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A Killing Cold
A woman invited to her wealthy fiance’s family retreat realizes they are hiding a terrible secret—and that she’s been there before, by the bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods.
A whirlwind romance.
When Theodora Scott met Connor—wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family—she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
A whirlwind romance.
When Theodora Scott met Connor—wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family—she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2025
About the author
Kate Alice Marshall
20 books4,643 followersKate Alice Marshall is the author of thrillers and horror for all ages. Her YA and Middle grade books include I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS. Her adult thrillers include WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS and NO ONE CAN KNOW.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,807 reviews
February 10, 2025
A whirlwind romance.
When Theodora Scott met Connor—wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family—she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
This was a chilling, exciting, gripping and twisty read! There are family dark secrets with jaw dropping moments that will shock you. The twists kept coming with some surprises! Twist after twist! It was mind-blowing! There are lots of lies and the story gets intense.
There are some very unlikable characters and some very likable characters. My favorite character was Theo. I felt so sorry for her. The characters were very well done.
The family was a wealthy dysfunctional family. They lived in a mansion and I didn't know who to trust. I couldn't listen to the audiobook fast enough to find out what was going to happen next!
I was hooked straight from the beginning to the very end. It was fast-paced and I could not put it down. It was very atmospheric. It also is a domestic family drama and a psychological thriller. I really loved it! There also is a snowstorm in the story that makes it even more chilling.
I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic.
I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Now Available!
When Theodora Scott met Connor—wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family—she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
This was a chilling, exciting, gripping and twisty read! There are family dark secrets with jaw dropping moments that will shock you. The twists kept coming with some surprises! Twist after twist! It was mind-blowing! There are lots of lies and the story gets intense.
There are some very unlikable characters and some very likable characters. My favorite character was Theo. I felt so sorry for her. The characters were very well done.
The family was a wealthy dysfunctional family. They lived in a mansion and I didn't know who to trust. I couldn't listen to the audiobook fast enough to find out what was going to happen next!
I was hooked straight from the beginning to the very end. It was fast-paced and I could not put it down. It was very atmospheric. It also is a domestic family drama and a psychological thriller. I really loved it! There also is a snowstorm in the story that makes it even more chilling.
I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic.
I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Now Available!
December 11, 2024
Secrets, lies, twists, turns, and a shocking reveal that I did not see coming! Talk about a jaw dropping shocker! A Killing Cold was instantly gripping and had me fully invested wondering who I could trust, what would happen next, and what happened all those years ago!
Connor Dalton and Theodora (Theo)Scott fell head over heels when they met six months ago. Conner has brought Theo to Idlewood, his family's winter retreat, to introduce her to his family. They give her a cold questioning welcome while Theo can't help feeling that she has been to his family's retreat before. Plus, she is getting menacing messages telling her to stay away from Conner!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. I also loved the setting of this book. It hit all the bells and whistles for me. The isolated winter retreat provided that trapped feeling that I loved. The cottages made for a lovely setting but with skepticism and doubt hoovering around every corner, it was not as picture perfect or the winter wonderland as it first appeared.
I enjoyed the characters, even the unlikeable ones. Readers know that something terrible happened at the winter retreat years ago which added to the mystery, the tension, mounting sense of danger and kept my interest piqued throughout this gripping and fabulous book!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Connor Dalton and Theodora (Theo)Scott fell head over heels when they met six months ago. Conner has brought Theo to Idlewood, his family's winter retreat, to introduce her to his family. They give her a cold questioning welcome while Theo can't help feeling that she has been to his family's retreat before. Plus, she is getting menacing messages telling her to stay away from Conner!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. I also loved the setting of this book. It hit all the bells and whistles for me. The isolated winter retreat provided that trapped feeling that I loved. The cottages made for a lovely setting but with skepticism and doubt hoovering around every corner, it was not as picture perfect or the winter wonderland as it first appeared.
I enjoyed the characters, even the unlikeable ones. Readers know that something terrible happened at the winter retreat years ago which added to the mystery, the tension, mounting sense of danger and kept my interest piqued throughout this gripping and fabulous book!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
January 20, 2025
i think this is her best work yet! if you liked THE FAMILY GAME by Catherine Steadman, check this out. lots of similarities—rich people behaving badly, a secluded setting/wealthy mansion, a normal woman (albeit with secrets!) marrying into a rich family (who doesn’t want to openly accept her) and some unexpected deaths 👀
there are so many secrets and plot twists in this one that it’s impossible to be bored. and it starts quick too! deff not a slow burn which i appreciated. also some chapters are like 2 pages long—so this moves quick!
i typically don’t love locked door thrillers/thrillers set in one secluded space but the eerie chilling winter location was a vibe, especially reading it during a chilly January weekend. it was very atmospheric and the setting was a character in itself which i always enjoy in a thriller ❄️☃️
the backhalf had a ton of action and some surprising and kinda savage plot points 🔪 lots of whodunnit vibes and untrustworthy characters—the author did a good job of making you suspect almost everyone to be involved in the crimes.
the ending was a bit wrapped up for my personal thriller taste, but i’m happy it was much stronger than the ending of her last book… iykyk😆
worth the read and a quick binge! out Feb 4, thanks to Flatiron for a gifted early copy 🩵
there are so many secrets and plot twists in this one that it’s impossible to be bored. and it starts quick too! deff not a slow burn which i appreciated. also some chapters are like 2 pages long—so this moves quick!
i typically don’t love locked door thrillers/thrillers set in one secluded space but the eerie chilling winter location was a vibe, especially reading it during a chilly January weekend. it was very atmospheric and the setting was a character in itself which i always enjoy in a thriller ❄️☃️
the backhalf had a ton of action and some surprising and kinda savage plot points 🔪 lots of whodunnit vibes and untrustworthy characters—the author did a good job of making you suspect almost everyone to be involved in the crimes.
the ending was a bit wrapped up for my personal thriller taste, but i’m happy it was much stronger than the ending of her last book… iykyk😆
worth the read and a quick binge! out Feb 4, thanks to Flatiron for a gifted early copy 🩵
February 4, 2025
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Outlier alert!
Maybe it’s just because I have read so many of these types of thrillers, but A Killing Cold failed to engage me. I really enjoyed What Lies in the Woods, but No One Can Know was not very memorable. Unfortunately, my reading of A Killing Cold was similar to Marshall’s second adult thriller.
