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Agent Tori Hunter #2
The Winter Girls
Gazing out the cabin window at the raging blizzard, fear suddenly floods through her as she feels a stranger’s hand clamp across her mouth. No one can hear her stifled screams as she is dragged from the couch by the fire out into the snow.
When seventeen-year-old Savannah Devenish vanishes from her family’s remote vacation cabin in Minnesota, FBI Agent Tori Hunter races along treacherous icy roads to be first on the scene. Savannah’s parents are frantic with worry for their beautiful, carefree girl. Haunted by memories of her own missing sister, Tori vows to do whatever it takes to reunite this family.
When the police uncover that Savannah’s father Jacob was having an affair, they suspect his involvement, but Tori is convinced his despair is genuine. Her close relationship with the chief detective means the team won’t listen, so Tori strikes off alone, persuading Savannah’s distraught best friends to share their secrets. It seems this ‘good girl’ was sneaking out to parties to meet up with a mysterious man…
Then another teenager is snatched from the street, snowy footprints and a discarded hot chocolate cup the last trace of her. The girls are the same age, strikingly pale and blonde. Is a twisted collector stealing them away? And what chance is there that they are being kept alive?
With a deadly snowstorm closing in, Tori battles the elements—and her own team—as she follows the trail to an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement are bedrooms filled with clothes for teenage girls. Tori was too late to save her own missing sister twenty years ago, but can she find these girls before they disappear forever?
When seventeen-year-old Savannah Devenish vanishes from her family’s remote vacation cabin in Minnesota, FBI Agent Tori Hunter races along treacherous icy roads to be first on the scene. Savannah’s parents are frantic with worry for their beautiful, carefree girl. Haunted by memories of her own missing sister, Tori vows to do whatever it takes to reunite this family.
When the police uncover that Savannah’s father Jacob was having an affair, they suspect his involvement, but Tori is convinced his despair is genuine. Her close relationship with the chief detective means the team won’t listen, so Tori strikes off alone, persuading Savannah’s distraught best friends to share their secrets. It seems this ‘good girl’ was sneaking out to parties to meet up with a mysterious man…
Then another teenager is snatched from the street, snowy footprints and a discarded hot chocolate cup the last trace of her. The girls are the same age, strikingly pale and blonde. Is a twisted collector stealing them away? And what chance is there that they are being kept alive?
With a deadly snowstorm closing in, Tori battles the elements—and her own team—as she follows the trail to an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement are bedrooms filled with clothes for teenage girls. Tori was too late to save her own missing sister twenty years ago, but can she find these girls before they disappear forever?
375 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2021
4447 people are currently reading
2043 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stelljes
43 books763 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 12, 2023
Jumped right into book 2 of the Agent Tori Hunter series after finishing the first.
It's much of the same: a fun, popcorn "by the book" police procedure. There was some suspense with the action but I won't get crazy here.
In this installment, Agent Hunter is getting used to life outside of the FBI in a small town in northern Minnesota. She's a professor now and settling into her new relationship with hunky beau lead detective Will Braddock. All is good... until young girls start to go missing in Minnesota. Not on Tori's watch!
I did notice an improvement in the quality of the writing for author Roger Stelljes. He also kept this bad boy under 400 pgs which is huge plus in my book. Although I could argue this is still a bit long at 375.
For what this is trying to do and for the genre, it works. For those of you that follow GirlWithThePinkSkiMask, to quote her, this is “Honda Civic reliable”©™®
Where this misses an opportunity is exploring the baddie. This story actually sets up an interesting and nuanced bad guy. Without spoiling anything, there is definitely a sympathetic angle that I wish was explored more. Would've made for great internal conflict. Instead, we never get inside his head and he's merely just a bad entity referenced until the anti-climatic ending.
The author does a lot of driving down this road, taking a left here, driving more, oh wow, snow! Walking down this hallway, going down the stairs, turning right. Less of that crap and more exploration of emotion.
3.5 stars, rounding up. Cheers!
It's much of the same: a fun, popcorn "by the book" police procedure. There was some suspense with the action but I won't get crazy here.
In this installment, Agent Hunter is getting used to life outside of the FBI in a small town in northern Minnesota. She's a professor now and settling into her new relationship with hunky beau lead detective Will Braddock. All is good... until young girls start to go missing in Minnesota. Not on Tori's watch!
I did notice an improvement in the quality of the writing for author Roger Stelljes. He also kept this bad boy under 400 pgs which is huge plus in my book. Although I could argue this is still a bit long at 375.
For what this is trying to do and for the genre, it works. For those of you that follow GirlWithThePinkSkiMask, to quote her, this is “Honda Civic reliable”©™®
Where this misses an opportunity is exploring the baddie. This story actually sets up an interesting and nuanced bad guy. Without spoiling anything, there is definitely a sympathetic angle that I wish was explored more. Would've made for great internal conflict. Instead, we never get inside his head and he's merely just a bad entity referenced until the anti-climatic ending.
The author does a lot of driving down this road, taking a left here, driving more, oh wow, snow! Walking down this hallway, going down the stairs, turning right. Less of that crap and more exploration of emotion.
3.5 stars, rounding up. Cheers!
February 12, 2021
Coincidence Usually Takes A Lot Of Planning
After the events in the first book, Tori Hunt resigned from the FBI and went to therapy in order to do some profound soul-searching. She moved back to Manchester Bay to be near her boyfriend Braddock, the lead detective of Shepherd County. She’s unsure what to do with her life and is teaching a few classes at the local uni, something that seems to agree with her.
