read you won't be able to put down.Editorial thrilling book set in the ruthless world of cryptocurrency which makes it all the more modern, relatable and believable.' Reedsy.com.'With revelations and resolutions that left me spinning I think that this is a really good thriller and I would recommend it.' LoveReadingUK.'A savvy psychologically rich novel set in a world of tech-based intrigue.' Kirkus Reviews.COLD WALLET was a FINALIST in the thriller category of the 16th Annual National INDIE Excellence Awards. 2022. USA.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2021
35 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 10, 2021
Cold Wallet is a contemporary New Zealand thriller, set in the mysterious world of cryptocurrency - something I knew almost nothing about, and I have to confess that even with all the information presented here, I still don’t understand it. I requested this because I had very much enjoyed Death, Actually by this author, and while I found it heavier going because of the subject matter, it’s still an intelligent and well-written novel with an interesting heroine.
Jess Gordon has overcome a difficult adolescence to forge a successful medical career. After a whirlwind romance with wealthy Bitcoin trader Andrew, she is left distraught and bewildered when he dies suddenly on their honeymoon, leaving his company Vaultange entirely to her. His odious colleague and best friend Henry is jealous and resentful, but Jess needs his help - until access to all the money disappears, and Jess finds herself at the centre of a media frenzy, abandoned by her friends, betrayed by her colleagues, embroiled in a police investigation and the target of a vicious gangster. How can Jess, who never cared about the money, get her life back, when everyone thinks she must know where it went?
I do enjoy fiction set in NZ, and should read more of it, from the geographical, cultural and social details (I loved that she mentions Allbirds and provides a link in the glossary) to the political references eg the role the “501s” (Kiwis born here, who became criminals after moving to Australia as children and are being deported back here in large numbers) as a key part of the plot. You don’t have to know any of this to follow the story though, it’s explained clearly and non-judgementally.
The characters here are well developed - while Jess isn’t actually all that likeable, I did have sympathy for her plight. Part of the story is told from Henry’s POV, and you do start to feel sorry for him at times, until he does something awful again, and again. I did guess some of the twists, but not how it would turn out. I think all the currency info-dumping did slow the pace down too much, so I found myself easily distracted, but overall I did enjoy this: 3.5 rounded up for the clever ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Wonderful World for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Cold Wallet is available now.
Jess Gordon has overcome a difficult adolescence to forge a successful medical career. After a whirlwind romance with wealthy Bitcoin trader Andrew, she is left distraught and bewildered when he dies suddenly on their honeymoon, leaving his company Vaultange entirely to her. His odious colleague and best friend Henry is jealous and resentful, but Jess needs his help - until access to all the money disappears, and Jess finds herself at the centre of a media frenzy, abandoned by her friends, betrayed by her colleagues, embroiled in a police investigation and the target of a vicious gangster. How can Jess, who never cared about the money, get her life back, when everyone thinks she must know where it went?
I do enjoy fiction set in NZ, and should read more of it, from the geographical, cultural and social details (I loved that she mentions Allbirds and provides a link in the glossary) to the political references eg the role the “501s” (Kiwis born here, who became criminals after moving to Australia as children and are being deported back here in large numbers) as a key part of the plot. You don’t have to know any of this to follow the story though, it’s explained clearly and non-judgementally.
The characters here are well developed - while Jess isn’t actually all that likeable, I did have sympathy for her plight. Part of the story is told from Henry’s POV, and you do start to feel sorry for him at times, until he does something awful again, and again. I did guess some of the twists, but not how it would turn out. I think all the currency info-dumping did slow the pace down too much, so I found myself easily distracted, but overall I did enjoy this: 3.5 rounded up for the clever ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Wonderful World for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Cold Wallet is available now.
December 1, 2021
book club read. good story.