What happened?
This is the same tired old plot where characters are trapped on a cold, secluded retreat and find themselves in danger from themselves. The OTT plot is so far fetched that you really need to believe in fate for it to work. The one dimensional characters failed to keep my interest, and I never really cared about any of them. You WILL find plenty of twists in this book, but they felt a bit gratuitous.
I am considering parting ways with this author for now. Plenty of other reviewers have enjoyed this book, so please check out their reviews as well!
3/5 stars
Expected publication date: 2/4/25
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron books for the ARC of A Killing Cold in exchange for an honest review.
Outlier alert!
Maybe it’s just because I have read so many of these types of thrillers, but A Killing Cold failed to engage me. I really enjoyed What Lies in the Woods, but No One Can Know was not very memorable. Unfortunately, my reading of A Killing Cold was similar to Marshall’s second adult thriller.
What happened?
This is the same tired old plot where characters are trapped on a cold, secluded retreat and find themselves in danger from themselves. The OTT plot is so far fetched that you really need to believe in fate for it to work. The one dimensional characters failed to keep my interest, and I never really cared about any of them. You WILL find plenty of twists in this book, but they felt a bit gratuitous.
I am considering parting ways with this author for now. Plenty of other reviewers have enjoyed this book, so please check out their reviews as well!
3/5 stars
Expected publication date: 2/4/25
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron books for the ARC of A Killing Cold in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2024
Let’s set the stage…wealthy family, secluded retreat, blizzard conditions.
All the ingredients for a crafty thriller.
Theodora (Theo) and Connor met, fell in love and were engaged all within six months. Now it’s time for her to meet his family. What better way than to join his family at their secluded winter compound. Strange though... no one seems overly welcoming. Hmmm.
Theo has a few questions that keep nagging her:
1. Who’s texting her messages warning her to stay away from Connor, and why?
2. Why does this compound feel oddly familiar? Is it possible she’s been here before?
Turns out this isn’t the winter wonder-land getaway Theo was hoping for. And soon she’ll be fearing for her life before the vacation is over!
As the layers of secrets and lies unraveled, the tension increased giving readers a very suspenseful read (audio.)
🎧 Review: Narration provided by Karissa Vacker. Need I say more? She was as amazing as always, once again breathing life into every single character, young and old.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
All the ingredients for a crafty thriller.
Theodora (Theo) and Connor met, fell in love and were engaged all within six months. Now it’s time for her to meet his family. What better way than to join his family at their secluded winter compound. Strange though... no one seems overly welcoming. Hmmm.
Theo has a few questions that keep nagging her:
1. Who’s texting her messages warning her to stay away from Connor, and why?
2. Why does this compound feel oddly familiar? Is it possible she’s been here before?
Turns out this isn’t the winter wonder-land getaway Theo was hoping for. And soon she’ll be fearing for her life before the vacation is over!
As the layers of secrets and lies unraveled, the tension increased giving readers a very suspenseful read (audio.)
🎧 Review: Narration provided by Karissa Vacker. Need I say more? She was as amazing as always, once again breathing life into every single character, young and old.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
October 9, 2024
When the queen of winter-set thrillers releases another mystery, you dive in with high expectations.
This is yet another twisty, intriguing, fast-paced, and well-developed thriller I couldn’t put down, much like her other works, despite my strong dislike for the entire Dalton family. Their dysfunctionality, ruthlessness, and lack of soul reminded me of the notorious Dalton brothers from the Lucky Luke series! They’re an irritatingly dysfunctional bunch, making me question how Connor fits in, and if being part of this family means he’s inherently evil.
The story centers around Theodora Scott, an ordinary girl who works at a bookstore, orphaned and raised by an abusive, dysfunctional adoptive family. She claims they’re all dead, but is she telling the truth, or hiding a dark secret about her past? Theodora has no memories before she turned four, only vague images of a woman in a red scarf—possibly her mother—telling her to run from an unknown danger.
Theodora meets Connor Dalton, a member of a threateningly wealthy and powerful family, through her best friend at an art show. She feels an immediate, inexplicable connection with him. Their whirlwind romance quickly turns into an engagement, and soon Theodora finds herself on the way to the Dalton family’s isolated winter retreat to meet them. The experience is intimidating—only Alexis, Connor’s older sister, seems to be on her side. Alexis’ wife, Paloma, and their son, Sebastian, may be her only allies amidst the family: authoritarian grandmother Louise gives her hostile vibes, suspicious mother Rose questions her motives, and the spoiled, black sheep younger brother, Trevor, is quick to label her a gold-digger and, Uncle Nick also gives her a somewhat cold and hostile shoulder. It seems like she’s stumbled into the worst possible family.
As if dealing with the Daltons wasn't enough, Theodora begins receiving threatening texts telling her to stay away from Connor, followed by a letter at her cabin, indicating that someone in the family wants her gone. She becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding the death of Connor’s father, Liam, and an empty cabin called Dragonfly—just like the tattoo she bears. Inside the abandoned cabin, she finds a photo of herself as a child, posing with Liam Dalton. How could that be? Then, memories start flooding back. She realizes she’s been here before, with her mother, the woman in the scarf, and a dangerous man wearing antlers chasing them. But who was he, and why? Could Connor know about her connection to this place, and is he drawing her into some sick game? The Daltons seem determined to keep a dark secret buried, and Theodora must uncover the truth about who she really is and what happened to her mother, even if it puts her life in danger.
Overall, the last third of the book was truly mind-blowing. While some of the explanations felt far-fetched and coincidental, the pacing, building tension, climax, and shocking revelations made the journey worthwhile.
I’m excited to read more from Kate Alice Marshall, who consistently delivers twisty YA and adult thrillers. This is another highly recommendable addition to her works!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with this unputdownable thriller's digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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This is yet another twisty, intriguing, fast-paced, and well-developed thriller I couldn’t put down, much like her other works, despite my strong dislike for the entire Dalton family. Their dysfunctionality, ruthlessness, and lack of soul reminded me of the notorious Dalton brothers from the Lucky Luke series! They’re an irritatingly dysfunctional bunch, making me question how Connor fits in, and if being part of this family means he’s inherently evil.