Braddock is called to a crime scene at a lake house where the mother is shot in the hallway and the17-year-old daughter, Savannah has been abducted. As Tori is in the car and it looks like a complicated matter, sheriff Cal Lund deputises her on the spot. The father arrives half an hour after the police and is the first suspect. It is soon obvious that this is not a crime of opportunity but of purpose and that a lot of planning went into it. There are several possibilities as to why Savannah may have been targeted; another girl of her dance team disappeared 3 months earlier and this could be connected, her dad has made enemies in the past, the family is very well of but no ransom is asked, it could be an abduction by a sex syndicate.
The reader knows that she’s being held in a brothel where girls are kept prisoner but she’s not put to work. We also learn that her captors are following another girl that they have to snatch as well. But we’re left in the dark as to who the shot caller is and why he wants those 2 (or will there be more?) girls.
This was super super suspenseful. The story was well constructed and fits together seamlessly. It may be a bit far-fetched but for the sake of the story, you must go along with that. It is an original and fresh plot. The finale is absolutely breathtaking. It has everything to make a good movie as well; a strong and intelligent storyline, awesome landscapes, an interesting cast of good and evil characters and a good balance between hard action and a clever investigation
Unfortunately, I found out the reason for the abductions early on in the story. As soon as a certain fact was mentioned as a byline, I knew that it would be connected to the kidnapping. The detectives think about that possibility only halfway through. It didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story though. There are plenty of elements that are unknown at that time. You still don’t know who’s behind the scheme or if the girls will be able to escape or be found in time.
I love Braddock for his superior moral code. It’s something that has become a rarity in modern society. Call me old- fashioned but what’s wrong with fidelity or loyalty to your partner?
A nice touch is the clever subtitles above each chapter. They’re nearly always a quote taken directly from the text, something relevant for that part of the narrative.
I could relate very well to the weather conditions in February Minnesota, as we’re going through an unusually cold winter week with temperatures reaching -12C and streets full of snow and ice. Laugh all you want, Scandinavians, Canadians and other cold experts but we didn’t have proper snow for at least 3 years! That used to be different before global warming!
It says that Minnesota has more than 10 000 lakes and I googled some fantastic foto’s. It must be very desolate and isolated in winter. But it is absolutely beautiful if you can take the freezing temperatures that is.
I thank Netgalley and for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
After the events in the first book, Tori Hunt resigned from the FBI and went to therapy in order to do some profound soul-searching. She moved back to Manchester Bay to be near her boyfriend Braddock, the lead detective of Shepherd County. She’s unsure what to do with her life and is teaching a few classes at the local uni, something that seems to agree with her.
Braddock is called to a crime scene at a lake house where the mother is shot in the hallway and the17-year-old daughter, Savannah has been abducted. As Tori is in the car and it looks like a complicated matter, sheriff Cal Lund deputises her on the spot. The father arrives half an hour after the police and is the first suspect. It is soon obvious that this is not a crime of opportunity but of purpose and that a lot of planning went into it. There are several possibilities as to why Savannah may have been targeted; another girl of her dance team disappeared 3 months earlier and this could be connected, her dad has made enemies in the past, the family is very well of but no ransom is asked, it could be an abduction by a sex syndicate.
The reader knows that she’s being held in a brothel where girls are kept prisoner but she’s not put to work. We also learn that her captors are following another girl that they have to snatch as well. But we’re left in the dark as to who the shot caller is and why he wants those 2 (or will there be more?) girls.
This was super super suspenseful. The story was well constructed and fits together seamlessly. It may be a bit far-fetched but for the sake of the story, you must go along with that. It is an original and fresh plot. The finale is absolutely breathtaking. It has everything to make a good movie as well; a strong and intelligent storyline, awesome landscapes, an interesting cast of good and evil characters and a good balance between hard action and a clever investigation
Unfortunately, I found out the reason for the abductions early on in the story. As soon as a certain fact was mentioned as a byline, I knew that it would be connected to the kidnapping. The detectives think about that possibility only halfway through. It didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story though. There are plenty of elements that are unknown at that time. You still don’t know who’s behind the scheme or if the girls will be able to escape or be found in time.
I love Braddock for his superior moral code. It’s something that has become a rarity in modern society. Call me old- fashioned but what’s wrong with fidelity or loyalty to your partner?
A nice touch is the clever subtitles above each chapter. They’re nearly always a quote taken directly from the text, something relevant for that part of the narrative.
I could relate very well to the weather conditions in February Minnesota, as we’re going through an unusually cold winter week with temperatures reaching -12C and streets full of snow and ice. Laugh all you want, Scandinavians, Canadians and other cold experts but we didn’t have proper snow for at least 3 years! That used to be different before global warming!
It says that Minnesota has more than 10 000 lakes and I googled some fantastic foto’s. It must be very desolate and isolated in winter. But it is absolutely beautiful if you can take the freezing temperatures that is.
I thank Netgalley and for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
March 4, 2021
The Winter Girls is the second instalment in the former FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter series, set in and around Manchester Bay, Minnesota. After resigning from her job working for the FBI, Tori returns to her hometown of Manchester Bay, becoming a part-time teaching professor at Minnesota State University. She wants to be closer to beau and Shepherd County Chief of Detectives Will Braddock to allow them to build a more solid and serious relationship. After the events in the first book, Tori went into much-needed therapy to help her work through the issues surrounding her sister’s murder. She has also been hired as a consultant by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) where she is working on a case of missing 18-year-old Sarah Goring who was last seen leaving a party at Twin Cities in September. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Braddock and Tori are on their way to a Crosslake restaurant for a bite to eat but decide to respond to a call for assistance and come upon a gruesome crime scene at a family lakeside cabin. 17-year-old Savannah Devenish had been staying there with her mother, Carrie, and it was her father’s intention to arrive later that evening and the family spend some quality time together in their weekend retreat. Her mother is about to head out to do some grocery shopping leaving Savannah alone. While filming a video clip with her smartphone she catches a glimpse of a reflection. It's too late when she realises there's a shadowy figure of a man silently standing behind her. He slams her down onto the coach and binds both her arms and legs. Hearing the commotion Carrie comes back inside but is promptly shot to death by the intruder. Savannah was then abducted never to be seen again.
