He’s already murdered eight women. Now, he’s coming for me.
We find her on a grey November day on Dartmoor, England.
I’m excavating a Bronze-Age cairn, expecting to find a burial urn and maybe some bronze tools if I’m really lucky. And then I see her fingers poking through the soil as if she’s trying to claw her way out of her grave. I’m an osteoarchaeologist, used to dealing with bones, and I know immediately she’s been in the ground for months rather than thousands of years.
Then I find a message in the grave that’s clearly meant for me.
It turns out the girl is the eighth victim of a serial killer, and now I’m convinced that the murderer knows me. It’s making me look at everyone in a different light – colleagues, family, and friends. My life is disintegrating around me, and I want to run. But if I do, I know I’ll never stop. It’s time to make a stand.
Hi! I'm Cate Anderson, and I write psychological thrillers. I have a degree in History and Archaeology from the University of Exeter, and I lived in Devon, England, for many years, which is why many of my books are set there.
I love reading thrillers, and I also enjoy watching suspenseful movies and TV series. The Fall, The Killing, Mindhunter, The Terror, Behind Her Eyes, True Detective, The Haunting of Hill House, Dark, Stranger Things, Penny Dreadful, Luther, Sharp Objects, and Broadchurch are some of my favourites.
I moved to New Zealand in 2005 and live there now with my husband and Spoodle, King Alfred (or Alfie to his friends!)
What is better than reading a go-to romance author’s new contemporary romance? Reading a new book by the same author who has branched out into the genre of romantic suspense and has done a brilliant job of it! Loved her works as Serenity Woods and love her new book under the pen name, Cate Anderson!
What I liked: * The writing, plot, pacing, setting, and everything else about the words on the page * That I was hooked immediately, became invested, and couldn’t stop till I finished the story * Rosie Stone: osteoarcheologist, known as the “skeleton key”, intelligent, knows her bones, active in site digs, has appeared on television, difficult backstory, survivor * Harry Kincaid: archaeologist on IDigBritain program, warm, charming, good with people, fell for Rosie when she showed up on the scene * The relationship between Rosie and Harry and how it grew * That I felt Rosie and Harry were well suited and had a future together * The serial killer aspect that was central to the book * How the Crypt Killer was finally caught – and who it was * Seeing the damage done to the survivor of a serial killer and the impact it had on her family * The family issues that were explored * That the police were supportive, caring and there for the survivor * Meeting new characters that I would love to see again in the future – felt I got to know and like them while wishing them the best in the future.
What I didn’t like: * The serial killer…and the pain inflicted by the killer on the victims * All that I was meant not to like… * Having to say goodbye to Harry and Rosie – hopefully not forever, though
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
This book has a fascinating, complex and at times suspenseful plot, and I did not see the ending coming. There are lots of clues and potential suspects to keep you riveted and some good characters. The prologue is very powerful and I dare anyone to stop reading the book after reading the beginning. It really made you feel like you were experiencing what the heroine did. The whole book made me ask the question about how I would react under the same circumstances. But, it was not exactly what I was expecting. I thought the plot might be more about crime and solving murders and action but it was more about family dynamics and was depressing at times when everyone in the two families featured in the story had problems and were so unhappy. And I got a little tired of Rosie, the main character victim, trying to relate every problem to her abduction and rape ten years before. She had a fascinating job as an osteoarcheologist and it would have been interesting if she had been able to use her skills and knowledge to help solve the murders but except in the beginning, her talents were not applied. I will definitely read more books if this becomes a series.
I’m not huge into thrillers, but I like a good mystery now and then. This was a good blend of both genres since they’re also trying to figure out who is coming after her all these years later. The prologue definitely pulls you into the story. It’s not all about who the antagonist is either. It adds in a relationship aspect of how something so traumatic can affect a person and those around them. Not just romantic but familial relationships as well. For the whole plot it was fantastic to try and figure out who the serial killer was. It takes a little bit to get to that point, but once they do hold on to your britches because it’s wild. I did get a little suspicious about who it was, and it was exciting to see if I was correct or not. I won’t give anything else away because I don’t do spoilers. I think I will definitely read this book again, and I highly recommend it.