The story centers around Theodora Scott, an ordinary girl who works at a bookstore, orphaned and raised by an abusive, dysfunctional adoptive family. She claims they’re all dead, but is she telling the truth, or hiding a dark secret about her past? Theodora has no memories before she turned four, only vague images of a woman in a red scarf—possibly her mother—telling her to run from an unknown danger.
Theodora meets Connor Dalton, a member of a threateningly wealthy and powerful family, through her best friend at an art show. She feels an immediate, inexplicable connection with him. Their whirlwind romance quickly turns into an engagement, and soon Theodora finds herself on the way to the Dalton family’s isolated winter retreat to meet them. The experience is intimidating—only Alexis, Connor’s older sister, seems to be on her side. Alexis’ wife, Paloma, and their son, Sebastian, may be her only allies amidst the family: authoritarian grandmother Louise gives her hostile vibes, suspicious mother Rose questions her motives, and the spoiled, black sheep younger brother, Trevor, is quick to label her a gold-digger and, Uncle Nick also gives her a somewhat cold and hostile shoulder. It seems like she’s stumbled into the worst possible family.
As if dealing with the Daltons wasn't enough, Theodora begins receiving threatening texts telling her to stay away from Connor, followed by a letter at her cabin, indicating that someone in the family wants her gone. She becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding the death of Connor’s father, Liam, and an empty cabin called Dragonfly—just like the tattoo she bears. Inside the abandoned cabin, she finds a photo of herself as a child, posing with Liam Dalton. How could that be? Then, memories start flooding back. She realizes she’s been here before, with her mother, the woman in the scarf, and a dangerous man wearing antlers chasing them. But who was he, and why? Could Connor know about her connection to this place, and is he drawing her into some sick game? The Daltons seem determined to keep a dark secret buried, and Theodora must uncover the truth about who she really is and what happened to her mother, even if it puts her life in danger.
Overall, the last third of the book was truly mind-blowing. While some of the explanations felt far-fetched and coincidental, the pacing, building tension, climax, and shocking revelations made the journey worthwhile.
I’m excited to read more from Kate Alice Marshall, who consistently delivers twisty YA and adult thrillers. This is another highly recommendable addition to her works!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with this unputdownable thriller's digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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February 4, 2025
Happy publication day!
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Colorado (I think)
Publication date ~ February 4, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 304 (48 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ rich man/poor woman, opposites attract, flashbacks, nightmares, locked in feel
(Theo)dora (24) is spending some time at her fiance, Connor’s, family estate. This will be the first time she’s meeting them since their courtship has been short. Something seems familiar with the area, but she’s not sure what. She was adopted and has little knowledge about her past. We see through the eyes of flashbacks and nightmares of a little girl, which made the plot more intriguing.
Ahh, a rich family with secrets, not something we see that often. Bahaha, just kidding. They’re as snooty and snobby as you’d expect. Grandma really takes the cake and ices it with a triple layer of animosity.
We’ve get an isolated woods, no cell service, locked ‘room’ feel, which worked really well as Theo tried to piece together her nightmares.
Overall, a solid thriller with secrets that were secretive and twists that were twistable.
Narration notes:
She does a fabulous job, as usual.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Colorado (I think)
Publication date ~ February 4, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 304 (48 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ rich man/poor woman, opposites attract, flashbacks, nightmares, locked in feel
(Theo)dora (24) is spending some time at her fiance, Connor’s, family estate. This will be the first time she’s meeting them since their courtship has been short. Something seems familiar with the area, but she’s not sure what. She was adopted and has little knowledge about her past. We see through the eyes of flashbacks and nightmares of a little girl, which made the plot more intriguing.
Ahh, a rich family with secrets, not something we see that often. Bahaha, just kidding. They’re as snooty and snobby as you’d expect. Grandma really takes the cake and ices it with a triple layer of animosity.
We’ve get an isolated woods, no cell service, locked ‘room’ feel, which worked really well as Theo tried to piece together her nightmares.
Overall, a solid thriller with secrets that were secretive and twists that were twistable.
Narration notes:
She does a fabulous job, as usual.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
December 23, 2024
I've been mentally referring to this last year as the great thriller slump of 2024. No matter how well-written or unique the premise, I just couldn't get into the genre. Enter, A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall.
This book not only kept me entertained throughout but also kept me guessing what would happen next. I went into this one expecting it to fall short but thankfully my expectations were exceeded!
Gripping, unexpected twists, suspenseful, and fast-paced, this book is the perfect winter thriller! Filled with truly detestable characters and a loveable protagonist, A Killing Cold is a cat-and-mouse game that readers will enjoy! A Killing Cold is my third book by Kate Alice Marshall and she never fails to disappoint. If you're looking for a slump buster, look no further!
I'm not sure that the great thriller slump has entirely been broken but after finishing and loving A Killing Cold, I do feel hopeful that I can once again enjoy my beloved thrillers!
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall will be available on February 4. Many thanks to Flatiron Books for the gifted copy!!
This book not only kept me entertained throughout but also kept me guessing what would happen next. I went into this one expecting it to fall short but thankfully my expectations were exceeded!
Gripping, unexpected twists, suspenseful, and fast-paced, this book is the perfect winter thriller! Filled with truly detestable characters and a loveable protagonist, A Killing Cold is a cat-and-mouse game that readers will enjoy! A Killing Cold is my third book by Kate Alice Marshall and she never fails to disappoint. If you're looking for a slump buster, look no further!
I'm not sure that the great thriller slump has entirely been broken but after finishing and loving A Killing Cold, I do feel hopeful that I can once again enjoy my beloved thrillers!
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall will be available on February 4. Many thanks to Flatiron Books for the gifted copy!!
February 11, 2025
Secrets, twists, and lies, oh my! A complex tale filled with jaw-dropping reveals and ratcheting suspense, A Killing Cold was a clear demonstration of Ms. Marshall’s storytelling prowess. From the endearing love story between Theo and Connor to the isolated setting that felt atmospheric in the extreme, there simply wasn’t a moment where this plot let me down. Starting off somewhat slow, there was a constant, underlying sense of foreboding as an IV drip of revelations pushed the plot into a fast-paced explosion of spine-chilling action. Throughout this dynamite read, though, there wasn’t a moment where I had even an inkling of what was going to happen. After all, the last one hundred pages had me spinning in the best possible way.