Sheriff Cal Lund decides to deputise Tori as she has attended the scene with Will and they quickly ascertain that a struggle has taken place and that the teen was missing. While conducting a search they discover Savannah’s phone down the back of the sofa cushions and are given a good idea of what happened along with a peek at the perpetrator all captured in her recording. When the father conveniently arrives at the scene a mere 30 minutes after the crime he becomes their number one suspect. An intensive investigation begins and with a sighting of a van seen in the area near the time of the crimes the police search for it high and low. When it's actually found the vehicle has already been incinerated, obliterating crucial forensic evidence that the police could've used. From this they deduce that the kidnapping was meticulously planned well in advance by well-oiled operatives. Then a second young girl is boldly grabbed off the sidewalk and a connection between these two cases and that of Sarah Goring begins to emerge. Can Will and Tori find the missing girls before they're lost forever? This is a scintillating and compulsive police procedural that is full of enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep you reading until the sun comes up and Stelljes’ ability to pull the wool over your eyes as you're reading is astonishing. The intricate details and exploration of the lucrative and disturbing world of sex trafficking make this a spine-chilling and highly unsettling read. It moves at a rapid pace with the tension gradually rising and I can genuinely say that when it all started to unravel I didn't see what was coming until it actually blindsided me. Highly recommended.
Sheriff Cal Lund decides to deputise Tori as she has attended the scene with Will and they quickly ascertain that a struggle has taken place and that the teen was missing. While conducting a search they discover Savannah’s phone down the back of the sofa cushions and are given a good idea of what happened along with a peek at the perpetrator all captured in her recording. When the father conveniently arrives at the scene a mere 30 minutes after the crime he becomes their number one suspect. An intensive investigation begins and with a sighting of a van seen in the area near the time of the crimes the police search for it high and low. When it's actually found the vehicle has already been incinerated, obliterating crucial forensic evidence that the police could've used. From this they deduce that the kidnapping was meticulously planned well in advance by well-oiled operatives. Then a second young girl is boldly grabbed off the sidewalk and a connection between these two cases and that of Sarah Goring begins to emerge. Can Will and Tori find the missing girls before they're lost forever? This is a scintillating and compulsive police procedural that is full of enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep you reading until the sun comes up and Stelljes’ ability to pull the wool over your eyes as you're reading is astonishing. The intricate details and exploration of the lucrative and disturbing world of sex trafficking make this a spine-chilling and highly unsettling read. It moves at a rapid pace with the tension gradually rising and I can genuinely say that when it all started to unravel I didn't see what was coming until it actually blindsided me. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2021
3.5 stars
The Winter Girls by Roger Stelljes is the second in the FBI Agent Tori Hunter series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
FBI Agent Tori Hunter finally solved the murder of her twin sister, and she has now returned to her home-town in northern Minnesota. She is dating Chief Detective Will Braddock, who works for the Shepard County Sheriff's Department, and reports to Sheriff Cal Lund. Cal is an old friend and mentor of Tori's from a time when her father was Sheriff.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Tori quit the FBI after her last case, and returned to her home-town, leaving behind her job, her condo, and New York City. Will Braddock was the main reason, but she also realized that her job was not enough. After her own kidnapping, she is seeing a therapist, and is currently teaching a criminology course at the local university. She is in no hurry to make a long-term career decision.
When 17-year old Savannah Devenish is kidnapped from the family's vacation home, Tori jumps in to help Will find this girl. Although the police feel that Savannah's father is responsible, especially when they discover he had been having an affair, Tori is not convinced. Friends admit that Savannah still smoked weed and attended parties without her parents knowledge. She had actually been at the same party when another girl had gone missing.
Is it all about sex trafficking, or is there another reason for Savannah's disappearance?
Another girl will be abducted before everything comes to light.
My Opinions:
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had the first one. This seemed long and drawn out, and went in a lot of different directions. I found myself skimming. As well, there were no real twists or surprises. The actual motive for the kidnapping was obvious, as was the identity of the woman involved in the affair, and the fact that there was police involvement in the crime. There were just no surprises, as everything is laid out as you go along, and the connections start being obvious.
I liked the fact that it was told from multiple viewpoints, and I like the relationship between Tori and Will (although a lot of their interactions could have been cut out to make the book a little shorter). I also like the fact that Tori is discovering herself.
There was a really good action scene at the end, and everything got tied up rather nicely.
Overall, it was good.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 7, 2021
An interesting thriller!
This is the second book in this Agent Tori Hunter series. Even though I haven't read the first book, I didn't feel that I missed much because the author provides a brief introduction and recap at the beginning.
It was well written and easy to read. The characters were good and the investigation was also explained in detail. There were enough twists throughout the plot and the action-packed ending was exhilarating.
However, the main highlight of this book (for me, personally) was the concept behind the whole plot. It was something very unique and interesting.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
This is the second book in this Agent Tori Hunter series. Even though I haven't read the first book, I didn't feel that I missed much because the author provides a brief introduction and recap at the beginning.
It was well written and easy to read. The characters were good and the investigation was also explained in detail. There were enough twists throughout the plot and the action-packed ending was exhilarating.
However, the main highlight of this book (for me, personally) was the concept behind the whole plot. It was something very unique and interesting.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
November 7, 2021
My thanks to the author, Bookoutre and Netgalley. I like Roger Stelljies. BUT? Yeah. It's not a subject want to read about. I recommend the author. I hate the subject matter. I'd still recommend all the Tori Hunter series! Onto the next!
August 31, 2021
Teenage girls are being abducted with no trace of them left behind. Three girls have disappeared .. all about the same age, all pretty blondes.