I have always loved Serenity Wood''s romantic novels but writing psychological thrillers under the name Cate Anderson is a sure fire winner, I read this book in one sitting because I literally couldn't put it down, so this is a very sleep deprived review. She was in a crypt with piles of bones and two decomposing corpses, she was naked, she had to escape, no one was looking for her. Rosie Stone had tried to put her past behind her, she had a degree and a masters in archaeology and was working as a bone specialist or osteoarchaeologist for ISCA field unit and also for a TV program called iDigBritain............but the past has a way of rearing it's ugly head and on bleak Polecat Tor, one of the highest peaks on Dartmoor, it had done just that. Harry Kincaid had been Rossie's best friend and work colleague for three years, he wanted more but Rosie didn't have more to give and neither could she tell him why. It is difficult to review this book without giving the plot away, needless to say, the story is gripping, the suspense is nail biting, there are so many suspects and red herrings coming over in shoals and I suspected each one of them in turn, no one was ruled out,not even Harry, could he be the crypt killer, could he have murdered all those young girls ? Rosie didn't believe that Harry could be a sadistic murderer, but did she know him as well as she thought ? despite all her misgivings she was falling in love with him. This story had heartbreak, desperation, anger, frustration, self doubt, self incrimination, guilt, there are so many dysfunctional characters and dysfunctional families all fighting their own internal battles but one persons love,compassion and selfless understanding pulls Rosie through. The author really knows her subject and it shows, take a bow Cate Anderson, I do hope that this is the start of a new series, a well deserved five stars. I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
Cold to the Bones by Cate Anderson, the first in a new series, is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. This story is not for the faint of heart as it could quite easily cause nightmares.
On an archaeological dig, Rosie and Harry uncover a recent victim of a serial killer. Rosie is all too aware of what this killer is capable of as ten years ago Rosie was kidnapped off a street in her small town, viciously raped and attacked. Yet somehow she was able to escape before the killer could finish her off. With clues left at the burial site, Rosie knows that he is after her. There is so much to this story. The story explores and focuses on relations and how the people acquainted with the victim is affected and how it affects any future relationships; especially trusting someone enough to fall in love. Rosie is very strong, independent woman and refuses to be a victim. Fortunately for her, her friend Harry is a patient and strong man himself; willing to wait until Rosie is able to trust him and believe in them being together, forever. This story will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow Rosie and Harry exploring clues and assisting the police to stop the killer before he stops Rosie.
As scary as this psychological thriller was, I genuinely enjoyed reading it and had trouble putting it down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end. The characters pull me right into the story. There were a few red herrings causing me to wrongly guess who the killer was and I was definitely surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Cold to the Bones to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book prior to purchasing it.
I usually avoid any books involving serial killers, but I love everything Cate Anderson (aka, Serenity Woods and Hermione Moon) writes. Domestic thrillers are too gritty and realistically scary for me, but I am so glad that I read this wonderful book. The author brings her brilliant characterization and deftly nuanced emotions to this smart and scary thriller. I found the story to be suspenseful and empowering. In addition, I could not figure out who the killer was. The storyline is completed in this book – no cliffhanger. The book definitely has triggers, especially involving sexual assault and getting locked in a crypt. I found the first chapter and a couple of later chapters to be scary and trigger-filled. The rest of the book is lighter, though there are some family drama and mature themes. Also, I love that all of the archaeology details are accurate because the author has an archaeology degree.
It is written solely from the perspective of the primary character Rosie Stone, an English woman who escaped from a serial killer when she was 17. The killer was never caught. Ten years later, Rosie is a successful osteoarchaeologist living in Exeter who avoids relationships and tries to live her life. When the serial killer strikes again and leaves a recently dead victim at Rosie’s excavation site, a key hanging on the body indicates that someone whom Rosie knows is the killer. She turns to her best friend Harry for support as she tries to stay alive and unmask the killer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes dark domestic or psychological thrillers.