May 12, 2021
A real thriller which I read over two days. The suspense was maintained throughout, with credible characterisation. Fabulous insight into cryptocurrency and it’s capacity for improbity. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2021
Crypto currency? Sudden death? And, dare I say it, a novel that is probably firmly in the thriller genre? Those who follow my reviews know that this is a book I would normally give a rapid swerve to. It is not something I would usually pick up, even with the most enticing of covers. However, and disclaimer here, I happen to know the author. And I received an early copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. And much to my surprise, as I begin to write my review, I have to begin with a confession that I did end up enjoying the book, for the most part. However, I do have one major issue with the book, which I will come to later.
First of all, I will cover the merits of the book. It is rather fast paced, with a central character, Jess, who for the most part, is one that the reader can feel a great deal of empathy for, while at the same time, enough of her is kept hidden to make her interesting and perhaps, a little unreliable. So… we have an intriguing and somewhat mysterious protagonist, with a troubled past that is kept hidden from the reader. The book begins with her marriage, her honeymoon and the death of her new husband, all in rapid-fire succession so that page turning becomes quite easy. The alternative point of view that the reader is given is that of her new husband’s best friend, whose involvement in the crypto-currency game is somewhat shadowy.
The writing is good, the author never letting the reader know which one of the characters to trust, and the underlying story is compelling. The author has clearly done her research and has helpfully provided a glossary at the end to explain some of the more bewildering words used in the world of bitcoin. I wish I had known it was there as I was reading, but my lack of knowledge did not really interfere with the narrative.
There is a twist in the tail of the story, and I did predict it, and I am not going to spoil it by discussing it here. But it was foreshadowed sufficiently so that it was pleasing, rather than frustrating, to have my suspicions concerned.
My only frustration with the book is the use of gratuitous and unnecessary violence against women as it appears in one plot development in the book. In my view, it was entirely superfluous, overly graphic, and could have been left out entirely without jeopardising the integrity of the book as a whole, the development of the narrative arc, or what the reader would understand about the characters it concerned. Had I not known the author, that one act of violence would have caused me to immediately put the book down and stop reading. I understand that violence against women occurs. I understand that it can be dealt with within the narrative of a book, but in this instance, it was not needed. The same effect could have been achieved without such a graphic depiction of cruel brutality against a minor character.
That one issue aside, the book as whole was enjoyable. Has it made me a convert to that genre of book? No. But I was pleased to be provided with an advance copy, and I was pleased to be able to provide a mostly positive review for a writer that I know, respect and admire.
First of all, I will cover the merits of the book. It is rather fast paced, with a central character, Jess, who for the most part, is one that the reader can feel a great deal of empathy for, while at the same time, enough of her is kept hidden to make her interesting and perhaps, a little unreliable. So… we have an intriguing and somewhat mysterious protagonist, with a troubled past that is kept hidden from the reader. The book begins with her marriage, her honeymoon and the death of her new husband, all in rapid-fire succession so that page turning becomes quite easy. The alternative point of view that the reader is given is that of her new husband’s best friend, whose involvement in the crypto-currency game is somewhat shadowy.
The writing is good, the author never letting the reader know which one of the characters to trust, and the underlying story is compelling. The author has clearly done her research and has helpfully provided a glossary at the end to explain some of the more bewildering words used in the world of bitcoin. I wish I had known it was there as I was reading, but my lack of knowledge did not really interfere with the narrative.
There is a twist in the tail of the story, and I did predict it, and I am not going to spoil it by discussing it here. But it was foreshadowed sufficiently so that it was pleasing, rather than frustrating, to have my suspicions concerned.
My only frustration with the book is the use of gratuitous and unnecessary violence against women as it appears in one plot development in the book. In my view, it was entirely superfluous, overly graphic, and could have been left out entirely without jeopardising the integrity of the book as a whole, the development of the narrative arc, or what the reader would understand about the characters it concerned. Had I not known the author, that one act of violence would have caused me to immediately put the book down and stop reading. I understand that violence against women occurs. I understand that it can be dealt with within the narrative of a book, but in this instance, it was not needed. The same effect could have been achieved without such a graphic depiction of cruel brutality against a minor character.