Bringing back memories of her own abducted sister more than 2o years ago, she and her team are facing a Minnesota snow storm of epic proportions. At odds with her team, Tori strikes off on her own. Following what clues there are left, she finds an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement of this cabin, she finds bedrooms filled with clothing suitable for teenage girls.
But where are the girls? Have they disappeared forever? Is someone collecting them for some unknown nefarious reason?
The plot is compelling, the story line riveting. Suspense starts on the very first page of this action-packed page turner. The primary characters are solidly drawn and relate well with the secondary characters. i like the blend of professional with the personal in the relationship between Tori and her Detective boyfriend. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I highly recommend reading the books in order. (no waiting for book # 3).
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Bringing back memories of her own abducted sister more than 2o years ago, she and her team are facing a Minnesota snow storm of epic proportions. At odds with her team, Tori strikes off on her own. Following what clues there are left, she finds an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement of this cabin, she finds bedrooms filled with clothing suitable for teenage girls.
But where are the girls? Have they disappeared forever? Is someone collecting them for some unknown nefarious reason?
The plot is compelling, the story line riveting. Suspense starts on the very first page of this action-packed page turner. The primary characters are solidly drawn and relate well with the secondary characters. i like the blend of professional with the personal in the relationship between Tori and her Detective boyfriend. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I highly recommend reading the books in order. (no waiting for book # 3).
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 16, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Winter Girls, the second novel to feature former FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter.
Tori has returned home to Manchester Bay, Minnesota, teach part time at the local university and enjoying her burgeoning relationship with Chief of Detectives Will Braddock but when 17 year old Savannah Devenish is snatched from her family’s remote cabin she is immediately deputised to help with the investigation. When another teenager is taken Tori begins to think there is something dark behind the abductions.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Winter Girls which is an exciting read with a well constructed plot and non stop interesting events. It held my attention throughout. The novel is told from various points of view, notably Tori and her investigation, but rather than being distracting each character has something to add to the narrative. The reader is introduced early to the bad guys, something I usually groan at, but again it works well because their reasons are well concealed behind both not being mentioned and several deflection events. This is gradually teased out over the course of the novel and is intriguing, driving the reader to keep going. It should be noted that the novel opens with violence and the denouement is is like an 80s action movie with more violence and cruelty in between but it’s not gratuitous and is leavened by the warm relationship between Braddock and Tori.
I think the novel is well constructed with a steady stream of reveals to keep the interest level high and the speculation continuous. I thought the motive behind it all unusual and, to a certain extent, surprising, given the situations that suggest something else. Perhaps I got so involved I left my critical faculties at the door.
The Winter Girls is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Tori has returned home to Manchester Bay, Minnesota, teach part time at the local university and enjoying her burgeoning relationship with Chief of Detectives Will Braddock but when 17 year old Savannah Devenish is snatched from her family’s remote cabin she is immediately deputised to help with the investigation. When another teenager is taken Tori begins to think there is something dark behind the abductions.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Winter Girls which is an exciting read with a well constructed plot and non stop interesting events. It held my attention throughout. The novel is told from various points of view, notably Tori and her investigation, but rather than being distracting each character has something to add to the narrative. The reader is introduced early to the bad guys, something I usually groan at, but again it works well because their reasons are well concealed behind both not being mentioned and several deflection events. This is gradually teased out over the course of the novel and is intriguing, driving the reader to keep going. It should be noted that the novel opens with violence and the denouement is is like an 80s action movie with more violence and cruelty in between but it’s not gratuitous and is leavened by the warm relationship between Braddock and Tori.
I think the novel is well constructed with a steady stream of reveals to keep the interest level high and the speculation continuous. I thought the motive behind it all unusual and, to a certain extent, surprising, given the situations that suggest something else. Perhaps I got so involved I left my critical faculties at the door.
The Winter Girls is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 18, 2021
Fast becoming one of my favorite series and character pairs! Must-read series with exciting characters and plot lines.
Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC.
March 2, 2021
This is a great read.
Tori is asked to help Braddock when a teenager is abducted and another person is shot dead.
Their relationship is getting more serious and with the new case, they become closer.
There are chapters detailing what the criminals are thinking and there’s definitely more to this than a straight forward abduction.
More people are found dead and Braddock and Tori have their hands full trying to work out why Savannah was taken.
When another teenager is snatched off the street they know they need to step the investigation up a gear.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Tori is asked to help Braddock when a teenager is abducted and another person is shot dead.
Their relationship is getting more serious and with the new case, they become closer.
There are chapters detailing what the criminals are thinking and there’s definitely more to this than a straight forward abduction.
More people are found dead and Braddock and Tori have their hands full trying to work out why Savannah was taken.
When another teenager is snatched off the street they know they need to step the investigation up a gear.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 10, 2025
Another good read in this series :)
December 1, 2023
Bit slow
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed this but it loses a star cos' I was SO irritated about the errors in it, mainly a lack of question marks. I am raising this a LOT in reviews recently...it seems to be a conspiracy to rid the publishing world of them as most authors are dropping them. As I stated recently, if a sentence begins with how, what, when, where, why.....it is a question and ought to be denoted as such. Is it really so hard ?? I gave up highlighting the missed-off ones here altogether-it just wore me down in the end. Plus, the first book was better presented which also annoyed me.
Don't get me wrong, still a great tale and very exciting too, especially as we approached the end and yes, I'll get the ensuing book (s) but you usually find an author improves with each book, whereas we had a regression of sorts here.
It ends on the Kindle at 90% as well so comes upon you unexpectedly.
At one point we're told a brother-in-law lived down the road but a couple of pages later it is his brother and sister-in-law, which should've been spotted. then a father is described as one who attends his daughter's dance meets when teachers had just said they'd never met him before....then he wrote peak and not peek which made me sigh...loudly.