This psychological thriller is a book that I will remember for a long time. This is a different genre that this author has written before, but the story is excellent, and the characters pull me right into the story. I didn't know who the killer was until it was revealed to me. This book kept me riveted until the end.
On an archaeological dig, Rosie and Harry uncover a recent victim of a serial killer. Rosie is all too aware of what he is capable of. Now, she knows that he is after her. I don't want to spoil the story by describing it further. Even though the story deals with a serial killer and rapist, it is not dealt with gratuitously or in a lot of deal. The prologue is the roughest part and deals more with her emotions and determination to escape. This story focuses on relationships. I knew it affected relationships of the victim, but I never thought how it affected the people around the victim and their relationships. Rosie refuses to be a victim and is a very strong woman. Harry is a patient and strong man himself. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I am not a big reader of thrillers, but I like this one. I look forward to the next book by this author whether it is another psychological thriller or a romance.
Cate Anderson is a new author to me but having read her romance books under Serenity Woods I was excited when I heard she was branching out and writing a psychological thriller.
From the first chapter I was drawn into this story and had a hard time putting it down when real life got in the way. It was well written and the story line was compelling. Add in that there was some archeology (which I love) and for me this was a win/win.
This review will be vague as I do not want to accidentally spoil Rosie Stone and Harry Kincaid’s story for anyone. There were so many plots twists that I was kept guessing and I needed to concentrate to ensure I didn’t loose track and to me that is the sign of a great book that has drawn you right into the storyline. The intrigue, suspense, danger and secrets had me riveted from the first chapter until the last.
If Cold To Her Bones is anything g to go by then I cannot wait to read more from Cate Anderson. What a story! I received an arc of this book and have reviewed voluntarily.
An incredible read. It holds your attention to the end. A really well crafted book. I couldn't guess who the serial killer is.
Ten years ago Mairead was abducted by a serial killer and rapist and imprisoned in an old crypt where he could molest her. She manages to escape after a few days but the experience rips her family apart. Now Mairead is qualified as an osteoarchaeologist and is called Rosie. Rosie is working for a TV show and they are excavating a bronze age cairn when they find the body of the latest victim of the serial killer. This suggests that the killer is after Rosie again.
Rosie's friendship with archeologist Harry develops into something deeper as he helps her deal with the stress of being at risk again.
Both Rosie and Harry are real people with complicated lives. They both have families with problems and this make their character human.
This is a new genre for the author and she has done a superb job. I look forward to more books from her in this genre.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Oh wow what a fabulous read. I love the main characters and this is a really interesting story with some wonderful touches to have the reader really thinking about the aftermath of traumatic experience. I have been a social worker for thirty years so I know a lot about the impact on trauma but this story has challenged me on so many levels. It’s a fantastic who dunnit making you question everything and everyone but it’s so much more than that too. Wonderful interesting characters, resilience and compassion. I loved every minute of reading this book. Even know knowing the who, what and not quite the why I will probably read this again in a year or two- it was that good. Definitely definitely a read it had me from the first to the last page. I received an early copy because I have read some other stories in a different genre but I will be reading all of this author’s books it was brilliant and should be a best seller!!!!!!
I was nervous for the author when I first read this book. Cate Anderson also writes under the names Serenity Woods and Hermione Moon, and writes fun contemporary romance and paranormal cozy mysteries. I love all of those other books but I'm not a huge dark, psychological thriller reader, hence the nerves - not to mention that that's a huge change in genres! I wanted Cate to do as well in this genre as in the other genres she writes.
My nerves were unwarranted.
Cate is an amazing author who draws the reader in amd keeps them on the edge of their seat amd all twisted up trying to figure out who the killer was. Cate brings out the raw emotions in her characters in a genuine way that really brings the story to life. This is a stand alone novel with no cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book.