That one issue aside, the book as whole was enjoyable. Has it made me a convert to that genre of book? No. But I was pleased to be provided with an advance copy, and I was pleased to be able to provide a mostly positive review for a writer that I know, respect and admire.
July 20, 2021
Really enjoyed this. Characters are totally believable and the story flows. Get the impression that a lot of research has been done into the crypto issue. Fantastic end. Actually as I read the book I could seeing it all playing out in front of me.....always the sign of fab writing.
May 2, 2021
Great page turner with interesting characters who keep you suspended in intrique . The main character Jess, a doctor is pulled into the world of cryptocurrency and must learn quickly what that involves. A who do you trust type thriller which reveals the different main characters pasts that leads to an unexpected conclusion. A good airport novel for those that can fly.
May 12, 2021
Wow Rosy Fenwicke has really found her genre!
Cold Wallet a gripping read from start to finish, the characters are so well developed and scary that I couldn’t help but read it one sitting
Cold Wallet a gripping read from start to finish, the characters are so well developed and scary that I couldn’t help but read it one sitting
March 22, 2021
I was intrigued by Cold Wallet from the very start. We begin the story from Henry’s perspective and enough detail is shared to tell us about the relationship between Henry Andrew and Jess while simultaneously raising questions that keep you intrigued to read on.
We then follow Jess on her tragic honeymoon and as she scrambles to get to grips with the company she has inherited. Her relationship with Henry is strained but when he offers to help manage the cryptocurrency business Vaultange is it because he’s changing or because he has something more sinister planned.
I liked the basis of this storyline, although some of the more in depth conversations went over my head to begin with it came across as very well researched and I slowly became immersed in Andrew, Jess and Henry’s complex world. I liked the depth of each of the characters, all multifaceted and in their own way unreliable, with each development sending me in a spin as I read. The author takes the time to set the scene, with flashbacks that show how relationships develop as the plotline moves forward. With revelations and resolutions that left me spinning I think that this is a really good thriller and I would recommend it.
We then follow Jess on her tragic honeymoon and as she scrambles to get to grips with the company she has inherited. Her relationship with Henry is strained but when he offers to help manage the cryptocurrency business Vaultange is it because he’s changing or because he has something more sinister planned.
I liked the basis of this storyline, although some of the more in depth conversations went over my head to begin with it came across as very well researched and I slowly became immersed in Andrew, Jess and Henry’s complex world. I liked the depth of each of the characters, all multifaceted and in their own way unreliable, with each development sending me in a spin as I read. The author takes the time to set the scene, with flashbacks that show how relationships develop as the plotline moves forward. With revelations and resolutions that left me spinning I think that this is a really good thriller and I would recommend it.
March 31, 2021
A fantastic read, good page turner
Love this authors work all very different but she has an excellent way of writing where the characters become part of your life! A true talent.
This novel is extremely well researched and not only
Was it a great yarn I learnt a lot about Bitcoin....
Another must read
Love this authors work all very different but she has an excellent way of writing where the characters become part of your life! A true talent.
This novel is extremely well researched and not only
Was it a great yarn I learnt a lot about Bitcoin....
Another must read
April 3, 2021
I enjoyed this suspense/thriller. I love a strong and intelligent female protagonist! This book kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat! I was provided with an advance copy of this book.
March 20, 2021
A dramatic change of pace for NZ author Rosy Fenwicke, this is an absorbing and thought provoking thriller set in the high tech world of cryptocurrencies that'll have you turning the pages at a rapid pace. At times emotional, at others quite frightening, this novel has it all and constantly surprises with its relentless invention and plot twists. Recommended.
(I was provided with a review copy by the author)
(I was provided with a review copy by the author)
August 12, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Wonderful World for the electronic copy.
This story was intriguing in the beginning, set in New Zealand, Jess Gordon, a doctor, marries extremely wealthy Andrew Cullinane, the owner of Vaultange, a cryptocurrency exchange. His best friend and business associate Henry Turner has been with Andrew since its inception and appears jealous of the time Andrew spends with Jess.