I smiled at the expression, "outkicked his coverage" as I hadn't heard this before. Over here we say "punching above his/her weight" !! I also got a kick out of the "hauling total ass." Now, one saying he used, which is clearly some pop culture reference, I'd imagine, was, "I'd let you know that G Walter Brennan was visibly and auditorily perturbed"......I googled it but that didn't explain it. It told me who he was but the reference sailed over my head, I'm afraid. I smiled to myself to read about people putting antifreeze down their loos as well !! Another thing I always spot with out overseas authors is that they LOVE themselves an acronym over there-FBI/BCA, etc....I know FBI but others I have to keep looking up.
I liked his dedication in this one-it's very nice.
So, I really hope he sharpens his act up in book 3 or I'll not be bothering with anymore by him, which would be a pity as the stories are terrific and so are his characters.
Don't get me wrong, still a great tale and very exciting too, especially as we approached the end and yes, I'll get the ensuing book (s) but you usually find an author improves with each book, whereas we had a regression of sorts here.
It ends on the Kindle at 90% as well so comes upon you unexpectedly.
At one point we're told a brother-in-law lived down the road but a couple of pages later it is his brother and sister-in-law, which should've been spotted. then a father is described as one who attends his daughter's dance meets when teachers had just said they'd never met him before....then he wrote peak and not peek which made me sigh...loudly.
I smiled at the expression, "outkicked his coverage" as I hadn't heard this before. Over here we say "punching above his/her weight" !! I also got a kick out of the "hauling total ass." Now, one saying he used, which is clearly some pop culture reference, I'd imagine, was, "I'd let you know that G Walter Brennan was visibly and auditorily perturbed"......I googled it but that didn't explain it. It told me who he was but the reference sailed over my head, I'm afraid. I smiled to myself to read about people putting antifreeze down their loos as well !! Another thing I always spot with out overseas authors is that they LOVE themselves an acronym over there-FBI/BCA, etc....I know FBI but others I have to keep looking up.
I liked his dedication in this one-it's very nice.
So, I really hope he sharpens his act up in book 3 or I'll not be bothering with anymore by him, which would be a pity as the stories are terrific and so are his characters.
August 16, 2025
This is the second book in the series. I found it hard to relate to a story of sex trafficking and Russian involvement.
"When seventeen-year-old Savannah Devenish vanishes from her family’s remote vacation cabin in Minnesota, FBI Agent Tori Hunter races along treacherous icy roads to be first on the scene. Savannah’s parents are frantic with worry for their beautiful, carefree girl. Haunted by memories of her own missing sister, Tori vows to do whatever it takes to reunite this family.
When the police uncover that Savannah’s father Jacob was having an affair, they suspect his involvement, but Tori is convinced his despair is genuine. Her close relationship with the chief detective means the team won’t listen, so Tori strikes off alone, persuading Savannah’s distraught best friends to share their secrets. It seems this ‘good girl’ was sneaking out to parties to meet up with a mysterious man…
Then another teenager is snatched from the street, snowy footprints and a discarded hot chocolate cup the last trace of her. The girls are the same age, strikingly pale and blonde. Is a twisted collector stealing them away? And what chance is there that they are being kept alive?
With a deadly snowstorm closing in, Tori battles the elements—and her own team—as she follows the trail to an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement are bedrooms filled with clothes for teenage girls. Tori was too late to save her own missing sister twenty years ago, but can she find these girls before they disappear forever?" synopsis copied
"When seventeen-year-old Savannah Devenish vanishes from her family’s remote vacation cabin in Minnesota, FBI Agent Tori Hunter races along treacherous icy roads to be first on the scene. Savannah’s parents are frantic with worry for their beautiful, carefree girl. Haunted by memories of her own missing sister, Tori vows to do whatever it takes to reunite this family.
When the police uncover that Savannah’s father Jacob was having an affair, they suspect his involvement, but Tori is convinced his despair is genuine. Her close relationship with the chief detective means the team won’t listen, so Tori strikes off alone, persuading Savannah’s distraught best friends to share their secrets. It seems this ‘good girl’ was sneaking out to parties to meet up with a mysterious man…
Then another teenager is snatched from the street, snowy footprints and a discarded hot chocolate cup the last trace of her. The girls are the same age, strikingly pale and blonde. Is a twisted collector stealing them away? And what chance is there that they are being kept alive?
With a deadly snowstorm closing in, Tori battles the elements—and her own team—as she follows the trail to an abandoned cabin by a frozen lake. In the basement are bedrooms filled with clothes for teenage girls. Tori was too late to save her own missing sister twenty years ago, but can she find these girls before they disappear forever?" synopsis copied
June 15, 2021
Another police procedural, I seem to be specializing in them, and Agent Tori was called in along with her partner Braddock.
My second book by the author, this was a fast action packed thriller which had every scene seeped in adrenaline. Both characters were well developed, I liked Braddock especially. The writing made the cases come alive, almost like the scenes of a thriller movie.
An exciting read, indeed.
My second book by the author, this was a fast action packed thriller which had every scene seeped in adrenaline. Both characters were well developed, I liked Braddock especially. The writing made the cases come alive, almost like the scenes of a thriller movie.
An exciting read, indeed.
February 13, 2021
This is book 2 in the Tori Hunter series. I really enjoyed the first one and this one as well. The story of Tori and Will continues of course, but with a new case in involving murder and kidnapping. This one is set in the winter with a blizzard included. Lots of suspects, motives, car chases and thugs. Check this one out, you'll like it.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.
March 4, 2021
The Winter Girls by Roger Stelljes is the second instalment in the former FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter series, set in Manchester Bay, Minnesota.
Tori has returned to her hometown of Manchester Bay, becoming a part-time teaching professor at Minnesota State University, after resigning from her job working for the FBI. She is in a relationship with Shepherd County Chief of Detectives Will Braddock and is in therapy to help her work through the issues surrounding her twin sister’s murder. Hired as a consultant by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) she is working on a case of missing 18-year-old Sarah Goring who was last seen leaving a party.