At first glance this über-wealthy family seemed to have it all. The enigmatic newcomer, however, quickly showed their true colors. Both unlikeable and suspicious, I intermittently distrusted each and every member of the close-knit Dalton clan—up to and including Connor himself. And while they and some of the events that transpired weren’t necessarily always realistic, the scenarios played out perfectly for this thriller snob. So much so, in fact, that it just couldn’t have been better. You see, via first-person narration and plenty of flashbacks, the mystery of what happened years ago at the Daltons’ winter retreat was unwound layer by layer until the pulse-pounding last third utterly blew me away.
All in all, I couldn’t have loved this novel more if I tried. With rich people behaving badly, a naïve newcomer stepping into the fold, and a deep, dark, mysterious past, there simply wasn’t anything there not to love. Throw in the fact that it all revolved around my absolute favorite trope of the locked room mystery variety, and it just couldn’t go wrong. It even had a contemporary Agatha Christie-esque vibe in all of her expertly plotted whodunnit glory. Yet the best piece of the puzzle was the conclusion. Sure to divide readers, it nevertheless had me grinning with glee. So if you love palpable tension, relentless pacing, and nerve-shredding dread, be sure to grab this one ASAP! Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A whirlwind romance.
When Theodora Scott met Connor―wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family―she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
Thank you to Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 4, 2025
Content warning: child abuse, being drugged, gun violence, infidelity, mention of: teenage pregnancy, miscarriage
At first glance this über-wealthy family seemed to have it all. The enigmatic newcomer, however, quickly showed their true colors. Both unlikeable and suspicious, I intermittently distrusted each and every member of the close-knit Dalton clan—up to and including Connor himself. And while they and some of the events that transpired weren’t necessarily always realistic, the scenarios played out perfectly for this thriller snob. So much so, in fact, that it just couldn’t have been better. You see, via first-person narration and plenty of flashbacks, the mystery of what happened years ago at the Daltons’ winter retreat was unwound layer by layer until the pulse-pounding last third utterly blew me away.
All in all, I couldn’t have loved this novel more if I tried. With rich people behaving badly, a naïve newcomer stepping into the fold, and a deep, dark, mysterious past, there simply wasn’t anything there not to love. Throw in the fact that it all revolved around my absolute favorite trope of the locked room mystery variety, and it just couldn’t go wrong. It even had a contemporary Agatha Christie-esque vibe in all of her expertly plotted whodunnit glory. Yet the best piece of the puzzle was the conclusion. Sure to divide readers, it nevertheless had me grinning with glee. So if you love palpable tension, relentless pacing, and nerve-shredding dread, be sure to grab this one ASAP! Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A whirlwind romance.
When Theodora Scott met Connor―wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family―she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.
Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.
I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
Thank you to Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 4, 2025
Content warning: child abuse, being drugged, gun violence, infidelity, mention of: teenage pregnancy, miscarriage
January 24, 2025
Get the popcorn 🍿 popping and the hot chocolate ☕️ bombs dropping because this winter ❄️ thriller is combining chilling tropes for an explosive romp where the elements are dangerous, but the secrets are deadly.
Theo and Connor travel to his wealthy family’s secluded winter estate, Idlewild. Connor’s family’s reluctance to warm to Theo makes her feel discomfort, but there’s more. Idlewild produces an eerie sense of familiarity for her. She receives phone messages warning her away. When she enters an abandoned cabin fragments begin to emerge one more disturbing than the last. Too many things don’t add up.
Could Connor have an ulterior motive for bringing her here?
What does a past she can’t remember have to do with her future?
I was stranded in the midst of a snow ❄️ and ice 🧊 storm while listening to this which is rare for my neck of the woods and it added to the ambience.
I had to suspend belief in a few places, but honestly it didn’t detract from how much I liked this. The audio narrated by Karissa Vacker is an absolute dream.
A riveting listen 🎧 that I didn’t want to end!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the Advanced Listening Copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Theo and Connor travel to his wealthy family’s secluded winter estate, Idlewild. Connor’s family’s reluctance to warm to Theo makes her feel discomfort, but there’s more. Idlewild produces an eerie sense of familiarity for her. She receives phone messages warning her away. When she enters an abandoned cabin fragments begin to emerge one more disturbing than the last. Too many things don’t add up.
Could Connor have an ulterior motive for bringing her here?
What does a past she can’t remember have to do with her future?
I was stranded in the midst of a snow ❄️ and ice 🧊 storm while listening to this which is rare for my neck of the woods and it added to the ambience.
I had to suspend belief in a few places, but honestly it didn’t detract from how much I liked this. The audio narrated by Karissa Vacker is an absolute dream.
A riveting listen 🎧 that I didn’t want to end!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the Advanced Listening Copy for review. All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
A Killing Cold is tense and fast-paced. It's also the epitome of a Winter Thriller. I loved the setting and atmosphere most of all. It felt cold and claustrophobic the entire time.
Theo is trapped at her new fiance's family retreat and it's clear someone doesn't want her there. When she discovers a clue to her past at the property, she's flabbergasted.
How can this be? Has she been here before?
I liked following along with Theo as she was thrust into the lion's den that is her fiance, Connor's, family. They've had a whirlwind romance, so Theo hasn't had much opportunity to meet them and she's nervous as heck.
As she should be...
It's clear from the start Theo isn't being completely transparent with them about her past, and as the story progresses, you learn a lot more about that.
Regardless of where she came from though, her upbringing was very different from Theo's and his siblings. Their family is extremely wealthy, and as with most wealthy families, they're used to getting away with a certain amount of things.
While I was reading this, the dynamics amongst Connor and his brother and sister, kept reminding me of the sibling relationships in Succession. If you are a fan of that show, I definitely recommend you check this one out. I think you'll understand pretty quickly what I mean.
I also loved and appreciated how much the weather and landscape was made a part of this story. It felt dark and very cold. Also, due to inclement weather, they do get literally trapped at the estate.
This gave it an air of desperation and suffocation it may not have had otherwise. Atmosphere is my number one want in any book, and it was definitely delivered here.
Marshall kept me on my toes with this one and successfully kept me guessing. While I thought the ending had some moments where it veered into convoluted territory, overall, I think it was a fun and intriguing story.