For their honeymoon Andrew books an entire island resort where they are alone except for the staff. Andrew suffers from Inflammatory Bowel Disease which seemed controlled by medication. However, one night he becomes extremely ill, is helicoptered off the island but dies in hospital. Jess is left alone with Henry and Andrew's lawyer desperately trying to understand how Andrew's business works as everything has been left to her. There's money missing and some very bad clients intend to retrieve it.
Now, I'm sorry to say that, despite lengthy passages which presumably are there to try and enlighten the reader to exactly what a cryptocurrency is, how clients invest and receive returns, how vast sums of money are held in so-called "cold wallets" - I just couldn't get to grips with it - although Jess seems to get her head around it enough to produce a twisty story end.
That's just my humble opinion - if you're into cryptocurrencies and the dealings around them, you'd probably really enjoy it; for me, if the storyline had been transposed into the normal banking system, even secret Swiss accounts and passcodes, it would have made more sense.
This story was intriguing in the beginning, set in New Zealand, Jess Gordon, a doctor, marries extremely wealthy Andrew Cullinane, the owner of Vaultange, a cryptocurrency exchange. His best friend and business associate Henry Turner has been with Andrew since its inception and appears jealous of the time Andrew spends with Jess.
For their honeymoon Andrew books an entire island resort where they are alone except for the staff. Andrew suffers from Inflammatory Bowel Disease which seemed controlled by medication. However, one night he becomes extremely ill, is helicoptered off the island but dies in hospital. Jess is left alone with Henry and Andrew's lawyer desperately trying to understand how Andrew's business works as everything has been left to her. There's money missing and some very bad clients intend to retrieve it.
Now, I'm sorry to say that, despite lengthy passages which presumably are there to try and enlighten the reader to exactly what a cryptocurrency is, how clients invest and receive returns, how vast sums of money are held in so-called "cold wallets" - I just couldn't get to grips with it - although Jess seems to get her head around it enough to produce a twisty story end.
That's just my humble opinion - if you're into cryptocurrencies and the dealings around them, you'd probably really enjoy it; for me, if the storyline had been transposed into the normal banking system, even secret Swiss accounts and passcodes, it would have made more sense.
Read
October 23, 2022This contemporary, thought-provoking thriller is set in the world of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency (also known as crypto) for those who don’t know is a digital currency designed to work as a medium of exchange. It uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions, as well as to control the creation of new units of a particular digital currency.
Thirty year old Jess falls in love and after a whirlwind romance with wealthy Bitcoin trader Andrew, marries within a year of meeting him. Whilst on honeymoon in The Yasawa Islands, he becomes ill and dies unexpectedly. Grief stricken, Jess returns to New Zealand to find that Andrew has left his company, Vaultange and the cryptocurrency exchange entirely to her in his will.
Andrew’s best friend and colleague, Henry whose involvement in the crypto-currency game is somewhat shadowy is jealous and resentful; Jess has no-one else and reluctantly turns to him for help. When access to all the money disappears, Jess finds herself at the centre of media frenzy; she is abandoned by all her friends, betrayed by her colleagues, embroiled in a police investigation and the target of a vicious criminal. She has to fight to get her life back on track even though everyone thinks she must know where the money went.
This is an intelligent and well-written novel with an interesting heroine; it is exciting and thought-provoking taking readers into a world they may have never been to before. The characters are believable and well developed; readers may find Jess isn’t to their taste but they will have sympathy for her plight, enough of her is kept hidden to make her interesting and perhaps, a little unreliable; she is an intriguing and somewhat mysterious protagonist with a troubled past which is kept hidden from the reader.
Part of the story is told from Henry’s point of view and readers may start to feel sorry for him at times, until he repeatedly does something awful over and over again. Jess is unsure that when he offers to help manage the cryptocurrency business Vaultange, if it is because he’s being helpful or if he has something more sinister planned.
Suspense is maintained throughout the novel, with credible characterisation although readers may be able to guess some of the obvious twists and turns. Like all good stories it has a twist in the tail which is somewhat predictable but doesn’t detract from the pleasure of reading the final ending.
