The Coldest Fear by Debra Webb

The writing was great, but this book is not for the faint of heart! I was super intrigued and the beginning grabbed me, but then the first killing was described in such gory detail that I had to stop reading. It made me feel sick. I can see people really loving this, and will recommend it to those looking for romantic suspense, but this chicken must bow out now!

A disturbing police procedural that looks at a decades old case involving missing children and a serial killer.

The plot is well thought out and filled with twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. I loved the characters and the bonds that are developing between them.

Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Full of spine tingling suspense, Webb is always a good read that gives you chills. This is a heartbeaking series but shows hope. A good addition to in the series. Thank you NetGalley

This is the third book in the Bobbie Gentry series. This book deals with the grief that a serial killer causes to the victims family. I really like the story line, the mystery, and the emotion that is the focus of this story

Debra Webb creates characters that grab your attention, whether they're good guys or bad guys.. She digs into the their psyche and really makes you see what makes them tick. This was dark and mysterious and fast moving.

The only reason I gave this book five stars is because I can't give it more!

A riveting, intense, and gritty thriller that takes you to the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind, and shows you the consequences of no remorse, no guilt, no respect towards anything.
The Coldest Fear is the latest installment of the serial thriller that has blown my mind and scared me witless. The story continues directly from where the last book, No Darker Place, ended and has had me hooked even though I normally don't go for the serial stories. I would recommend reading this amazing series in the order of the books published.
Detective Bobbie Gentry has gone rogue with the hunt for the serial killer. Despite the orders of her superiors, she is following the latest leads, and nothing, not even the threat of losing her job will stop her. Bobbie has faced more than most can even imagine, yet she pushes on. She is smart, capable, and brave. She can see the bigger picture as the law enforcement desperately are searching for clues. She likes to take charge, she knows what she is doing, and she will defend and protect her loved ones to the last breath. I admire her guts, her instinct, her caring heart, and smarts. She is a true heroine, awe inspiring at times, yet she has the vulnerability and humbleness that makes her just one of us.
Her relationship with Nick Shade, her need to keep him safe from the monstrous father, tilts her fragile balance. Nick is trying to keep his distance from her to keep her safe, yet the pull to be close is too strong, unavoidable, and passionate. This is by no means a 'romance story' even though Nick and Bobbie and the connection between them is in the focus of the tale. The Coldest Fear is an enthralling thriller filled with suspense with a secondary element of romance in it.
The cases investigated are increasing, the amount of deceased are escalating, there's obvious connection to the crimes, but the solid evidence is missing. Who can they trust, who has tempered the evidence in the past and in the present, what is the missing link, and where is the last child still missing after all these years, will any of them survive the constant attacks, will the families affected by the tragedies have healing or will their disintegrate?
This story kept me on my toes and glued to the tale, it was impossible to put down since the constant twists in the plot peeked the intensity anew. The author's voice, the effortlessly flowing tale, the fervor of the characters as they are seeking for answers, the tension seeping from each scene, from every page, made this story potent and notable. A highly recommended series for all suspense and thriller readers!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

THE COLDEST FEAR begins exactly where Deeper Grave left off in author Debra Webb's Shades of Death series. I have loved reading Ms. Webb's books from her Colby series but in this one, she will take you down a winding road and lead you to places you least expect. THE COLDEST FEAR deals with much emotion ... from those solving the mystery of the missing children, those who lived it and those who might have prevented the tragedy as it unfolded -- but didn't for one reason or another.

The characters in this story have a realistic feel to them, and of course some of them you are really grateful that they are only on paper. Bobbie's resiliency is amazing, having lost so much in life but her strength in refusing to give in just makes you root for her more. Love interest Nick Slade is also a very broken man ... his father is the serial killer they are searching for and he wants to kill Bobbie to make Nick into the killer he was meant to be -- someone just like him.

The most amazing twist of this book has to do with Nick -- but that will have to wait for you the reader to discover as it would be a very big spoiler. THE COLDEST FEAR is the book you want in your hands if you love a mystery with a number of unexpected twists, intriguing dialogue with clues that might lead you to the answers (or not) and the building a good relationship between two people who are so broken only having each other in their lives will heal them.

~Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

The complete review may be found at http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=63611

Nick Shade is the one man that's managed to help Bobbie past her grief after the death of her husband and son. So, with Nick determined to go on the hunt for his serial-killer father; a dangerous man that has escaped from prison, Bobbie decides she won't be far behind. However, when she's dragged into an investigation as a distraction, Bobbie needs to unravel what is going on before things become too dangerous for her and Nick. Will Bobbie be able to uncover the truth in order to survive?

This series has been a wild ride when it comes to the suspense; everything the main characters have been through as they've outwitted killers and been pushed to the brink when it comes to the loses they've suffered; and this third book of Ms. Webb's Shades of Death series was scintillating, fast-paced and a story I could not put down. The way this story started had me liking the heroine and her determination to help Nick with finding his dad, even though she knows he wouldn't accept her help because he's protective of her. Will she be able to convince him otherwise? Especially since she's overcome a lot all ready and has proven she can handle herself in a tough situation against the most dangerous of criminals.

As for the dialogue, it was powerful, intense and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, as the investigation Bobbie's been invited into takes plenty of twists and turns that could lead to Nick's world being turned upside down and could make Bobbie think back on all she's lost, especially her son. Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to aid both the police department she's helping and how determined she was to help Nick, because the two of them working together is better than them each working alone. I also liked how cool Bobbie was under pressure, especially when it came to standing up for herself when it came to her relationship with Nick. While Nick, he's resourceful, determined and I liked how protective he was of Bobbie and that he would do anything for her. Then again, there's no talking Bobbie out of doing her job, no matter how dangerous things could become. I also liked how this story unwound when it came to the hero's back story and how it's different to what he's believed over the years.

Overall, Ms. Webb has penned a scintillating and worthwhile read in this book where the chemistry between Nick and Bobbie was as strong as ever and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat due to what one of the main characters goes through and took me by surprise by what readers learn about Nick. I would recommend The Coldest Fear by Debra Webb, if you enjoy romantic suspense, mystery novels, or books by authors Cynthia Eden, Sharon Sala, Lisa Jackson and Mary Burton.

The Coldest Fear (Shades of Death #3)
Author: Debra Webb
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Release Date: August 29, 2017
As with all Ms. Webb’s stories, this one is masterfully told. With such realistic scenes and true to life characters, this author has the unique ability to pull the reader so deep into the story, that you feel you’re living it and not merely just reading it.
If you like a psychological thriller that you’ll have trouble putting down, "THE COLDEST FEAR" is for you. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages and the ending is a shocker you won't see coming. Always, a go-to author for me. Highly recommend! 5 Stars

Gripping, gritty, and highly suspenseful!

The Coldest Fear is a taut, disturbing police procedural that delves into a 32-year-old cold case involving missing children and takes you on a hunt for an escaped, sadistic serial killer.

The writing is fluid and intense. The plot is a skillfully crafted mix of twists, turns, murder, retribution, justice, fear, deception, lies, and secrets. And the characterization is remarkably well done with some of the usual gang back including the wounded, determined Bobbie Gentry who finds herself heading to Savannah to help out on the case and the mysterious, troubled Nick Shade who still seems to be hiding in the shadows.

The Coldest Fear is truly a macabre thrill ride with great pace, good character development, and an ending that will leave you wanting more. And even though this is the third book in the Shades of Dark series and can be read as a standalone novel, I highly recommend the first two titles in the series, No Darker Place (Book #1) and A Deeper Grave (Book #2) as well.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Deliciously scintillating! The bodies are piling up and the mystery surrounding Bobbie and Nick just keeps getting creepier as one person after another is uncovered as having had contact with the serial killer they are hunting, but as the scenes are dissected they realize they aren't all adding up to the same M.O. Is there something else going on here that they aren't privy to? A great continuation of this series ... and a joy to see Bobbie continuing her fight for justice!

Bobbie Gentry has fought hard to regain her life after it was derailed with the brutal of her family and her own horrendous abduction at the hands of a serial killer. She was living a very dark life until Nick Shade came into it and helped her to see past the emptiness inside herself. Now she's willing to do anything to help Nick fight his own demons.