On their way to a restaurant for their evening meal one day, Will and Tori respond to a call for assistance and come upon a gruesome crime scene at a family lakeside cabin. 17-year-old Savannah Devenish is staying there with her mother, Carrie, her father due to arrive later that evening. Her mother leaves Savannah alone to go shopping when Savannah spots the reflection of a man in the glass of her phone. He binds her arms and legs and, hearing the fracas, Carrie comes back inside and is shot to death by the intruder whilst Savannah is abducted. A second young girl is grabbed from the pavement and a connection between the cases and that of Sarah Goring begins to emerge.
With its excellent plot and zippy pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. The Winter Girls was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment. Special Agent Tori Hunter was really well-drawn, and I found her to be super-confident, with a huge personality though she has a tendency to flirt with recklessness. This riveting, horrifyingly dark tale was emotionally very weighty and Roger Stelljes has an incredible ability to pull the wool over the reader's eyes, cleverly concealing clues and facts until precisely the right moment. An absolutely cracking piece of crime fiction, chillingly and brilliantly delivered, it had enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep me reading late into the night. As the story barrelled towards the grand finale and everything started to unravel, I didn't see what was around the corner. Highly recommended without any doubt.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Tori has returned to her hometown of Manchester Bay, becoming a part-time teaching professor at Minnesota State University, after resigning from her job working for the FBI. She is in a relationship with Shepherd County Chief of Detectives Will Braddock and is in therapy to help her work through the issues surrounding her twin sister’s murder. Hired as a consultant by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) she is working on a case of missing 18-year-old Sarah Goring who was last seen leaving a party.
On their way to a restaurant for their evening meal one day, Will and Tori respond to a call for assistance and come upon a gruesome crime scene at a family lakeside cabin. 17-year-old Savannah Devenish is staying there with her mother, Carrie, her father due to arrive later that evening. Her mother leaves Savannah alone to go shopping when Savannah spots the reflection of a man in the glass of her phone. He binds her arms and legs and, hearing the fracas, Carrie comes back inside and is shot to death by the intruder whilst Savannah is abducted. A second young girl is grabbed from the pavement and a connection between the cases and that of Sarah Goring begins to emerge.
With its excellent plot and zippy pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. The Winter Girls was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment. Special Agent Tori Hunter was really well-drawn, and I found her to be super-confident, with a huge personality though she has a tendency to flirt with recklessness. This riveting, horrifyingly dark tale was emotionally very weighty and Roger Stelljes has an incredible ability to pull the wool over the reader's eyes, cleverly concealing clues and facts until precisely the right moment. An absolutely cracking piece of crime fiction, chillingly and brilliantly delivered, it had enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep me reading late into the night. As the story barrelled towards the grand finale and everything started to unravel, I didn't see what was around the corner. Highly recommended without any doubt.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 11, 2022
2nd book in the Agent Tori Hunter series...it was good! Excited to read books 3 and 4 now
August 3, 2024
This one isn’t what you think it’s going to be! Great page-turner and the second Tori Hunter.
May 26, 2022
Two-haiku review:
Teenage girl kidnapped
And mother shot in process
Bad guys leave no clues
Many thrilling parts
And liked the relationships
Three-and-a-half stars
Teenage girl kidnapped
And mother shot in process
Bad guys leave no clues
Many thrilling parts
And liked the relationships
Three-and-a-half stars
March 5, 2021
The Winter Girls by Roger Stelljes-Gazing is the 2nd book in the Agent Tori Hunter series, and my first book by this author. When a teenager is kidnapped off the couch in the family's cabin in Minnesota, Agent Tori Hunter is on the case. Tori is facing her own memories of her sister's disappearance. This book is a wild ride! So many twists and turns, an absolute page turner. I can't wait to read more book by this author. I recommend this for anyone looking for a fast paced police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 3, 2024
Once again, what a great book! I did not expect the storyline to turn out this way. I love how there was a lot of transitions andtwist and turns. The only thing I was sad about in this book compared to the first book was Tori and Braddock was not as romantic compared to the first one. But their relationship did grow more in this book. Definitely will be reading the rest of this series.
Read
March 5, 2021This is a new series to me and I have to say I have become addicted almost immediately to these characters and to Roger’s writing and I can’t wait to go back and read the first book. I was gripped by this book from start to finish, the tension just ramped up and up throughout the novel, it gives you everything you could possibly want from this type of crime thriller.
The book begins with a shocking opening as a young woman is snatched from her family’s weekend home under brutal circumstances.The investigation initially leads the detectives in one direction, but it is soon clear that certain facts have been hidden by the victim’s father, which leads to alternative threads of enquiry being opened up. The premise behind the plot is fresh and unique and not something I have seen explored in this type of book before, so my interest was piqued very early on and held me throughout the book and, as the tension grew, I became more and more desperate to find out what was going to happen, until the ending blew me away, The book is extremely well-plotted in this regard.
The story is told through a variety of voices which all bring a different perspective to the story. We have the victim, the perpetrators and Tori on the investigative team. The fact that we know early on who committed the crime could be fatal to the tension, but it isn’t here because it is the WHY less than the WHO that is driving the narrative, which again makes the book a little different and more interesting to anyone who reads this type of book regularly. The author does a great job of separating the voices of the different characters into distinct personalities.
This book also has a real sense of place, as we explore the frigid, snowbound landscape of northern Minnesota, its remote lakes and isolated places in the hunt for the missing girl. I could sense the vastness and loneliness of the place and the helplessness of anyone held far from civilisation against their will, what and impossible task the investigators have in trying to track people down in this huge expanse of nothingness in harsh weather conditions. It is a great skill to draw a place so vividly, and the author has it. The cover of the book portrays it brilliantly, I just love it, it was what initially drew me to the book.