The story is at times emotional, at others quite frightening; this novel has it all and constantly surprises with its relentless invention and plot twists. It is a who-do-you-trust type thriller which reveals the pasts of the main characters and leads to an unexpected conclusion.
It is evident that a tremendous amount of research into the world of cryptocurrency has been completed and there is a useful Glossary at the back of the book listing definitions of lesser known words and phrases which is very helpful.
Thirty year old Jess falls in love and after a whirlwind romance with wealthy Bitcoin trader Andrew, marries within a year of meeting him. Whilst on honeymoon in The Yasawa Islands, he becomes ill and dies unexpectedly. Grief stricken, Jess returns to New Zealand to find that Andrew has left his company, Vaultange and the cryptocurrency exchange entirely to her in his will.
Andrew’s best friend and colleague, Henry whose involvement in the crypto-currency game is somewhat shadowy is jealous and resentful; Jess has no-one else and reluctantly turns to him for help. When access to all the money disappears, Jess finds herself at the centre of media frenzy; she is abandoned by all her friends, betrayed by her colleagues, embroiled in a police investigation and the target of a vicious criminal. She has to fight to get her life back on track even though everyone thinks she must know where the money went.
This is an intelligent and well-written novel with an interesting heroine; it is exciting and thought-provoking taking readers into a world they may have never been to before. The characters are believable and well developed; readers may find Jess isn’t to their taste but they will have sympathy for her plight, enough of her is kept hidden to make her interesting and perhaps, a little unreliable; she is an intriguing and somewhat mysterious protagonist with a troubled past which is kept hidden from the reader.
Part of the story is told from Henry’s point of view and readers may start to feel sorry for him at times, until he repeatedly does something awful over and over again. Jess is unsure that when he offers to help manage the cryptocurrency business Vaultange, if it is because he’s being helpful or if he has something more sinister planned.
Suspense is maintained throughout the novel, with credible characterisation although readers may be able to guess some of the obvious twists and turns. Like all good stories it has a twist in the tail which is somewhat predictable but doesn’t detract from the pleasure of reading the final ending.
The story is at times emotional, at others quite frightening; this novel has it all and constantly surprises with its relentless invention and plot twists. It is a who-do-you-trust type thriller which reveals the pasts of the main characters and leads to an unexpected conclusion.
It is evident that a tremendous amount of research into the world of cryptocurrency has been completed and there is a useful Glossary at the back of the book listing definitions of lesser known words and phrases which is very helpful.
January 25, 2022
This is an exhausting story as it’s one hit after another.
I definitely felt like an outsider looking in on this story. Do you know anything about cryptocurrency? Me either. This is a little bit of a crash course by way of death.
Whirlwind romance and death, a jealous best friend, a cop that doesn’t know the whole story, and someone who’s keeping a very huge secret.
That’s all I’m going to tell you because I don’t want to spoil it.
I definitely felt like an outsider looking in on this story. Do you know anything about cryptocurrency? Me either. This is a little bit of a crash course by way of death.
Whirlwind romance and death, a jealous best friend, a cop that doesn’t know the whole story, and someone who’s keeping a very huge secret.
That’s all I’m going to tell you because I don’t want to spoil it.
February 13, 2024
Learnt all I know about bitcoin from this novel - written with an eye to inform and to warn - great twist at the end. Shades of Ozzie detective thriller characters, but definitely Kiwi fiction although not overbearingly so. Should easily cross to international readers Recommended to those who like good thriller/detective stories with strong factual content and currency.
December 12, 2021
Fascinating learning about crypto currency. Vivid descriptions in parts that made me want to look away. (I know that sounds strange. ) People behaving badly.
Every book Rosy writes is worth reading.
Every book Rosy writes is worth reading.
July 19, 2021
I always enjoy a good mystery set in my home country and this didn’t disappoint!
September 28, 2021
Entrancing from the get go. What a marvelous way to learn about the blockchain currencies in a page turning thriller with romance thrown in. An ending that I didn’t see coming. Great book!
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