Serenity Woods is one of my favourite romance writers. This new persona of Cate Anderson shows a deeper level of writing, as nothing is easy with mystery and psychological thrillers. I wasn’t sure what to expect nor if the story would disturb me, as I’m not fond of scary movies, but Cate has superseded the expectations. Just the right amount of unease, mystery and even a touch of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the characters backgrounds, especially dysfunctional ones, and the archeological link related bones was fascinating. Ready to read the next book! I’d put this right up with best psychological thrillers I’ve read.
WOW!! This was a terrific story. It starts off 10 years ago in order to set the stage for present-day happenings. I really liked the way the story dealt with Rosie's family and the impact her ordeal had on them. She wouldn't have been the only one affected, so that was very realistic, I also like the fact that Rosie is still dealing with the after-effects of her ordeal but trying to get on with her life. Harry was perfect for Rosie. I love friends-to-lovers, There were plenty of suspects and twists & turns that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I did not figure out who the killer was before the reveal. I look forward to more books like this from Cate Anderson.
Ten years ago, Mairead Gallagher managed to escape from a serial killer after being imprisoned and much worse for days. Now the killer is playing with her, letting her know he's found her and that he's coming for her. While Mairead, now called Rosie Stone, tries to find the serial killer, she has to reconnect with her family, finally form a romantic relationship and forgive herself for what was done to her. All in all a great, suspenseful read with a lot of heart. Well done, Cate Anderson/Serenity Woods, you've taken on a new genre successfully. I can't wait to read more from Cate.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a truthful review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An amazing author who is turning her hand to a new genre and it doesn't disappoint. The characters are beautifully developed you want the lead, Rosie, to be able to put her past behind her and move on with love in her life. But a past with a serial killer isn't easy to get beyond unless she knows who he is and can put a stop to his terror. You hope there's going to be a happy ending but at times you can't be sure with all the twists and turns of potential suspects. It's a compelling read, hard to put down and I want more. I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
A new genre for this author, and it is an excellent debut novel. A compelling prologue, you need to find out what that is about; well-rounded characters and a reasonably fast-paced, well-balanced story. I didn’t guess who the killer was, a perfect example of hiding in plain sight! The characterisation is really good, and there are several red-herrings along the way to keep you puzzling right to the end.
I am really glad the author has added psychological thrillers to her repertoire!
A good bone is part of the 206 bones in a person’s body. By being kidnapped and held for days gave birth to a very strong Lady. Going on to study the bones of others found from long ago all the way up to present made for a satisfying Career. Finding bits and pieces of the past gave insight into the Man whose finally got caught by the very one he held captive so long ago.
Oh my god, this story is incredible! The subject of the story is just awful - a serial killer who targets women - and has managed to elude the police for a decade. But Rosie has the most incredibly wonderful support in her friend Harry, who is my favorite character. I actually cried tears of relief for the way the book ended. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ooooh. I liked this story A LOT! I usually read multiple books at once (ebook, audiobook when driving, physical book at night) but I found myself uninterested in my other books and just wanted to see how this one would end! Super hard to put down. Plan some time away to read this thriller!
A bone expert is targeted by the serial killer who almost killed her when she was younger.
This isn't a terrible read but was predictable. It alternates between the past and present. I identified the killer early on. The police interviews were overwrought and unbelievable. Not a bad premise but overall left me cold.
Right from the first page i was gripped. Fantastic thriller with characters that really capture the imagination & easily take you into living the story along side them.
This book was honestly great! It held my attention, the characters touched my heart, and the storyline kept me interested until the end. I see great things ahead for this author.
This was an amazing story to read…hard things to read in it but so intriguing that it captures you right away. Who would have figured out the ending? Truly a thriller story and great characters.
I listened to this on audible. I knew the reading was going to be virtual voice. I will never listen to another with virtual voice. I was not going to finish it several times but I wanted to see how it ended. The story was ok but I thought there was way too much detail on the archaeology dig.