I would highly recommend the audiobook, as well, should you have that format available to you. It's narrated by one of my all-time faves, Karissa Vacker, and I feel like she did a fantastic job bringing Theo's perspective to life!
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever KAM writes next!!
Theo is trapped at her new fiance's family retreat and it's clear someone doesn't want her there. When she discovers a clue to her past at the property, she's flabbergasted.
How can this be? Has she been here before?
I liked following along with Theo as she was thrust into the lion's den that is her fiance, Connor's, family. They've had a whirlwind romance, so Theo hasn't had much opportunity to meet them and she's nervous as heck.
As she should be...
It's clear from the start Theo isn't being completely transparent with them about her past, and as the story progresses, you learn a lot more about that.
Regardless of where she came from though, her upbringing was very different from Theo's and his siblings. Their family is extremely wealthy, and as with most wealthy families, they're used to getting away with a certain amount of things.
While I was reading this, the dynamics amongst Connor and his brother and sister, kept reminding me of the sibling relationships in Succession. If you are a fan of that show, I definitely recommend you check this one out. I think you'll understand pretty quickly what I mean.
I also loved and appreciated how much the weather and landscape was made a part of this story. It felt dark and very cold. Also, due to inclement weather, they do get literally trapped at the estate.
This gave it an air of desperation and suffocation it may not have had otherwise. Atmosphere is my number one want in any book, and it was definitely delivered here.
Marshall kept me on my toes with this one and successfully kept me guessing. While I thought the ending had some moments where it veered into convoluted territory, overall, I think it was a fun and intriguing story.
I would highly recommend the audiobook, as well, should you have that format available to you. It's narrated by one of my all-time faves, Karissa Vacker, and I feel like she did a fantastic job bringing Theo's perspective to life!
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever KAM writes next!!
January 12, 2025
Never trust a family with a dark history. A couple falls in love quickly and he brings her home to his family. His wealthy family. Who don't approve. But why? Every single one of his relatives has a reason to hide something, and as the secrets unfold, it's clearly an exaggeration of reality but oh so enticing to discover the true nefarious ones from the purely just selfish ones. I always enjoy these types of settings and this one didn't let down. I knew the culprit was not the first one identified, but why was always the big question. Good writing. Must love intense plots with a few headshaking moments. Will keep reading the author's work.
January 25, 2025
Whirlwind Romance Meets Dark Family Secrets
Theo and Connor’s romance starts like a fairy tale—love at first sight. But don’t expect a heartwarming happily-ever-after. Connor, an influential family's wealthy and charismatic member, sweeps Theo off her feet in just six whirlwind months. Yet when he whisks her away to his family’s secluded winter estate for their approval, the dream quickly descends into something sinister.
Theo is met not with open arms but with warnings, threatening messages, and strange occurrences that scream danger. This is no ordinary family—they’re hiding something dark and twisted, buried deep in the icy retreat.
Suspense and Dizzying Twists
The more Theo digs, the more familiar—and dangerous—things feel. Memories of her past resurface, adding another layer of dread to the already suffocating atmosphere.
Yes, it’s twisty—maybe even a bit too twisty at times. Just when I thought I cracked the case, another twist hits, and the cycle keeps going, twist after twist. Normally, that kind of relentless plotting might wear on me, but I couldn’t stop turning the pages (or, in my case, pressing play). It’s the kind of story where you side-eye every character because everyone’s guilty or hiding something.
Atmosphere That Chills You to the Bone
The isolated family compound, surrounded by a harsh winter landscape, is the perfect setting for this thriller.
A Few Challenges but Still Hooked
I listened to the audiobook, and I’ll admit, the dizzying twists and multiple characters sometimes made it tough to follow. I had to hit pause more than once to regroup. But even with that, I couldn’t stop coming back for more.
Twists, secrets, and a Wintry Chill
A Killing Cold is a snowstorm of suspense, secrets, and danger. The tension builds like ice creeping over a window, and just when you think you’ve cracked it, another twist shatters your theories. The characters are like icebergs, with so much hidden beneath the surface, and the twists come fast enough to leave you spinning.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller with chilling secrets, buried memories, and a wintry setting that will make you shiver, this one’s for you. Just be ready to buckle up for the ride—you’re in for a dizzying one!
A Witches Words Buddy read with Mary Beth!
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
Theo and Connor’s romance starts like a fairy tale—love at first sight. But don’t expect a heartwarming happily-ever-after. Connor, an influential family's wealthy and charismatic member, sweeps Theo off her feet in just six whirlwind months. Yet when he whisks her away to his family’s secluded winter estate for their approval, the dream quickly descends into something sinister.
Theo is met not with open arms but with warnings, threatening messages, and strange occurrences that scream danger. This is no ordinary family—they’re hiding something dark and twisted, buried deep in the icy retreat.
Suspense and Dizzying Twists
The more Theo digs, the more familiar—and dangerous—things feel. Memories of her past resurface, adding another layer of dread to the already suffocating atmosphere.
Yes, it’s twisty—maybe even a bit too twisty at times. Just when I thought I cracked the case, another twist hits, and the cycle keeps going, twist after twist. Normally, that kind of relentless plotting might wear on me, but I couldn’t stop turning the pages (or, in my case, pressing play). It’s the kind of story where you side-eye every character because everyone’s guilty or hiding something.
Atmosphere That Chills You to the Bone
The isolated family compound, surrounded by a harsh winter landscape, is the perfect setting for this thriller.
A Few Challenges but Still Hooked
I listened to the audiobook, and I’ll admit, the dizzying twists and multiple characters sometimes made it tough to follow. I had to hit pause more than once to regroup. But even with that, I couldn’t stop coming back for more.
Twists, secrets, and a Wintry Chill
A Killing Cold is a snowstorm of suspense, secrets, and danger. The tension builds like ice creeping over a window, and just when you think you’ve cracked it, another twist shatters your theories. The characters are like icebergs, with so much hidden beneath the surface, and the twists come fast enough to leave you spinning.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller with chilling secrets, buried memories, and a wintry setting that will make you shiver, this one’s for you. Just be ready to buckle up for the ride—you’re in for a dizzying one!
A Witches Words Buddy read with Mary Beth!