The relationship between Tori and Braddock is one of the highlights of the book, and it is fascinating to see it develop. Tori’s ongoing issues, and the new life she is trying to build in northern Minnesota, recovering from the events of the first book. The whole situation feels very authentic, and illustrates the humanity of the people behind the investigation and the personal passions that drive them to do what they do. I think this is one of the main things that makes the book so compelling and makes me want to read more about these characters that I have grown so fond of via Roger’s writing.
If I had one small niggle, it would be that the first chapter of the book which recapped the back story of Tori and Braddock and how she ended up where she did felt a little disjointed and didn’t flow well. If I had been a different type of reader, more impatient, it might have put me off reading any further because it felt so clunky. However, it is well worth persevering past this small portion of the book, because it gets very good very quickly and settles down into a good and smooth flow that carries you through the narrative. If you encounter this same issue, please don’t let it stop you reading on through the book, it is well worth it.
A great crime thriller with interesting characters that I hope will be the start of a series that I can immerse myself in at regular intervals. Highly recommended.
The book begins with a shocking opening as a young woman is snatched from her family’s weekend home under brutal circumstances.The investigation initially leads the detectives in one direction, but it is soon clear that certain facts have been hidden by the victim’s father, which leads to alternative threads of enquiry being opened up. The premise behind the plot is fresh and unique and not something I have seen explored in this type of book before, so my interest was piqued very early on and held me throughout the book and, as the tension grew, I became more and more desperate to find out what was going to happen, until the ending blew me away, The book is extremely well-plotted in this regard.
The story is told through a variety of voices which all bring a different perspective to the story. We have the victim, the perpetrators and Tori on the investigative team. The fact that we know early on who committed the crime could be fatal to the tension, but it isn’t here because it is the WHY less than the WHO that is driving the narrative, which again makes the book a little different and more interesting to anyone who reads this type of book regularly. The author does a great job of separating the voices of the different characters into distinct personalities.
This book also has a real sense of place, as we explore the frigid, snowbound landscape of northern Minnesota, its remote lakes and isolated places in the hunt for the missing girl. I could sense the vastness and loneliness of the place and the helplessness of anyone held far from civilisation against their will, what and impossible task the investigators have in trying to track people down in this huge expanse of nothingness in harsh weather conditions. It is a great skill to draw a place so vividly, and the author has it. The cover of the book portrays it brilliantly, I just love it, it was what initially drew me to the book.
The relationship between Tori and Braddock is one of the highlights of the book, and it is fascinating to see it develop. Tori’s ongoing issues, and the new life she is trying to build in northern Minnesota, recovering from the events of the first book. The whole situation feels very authentic, and illustrates the humanity of the people behind the investigation and the personal passions that drive them to do what they do. I think this is one of the main things that makes the book so compelling and makes me want to read more about these characters that I have grown so fond of via Roger’s writing.
If I had one small niggle, it would be that the first chapter of the book which recapped the back story of Tori and Braddock and how she ended up where she did felt a little disjointed and didn’t flow well. If I had been a different type of reader, more impatient, it might have put me off reading any further because it felt so clunky. However, it is well worth persevering past this small portion of the book, because it gets very good very quickly and settles down into a good and smooth flow that carries you through the narrative. If you encounter this same issue, please don’t let it stop you reading on through the book, it is well worth it.
A great crime thriller with interesting characters that I hope will be the start of a series that I can immerse myself in at regular intervals. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2022
Thank you to #netgallery and #bookouture for an advanced copy of this book for a honest review. The second installment in the Tori Hunter series, and Mr. Stelljes doesn’t disappoint. This book is just as good as the first book in the series, Silenced Girls. This time a 17-year-old girl is abducted from her parent’s cabin in the dead of winter. Luckily for the abducted girl, it happens in Will Braddock’s county. He quickly brings in his girlfriend and former FBI agent, Tori Hunter, who has been teaching at the local college in town. It is up to Will and Tori to find this girl before she is lost forever.
Mr. Stelljes knows how to tell a story. Every time I finish the chapter, I just wanted to read a little bit longer no matter how late at night it was. If you love action, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There is also plenty of drama to keep you enthralled as Tori tries to find the missing girl. Mr. Stelljes does an excellent job keeping you engaged in the hunt for the missing teenager. The premise behind the kidnappers is intriguing and very plausible. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. I can’t wait to see where Mr. Stelljes leads Tori next in his third installment of the series.
If you love a story with lots of drama and suspense, this is a book for you. I also believe the northern Minnesota setting, especially during a blizzard is about as good a setting as you can get for a story set in Minnesota. Hopefully when it is released in April, we are dealing with any late season snow storms. Overall this is an excellent thriller that is worth your time.
Merged review:
Thank you to #netgallery and #bookouture for an advanced copy of this book for a honest review. The second installment in the Tori Hunter series, and Mr. Stelljes doesn’t disappoint. This book is just as good as the first book in the series, Silenced Girls. This time a 17-year-old girl is abducted from her parent’s cabin in the dead of winter. Luckily for the abducted girl, it happens in Will Braddock’s county. He quickly brings in his girlfriend and former FBI agent, Tori Hunter, who has been teaching at the local college in town. It is up to Will and Tori to find this girl before she is lost forever.
Mr. Stelljes knows how to tell a story. Every time I finish the chapter, I just wanted to read a little bit longer no matter how late at night it was. If you love action, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There is also plenty of drama to keep you enthralled as Tori tries to find the missing girl. Mr. Stelljes does an excellent job keeping you engaged in the hunt for the missing teenager. The premise behind the kidnappers is intriguing and very plausible. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. I can’t wait to see where Mr. Stelljes leads Tori next in his third installment of the series.