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
Read
December 30, 2024Why I Love It
By Rachael Burlette
I’ve always loved Kate Alice Marshall’s books. She has a knack for creating new and exciting stories in a genre that can sometimes fall into tired tropes. After I read No One Can Know, I remembered thinking, how could she possibly top this book? Then A Killing Cold landed on my desk and I devoured it immediately. For longtime fans, it should be no surprise when I say that Kate Alice Marshall has created another twisty thriller that is impossible to put down. I would even go so far as to say this is her best one yet.
Our story follows Theo and Connor, a recently engaged couple on their way to Connor’s remote family retreat for their annual winter break. Theo is head over heels for Connor, but upon arriving at Idlewood, she begins to receive threatening messages telling her to leave, and Connor’s family seems to be hiding something. For Connor’s sake, Theo tries to carry on, but after she finds a photo of herself as a child in one of the cabins, pieces of her childhood memories start to return to her. She’s been to Idlewood before…and she may be in more danger than she ever could have imagined.
If you love a little family drama mixed with a wintry locked-room setting and secrets galore, A Killing Cold is the book for you. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket and something warm to drink and enjoy this chilly thriller.
By Rachael Burlette
I’ve always loved Kate Alice Marshall’s books. She has a knack for creating new and exciting stories in a genre that can sometimes fall into tired tropes. After I read No One Can Know, I remembered thinking, how could she possibly top this book? Then A Killing Cold landed on my desk and I devoured it immediately. For longtime fans, it should be no surprise when I say that Kate Alice Marshall has created another twisty thriller that is impossible to put down. I would even go so far as to say this is her best one yet.
Our story follows Theo and Connor, a recently engaged couple on their way to Connor’s remote family retreat for their annual winter break. Theo is head over heels for Connor, but upon arriving at Idlewood, she begins to receive threatening messages telling her to leave, and Connor’s family seems to be hiding something. For Connor’s sake, Theo tries to carry on, but after she finds a photo of herself as a child in one of the cabins, pieces of her childhood memories start to return to her. She’s been to Idlewood before…and she may be in more danger than she ever could have imagined.
If you love a little family drama mixed with a wintry locked-room setting and secrets galore, A Killing Cold is the book for you. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket and something warm to drink and enjoy this chilly thriller.
January 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ A woman is invited to her fiancés family retreat where she realizes they are hiding a very big secret.
If you are looking for a winter thriller that’s as atmospheric as it is thrilling, look no further. Kate Alice Marshall is amazing at creating these dark and eerie settings and then following up with unique characters you won’t soon forget. I was so immersed in this story and trying to figure out exactly what this family was hiding, before I knew it, I had flown through the entire book.
🎧 Karissa Vacker does an exceptional job bringing this story to life. There were so many scenes where I felt as though I was literally in the story, and I think her narration only amplified that feeling. I highly recommend this one on audio or as an immersive read.
Read if you like:
▪️domestic suspense
▪️isolated settings
▪️family dramas
▪️twisty books
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy.
If you are looking for a winter thriller that’s as atmospheric as it is thrilling, look no further. Kate Alice Marshall is amazing at creating these dark and eerie settings and then following up with unique characters you won’t soon forget. I was so immersed in this story and trying to figure out exactly what this family was hiding, before I knew it, I had flown through the entire book.
🎧 Karissa Vacker does an exceptional job bringing this story to life. There were so many scenes where I felt as though I was literally in the story, and I think her narration only amplified that feeling. I highly recommend this one on audio or as an immersive read.
Read if you like:
▪️domestic suspense
▪️isolated settings
▪️family dramas
▪️twisty books
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy.
December 4, 2024
Kate Alice Marshall… this was SO GOOD! I devoured this story in two days! I was completely hooked from the beginning! Wow!
Conner and Theo (a woman) are newly engaged after a short whirlwind romance. He has asked her to come meet his family and stay a few weeks. His family, the Daltons are godly rich.
His family has a gorgeous retreat with six cabins high on an isolated mountain. Once there, Theo gets the feeling that she’s been there before many years ago. However, her visions and memories are not very good ones.
Something terrible happened and she’s about to find out what that was.
The setting was perfect! Scenes of winter were beautifully described. A perfect December read as this takes place right before Christmas. I have finally read a seasonal read and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Don’t sleep on this. Add it to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!
Massive thanks to Flatiron and Kate Alice Marshall for the gifted copy and NetGalley for the arc.
— Release date February 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Conner and Theo (a woman) are newly engaged after a short whirlwind romance. He has asked her to come meet his family and stay a few weeks. His family, the Daltons are godly rich.
His family has a gorgeous retreat with six cabins high on an isolated mountain. Once there, Theo gets the feeling that she’s been there before many years ago. However, her visions and memories are not very good ones.
Something terrible happened and she’s about to find out what that was.
The setting was perfect! Scenes of winter were beautifully described. A perfect December read as this takes place right before Christmas. I have finally read a seasonal read and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Don’t sleep on this. Add it to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!
Massive thanks to Flatiron and Kate Alice Marshall for the gifted copy and NetGalley for the arc.
— Release date February 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 24, 2024
So so many twists! I truly loved Theo and Connor! So many things got revealed and the twists truly shocked me. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. Truly gripping, I had to read it in one sitting. I love Kate Alice Marshall's writing style, her way of world building truly makes you feel like you're a part of the story and experiencing it all with the characters. Such an amazing suspenseful novel! I loved how it unfolded! 5 stars!
I received this ARC from Flatiron Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from Flatiron Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
February 5, 2025
“It’s important to follow wilderness rules 🌲 when you are mapping your way through a person’s life. 🧭 Leave no trace…”
I thoroughly enjoyed A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall! 🔪❄️🧣 This book delivered the perfect “whodunnit” vibes, keeping me on edge and guessing until the very end. 🤯 I didn’t know who to trust, and every twist had me second-guessing myself.
The atmosphere was spot on — think winter cabins deep in the woods 🏕️, no signal 📵, and a tense family dynamic 👀. The “poor girl dating the rich guy while trying to win over his narcissistic family” trope added so much tension 😬, especially on this high-stakes family vacation. It gave me major Get Out vibes 🧠🖤, so if you loved that movie, you’ll be a fan of this book!
Overall, it’s a solid mystery thriller 🔍 that’s hard to discuss without giving away spoilers 🤐. Just know that it’s worth the read! I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author 📚✨!