If you love a story with lots of drama and suspense, this is a book for you. I also believe the northern Minnesota setting, especially during a blizzard is about as good a setting as you can get for a story set in Minnesota. Hopefully when it is released in April, we are dealing with any late season snow storms. Overall this is an excellent thriller that is worth your time.
Mr. Stelljes knows how to tell a story. Every time I finish the chapter, I just wanted to read a little bit longer no matter how late at night it was. If you love action, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There is also plenty of drama to keep you enthralled as Tori tries to find the missing girl. Mr. Stelljes does an excellent job keeping you engaged in the hunt for the missing teenager. The premise behind the kidnappers is intriguing and very plausible. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. I can’t wait to see where Mr. Stelljes leads Tori next in his third installment of the series.
If you love a story with lots of drama and suspense, this is a book for you. I also believe the northern Minnesota setting, especially during a blizzard is about as good a setting as you can get for a story set in Minnesota. Hopefully when it is released in April, we are dealing with any late season snow storms. Overall this is an excellent thriller that is worth your time.
Merged review:
Thank you to #netgallery and #bookouture for an advanced copy of this book for a honest review. The second installment in the Tori Hunter series, and Mr. Stelljes doesn’t disappoint. This book is just as good as the first book in the series, Silenced Girls. This time a 17-year-old girl is abducted from her parent’s cabin in the dead of winter. Luckily for the abducted girl, it happens in Will Braddock’s county. He quickly brings in his girlfriend and former FBI agent, Tori Hunter, who has been teaching at the local college in town. It is up to Will and Tori to find this girl before she is lost forever.
Mr. Stelljes knows how to tell a story. Every time I finish the chapter, I just wanted to read a little bit longer no matter how late at night it was. If you love action, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There is also plenty of drama to keep you enthralled as Tori tries to find the missing girl. Mr. Stelljes does an excellent job keeping you engaged in the hunt for the missing teenager. The premise behind the kidnappers is intriguing and very plausible. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. I can’t wait to see where Mr. Stelljes leads Tori next in his third installment of the series.
If you love a story with lots of drama and suspense, this is a book for you. I also believe the northern Minnesota setting, especially during a blizzard is about as good a setting as you can get for a story set in Minnesota. Hopefully when it is released in April, we are dealing with any late season snow storms. Overall this is an excellent thriller that is worth your time.
April 26, 2024
A clever storyline, moderately believable. I will look for the 3rd book in the series.
March 4, 2021
This is part 2 with (ex) Agent Tori Hunter and Detective Will Braddock as the main characters.
I did not read part one (yet) but that was not a problem. It can easily be read as a standalone. The author gave a bit of info in this book about the previous one. It’s nice for people who read it a while ago and needed to be brought up to date again, but it also makes people like me anxious to devour that one as soon as possible too. Win win situation if you ask me. 😊
I like this kind of books. They are action packed and a bit over the top sometimes. Stories with some amount of James Bond like scenes are straight up my alley.
I have to say it has been a long time since a man made me cry. Well, Mr Stelljes achieved it. Normally this is not a genre that would evoke this kind of emotions, but somehow this one did. Only two little words (the brotherhood) turned on the waterworks. I guess I was as relieved as the characters were. 😊
A great book in my opinion with a lot of action and a bit of romance. 5 stars
Thank you, Roger Stelljes and Bookouture
I did not read part one (yet) but that was not a problem. It can easily be read as a standalone. The author gave a bit of info in this book about the previous one. It’s nice for people who read it a while ago and needed to be brought up to date again, but it also makes people like me anxious to devour that one as soon as possible too. Win win situation if you ask me. 😊
I like this kind of books. They are action packed and a bit over the top sometimes. Stories with some amount of James Bond like scenes are straight up my alley.
I have to say it has been a long time since a man made me cry. Well, Mr Stelljes achieved it. Normally this is not a genre that would evoke this kind of emotions, but somehow this one did. Only two little words (the brotherhood) turned on the waterworks. I guess I was as relieved as the characters were. 😊
A great book in my opinion with a lot of action and a bit of romance. 5 stars
Thank you, Roger Stelljes and Bookouture
May 25, 2021
Overall this was an interesting case and I liked Tori and Will’s characters and their chemistry. However, the book was long winded and went off on tangents which distracted from the tension. I found a lot of the dialogue was unnecessary and long winded which made it a bit confusing. The team talked through every minor step of the case. The twists were pretty obvious and none of it was really a surprise. That being said it was an interesting enough story line to keep me reading and I was intrigued enough to see how it would end. It’s a good read I just think it could’ve been cut down a bit.
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2022
Have the dictionary app handy
One thing I like about reading a lot is increasing my vocabulary. Roger Stelljes books are great for that.
This series has, so far, been great! I have read another series by this author which was awesome as well so I'm certainly not surprised. There is plenty of action, thrills, & excitement. Even the non action moments are interesting. The characters have personality, skill and warmth. It's everything I look for in a series, so on to #3.
Kudos to the author for another hit series!
One thing I like about reading a lot is increasing my vocabulary. Roger Stelljes books are great for that.
This series has, so far, been great! I have read another series by this author which was awesome as well so I'm certainly not surprised. There is plenty of action, thrills, & excitement. Even the non action moments are interesting. The characters have personality, skill and warmth. It's everything I look for in a series, so on to #3.
Kudos to the author for another hit series!
February 7, 2021
I knew Tori and Will were going to take me on a wild ride and I was right! The Winter Girls pulled me in and I just had keep reading unilt I got to the end. This series has quickly become a new favorite and I can't wait for more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookoutour for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookoutour for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.
January 12, 2025
Another great installment of this series. Still reads very much like a Law and Order episode, however this book made Tori Hunter more human than the last one. I think between the two, this one was better than the first. I’ll be picking up more of these books!
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