Favorite Quotes:
“I almost prefer the dark now. 🌑 The light only blinds you to what might lie beyond it. 🌟”
“We all have violence inside of us. 💣 It needs only the right fuel. 🔥”
“Don’t let the cup rattle, ☕ even if your hands are shaking. 🤲”
“Secrets, I think. 🤫 The private things we live our lives pretending no one knows. 🕵️♀️”
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC 🎧 and Flatiron Books for the ARC! 📖
January 10, 2025
Kate Alice Marshall is always a solid author for me and her newest novel, A KILLING COLD, is another perfect example of why her books are always a great time! This book is centered around a very unique protagonist that I won't soon forget, Theodora Scott (Theo). Theo fell for Connor Dalton, a wealthy and charming heir, and six months later, he brought her to his family's secluded winter retreat, Idlewood. Threatening messages, eerie footprints, and a photo of herself as a child taken at Idlewood stir unsettling memories of a past she can’t fully recall. As Theo uncovers the Daltons’ dark secrets, she realizes the cost of truth could be her life.
I loved the mystery behind this book more than I usually enjoy these types of locked-room, family drama suspense stories. As Theo investigates this wealthy and mysterious Dalton family, you can't just help but immerse yourself right into the story. I did not expect this story to deviate into what it became, which I think will be hit or miss with readers. I alternated between audio and physical, and I enjoyed the audio narration more than physically reading as the setting was very atmospheric and it placed me right into the drama. If I had to recommend either physically reading or the audio, I would choose audio (via @librofm)! Kate Alice Marshall continues to be a staple in my reading and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!
I loved the mystery behind this book more than I usually enjoy these types of locked-room, family drama suspense stories. As Theo investigates this wealthy and mysterious Dalton family, you can't just help but immerse yourself right into the story. I did not expect this story to deviate into what it became, which I think will be hit or miss with readers. I alternated between audio and physical, and I enjoyed the audio narration more than physically reading as the setting was very atmospheric and it placed me right into the drama. If I had to recommend either physically reading or the audio, I would choose audio (via @librofm)! Kate Alice Marshall continues to be a staple in my reading and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!
January 22, 2025
This was so good! There were certainly parts that were unrealistic, but it was such a fun ride. It kept me engaged the whole time wondering who was involved in the mystery and what part they played. I really enjoyed the way the story progressed and played out.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Karissa Vacker and she did a fabulous job. I was able to listen for hours and get completely lost in the story. She was totally believable as our MC.
I've read several of Marshall's books now and I always find them to be well-written and entertaining. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. I think this is the third audio I've listened to that was written by Marshall and narrated by Vacker. They make a great team and I'm hoping to listen to more by the duo.
4.5★
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Karissa Vacker and she did a fabulous job. I was able to listen for hours and get completely lost in the story. She was totally believable as our MC.
I've read several of Marshall's books now and I always find them to be well-written and entertaining. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. I think this is the third audio I've listened to that was written by Marshall and narrated by Vacker. They make a great team and I'm hoping to listen to more by the duo.
4.5★
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 5, 2025
Mixed feelings about this one!!!
Pros: compelling protagonist who you’ll root for as she navigates a *very* toxic family and their secrets; strong sense of place (chilly/wintry setting, perfect for the season!); Gothic vibes; good pacing in the first half of the book.
Cons: for me personally, the second half of the book slowed way down pacing-wise and I struggled to stay invested as the book reached its conclusion. The other thing that really threw me off was how much this book reminded me of Hannah Morrissey’s book THE WIDOWMAKER - I absolutely loved that book and I couldn’t help but compare this one to it, which I realize isn’t totally fair of me but…. Just is what it is!!
All in all, I’m glad I read this one but can’t say I *loved* it.
Pros: compelling protagonist who you’ll root for as she navigates a *very* toxic family and their secrets; strong sense of place (chilly/wintry setting, perfect for the season!); Gothic vibes; good pacing in the first half of the book.
Cons: for me personally, the second half of the book slowed way down pacing-wise and I struggled to stay invested as the book reached its conclusion. The other thing that really threw me off was how much this book reminded me of Hannah Morrissey’s book THE WIDOWMAKER - I absolutely loved that book and I couldn’t help but compare this one to it, which I realize isn’t totally fair of me but…. Just is what it is!!
All in all, I’m glad I read this one but can’t say I *loved* it.
December 26, 2024
A mystery thriller that kept me guessing. Who can you trust? And what happened at this lodge? This was about a wealthy family with many secrets and the power to silence anyone in the way. I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and Karissa Vacker did a great job delivering the narrative. I recommend listening to this snowing, wintry mystery thriller that had characters to love and characters to hate. It twists and turns were enjoyable.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
January 1, 2025
This thriller is a perfect read for this time of year. Tis the season for secrets, lies, twists, and turns that are shocking and unpredictable. Rich people behaving badly is always a good time. For Theo, it turns out to be dangerous and terrifying. Long-held secrets, deception and deceit combine to create a thriller that is fast-paced and intense. The narration masterfully adds a layer of intrigue, suspense, and emotion. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
January 26, 2025
4.25 Stars — I had a lot of fun with this wintry thriller. It has dark family secrets, rich people being awful, a chilling, isolated setting, and a young protagonist who doesn't know what she's in for. I found the whole book fast-paced and entertaining, with plenty of twists that kept me on my toes. Sure, there were a couple of over-the-top moments, but they fit with the devious Dalton family. Even while having sore sinuses from a cold that made wearing reading glasses uncomfy, I plowed through this book in two days. Read it before winter slips away! [January 2025 BOTM Pick]
January 7, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I had to bing the last third of it at 3x the speed because I needed to finish and know all of the secrets (much like the protagonist). The narrator did great, and she’s honestly one of my favorites for her way to bring the story to life. This story was beyond twisty and it was definitely one that kept me wondering who we could trust. A girl with an unknown past is engaged to a boy where family and legacy is entwined with wealth and everything. She goes home with him for the holidays to his family’s property high on the mountain but it isn’t the trip any of them were expecting. I don’t want to go into anymore detail about the story because there were so many twists I don’t want to risk giving anything away. This isn’t my first one by this author and the more I read the more I think she is a rising star in the thriller genre.
January 9, 2025
2 stars
If felt the entire time the author was trying hard to create suspense where there wasn't any.
The book is very repetitive and the whole premise is pretty unrealistic and unappealing.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me read this book!
If felt the entire time the author was trying hard to create suspense where there wasn't any.
The book is very repetitive and the whole premise is pretty unrealistic and unappealing.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me read this book!
January 5, 2025
Listening to Karissa Vacker narrate A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall was a fantastic way to end 2024! This chilly thriller is full of secrets and twists and some pleasant surprises. Despite being terribly sick while I read this, I was decently engaged throughout!
I’m not going to lie; I don’t remember all the details of this story, but I do remember that I enjoyed it. I will read anything this author writes, especially with this audiobook narrator!
Original
I don't need a cover. I don't need a description. I just need the next Kate Alice Marshall book in my hands.
Update! Macmillan Audio has been SO KIND as to grant me an ARC of the audiobook via NetGalley! 🎉🎉🎉
HELL YEAH! The dream team is BACK! A Killing Cold written by Kate Alice Marshall and read by Karissa Vacker comes out on February 4, 2025!
I’m not going to lie; I don’t remember all the details of this story, but I do remember that I enjoyed it. I will read anything this author writes, especially with this audiobook narrator!
Original
I don't need a cover. I don't need a description. I just need the next Kate Alice Marshall book in my hands.
Update! Macmillan Audio has been SO KIND as to grant me an ARC of the audiobook via NetGalley! 🎉🎉🎉
HELL YEAH! The dream team is BACK! A Killing Cold written by Kate Alice Marshall and read by Karissa Vacker comes out on February 4, 2025!
February 6, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Kate Alice Marshall for my copy of this audiobook. It was about Theo and Connor, a girl with no family and a wealthy, charming man part of a powerful family. She falls in love instantly and six months later he brings her to his family’s winter retreat to win over his relatives. That’s when she starts to receive threatening messages.
Theo tries to ignore them, but she can’t ignore footprints in the snow outside her cabin. And then the impossible happens. Theo finds a photo of herself as a child in an abandoned cabin on the property. A photo that was taken there. She can’t remember much from her childhood, but she starts to piece together fragments of memories and what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
Thoughts: This book had such a crazy premise! I thought it was so much fun and there were so many layers to be unveiled. The setting of an isolated winter retreat was a lot of fun and the powerful Dalton family was intimidating and creepy to read about. I wasn’t sure what to think of Theo, and learning more about her past made me like her more and more.
I loved the flashbacks in this story and the way they slowly revealed what happened. It was a locked room mystery with some fun twists, but lots of things that were far too coincidental for my liking. I’m really happy I listened to this book on audio because it was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. The last part of this book was overloaded with twists but it was a super fun read! 4-stars!
Theo tries to ignore them, but she can’t ignore footprints in the snow outside her cabin. And then the impossible happens. Theo finds a photo of herself as a child in an abandoned cabin on the property. A photo that was taken there. She can’t remember much from her childhood, but she starts to piece together fragments of memories and what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything.
Thoughts: This book had such a crazy premise! I thought it was so much fun and there were so many layers to be unveiled. The setting of an isolated winter retreat was a lot of fun and the powerful Dalton family was intimidating and creepy to read about. I wasn’t sure what to think of Theo, and learning more about her past made me like her more and more.
I loved the flashbacks in this story and the way they slowly revealed what happened. It was a locked room mystery with some fun twists, but lots of things that were far too coincidental for my liking. I’m really happy I listened to this book on audio because it was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. The last part of this book was overloaded with twists but it was a super fun read! 4-stars!
February 1, 2025
Read to 67%.
OVERVIEW:
Great suspense. Clever imagery. The snowy setting provides a “chilling” backdrop that is almost a character in itself.
OF NOTE:
- Sporadic f-bombs.
- A couple of descriptions of sex scenes that were a bit more than moderately graphic.
- Supporting female character married to a woman.
- Background male character engaged to a man.
- I didn’t quite feel a strong connection between Theodora and Conner, like I would have expected.
- Desiree Reads
The Bookish Birder
January 31, 2025
https://bookshop.org/shop/TheBookishB...
OVERVIEW:
Great suspense. Clever imagery. The snowy setting provides a “chilling” backdrop that is almost a character in itself.
OF NOTE:
- Sporadic f-bombs.
- A couple of descriptions of sex scenes that were a bit more than moderately graphic.
- Supporting female character married to a woman.
- Background male character engaged to a man.
- I didn’t quite feel a strong connection between Theodora and Conner, like I would have expected.
- Desiree Reads
The Bookish Birder
January 31, 2025
https://bookshop.org/shop/TheBookishB...
January 23, 2025
This seems like the perfect book to post today. Brrr 🥶 Thank you so much @flatiron_books for the gorgeous gifted copy! 🫶 Pub date is 2/4/25! 🥳🥳🥳🥳 Who is excited for this one?? 😍 I was so excited to get this early copy. 🥰
The rich and powerful behaving badly? Oh yes please! 😂 I don’t know why I love that so much. 🤷♀️ Add in a secluded estate… and it’s winter…🥶…all my favorite things. 😉
This twisted thriller kept me guessing! Secrets 🤫… so many!! What are these people hiding?? 🤔 I was terrified to find out.. 😬… Theo girl.. I wanted to scream at her to get out now!! Yet what is Theo’s story? 🤔
I flew through this book because I had to know how this unraveled. So atmospheric…so suspenseful… I couldn’t put it down! This was my first book by @kmarshallarts and I immediately added her backlist. 😍
🥶🥶🥶🥶 Is this on your TBR? Do you love a secluded setting too?? A winter secluded setting is my absolute favorite.
The rich and powerful behaving badly? Oh yes please! 😂 I don’t know why I love that so much. 🤷♀️ Add in a secluded estate… and it’s winter…🥶…all my favorite things. 😉
This twisted thriller kept me guessing! Secrets 🤫… so many!! What are these people hiding?? 🤔 I was terrified to find out.. 😬… Theo girl.. I wanted to scream at her to get out now!! Yet what is Theo’s story? 🤔
I flew through this book because I had to know how this unraveled. So atmospheric…so suspenseful… I couldn’t put it down! This was my first book by @kmarshallarts and I immediately added her backlist. 😍
🥶🥶🥶🥶 Is this on your TBR? Do you love a secluded setting too?? A winter secluded setting is my absolute favorite.
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