Nick Shade has been covertly delivering his own version of justice since his life fell apart years ago. Now he's in Savannah as mysteries are unravelling and monsters are emerging. Will Bobbie be able to convince him to let her help get the answers he needs?

This is the first in the series I have read and the second I finished it I picked up the first two. The story works well as a stand alone novel but the first few chapters readers will feel they are missing out on something special.

Debra Webb as a wonderful ability to create a web of strong characters that stay true from beginning of the to the end of the novel. The Killers are evil to the point of creepy and I am not sure I want to let my kids out of my site. The story creates a great blend of mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while giving them romance to keep hope that good will win.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy and my opinion.

Serial killer Randolph Weller has escaped from prison. He has managed to manipulate events and draw Det Bobbie Gentry to Savannah Georgia. The bodies of children who disappeared without a clue have been found after 32 years. Weller has returned to Savannah for a reason and he has managed to get Bobbie involved in the case. What is Wellers agenda? Why is he in Savannah? The only thing we know for sure is if Weller is around more bodies will turn up.

This is a great book suspense book. There are all so many twists in the plot that you don't know which direction to turn. The characters in this book have a lot of secrets. The end of the book has a surprising twist that came completely out of the blue. You won't be able to put this one down once you pick it up. This is the 3rd book in the series and I would recommend reading the first two before this one. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This book was all I hoped for and more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Loved the writing, loved the characters and loved the story.

‘The Coldest Fear’ picks up immediately where ‘A Deeper Grave’ left off, where Bobbie Gentry rushes after Nick Shade to help conquer his demons after he helped her with hers. There’s so much I like about this series and it's primarily because of the unusual partnership that Debra Webb has gotten going between Bobbie and Nick: their pasts, their sheer capabilities to rise above their broken lives, their similar passions and the depth of their own feelings. Yet very little of that shows up in this book and without this defining feature that I’d found in the past two books, ’The Coldest Fear’ stayed a very good read but not a fantastic one.

I'd expected that this was going to be a story of Nick and Bobbie working together to search for the man who supposedly orchestrated every recent tragedy in Bobbie’s life. What I hadn’t expected was to see Nick pulling so far away that he stayed hidden in the shadows, mostly out of sight and out of the narrative, still caught in his self-recriminating guilt because he would never be the kind of man for Bobbie who deserved better. This partnership that I’d envisioned was sadly, nowhere to be seen and like Bobbie, I was frustrated seeing Nick disappear when he was clearly needed and his insistence that he had to go at solving the biggest case alone was more hindrance than help by the time I reached the halfway mark. Instead, a seemingly unrelated sub-plot came into play—and which seemed irrelevant—with the pieces only falling into place later as Bobbie gets drawn into a bizarre situation of missing children from a cold case that is 32 years old with Nick relegated to nearly a peripheral character while Bobbie conducted her investigations with another officer in Savannah. It was as though I’d stepped into a separate police procedural with many POVs inserted into the narrative as the plot spirals out into peripheral details and rabbit trails that were bewildering to say the least.

There are however, shocking revelations towards the end and these strings are brought together quite masterfully by Webb as characters finally reveal the fractured history that they all share. It almost makes the long detour worth it, though it was difficult to see anything past the destruction of all the characters' lives after a while. The hunt for twisted, psychopathic serial killers is claustrophobically wearing and the characters do bleakly reflect this: their personal tragedies are worn deep on their skin and psyches and no one comes away untouched at all.

This series definitely falls more into the suspense/thriller genre with very little emphasis on the romance, which, because of my own personal tastes, was the only disappointment. It’s well-plotted and a complex enough puzzle to get any suspense/thriller-fan going especially with all the mudding details that don’t add up, yet I couldn’t help but think that the overarching story feels very unfinished beyond Bobbie’s personal acceptance of events.

Where do I start?

For me...this author gets better and better with every book. I am blown away that I could love this series more than her Faces of Evil series but hot damn...THIS SERIES is AMAZEBALLS!

With every book in the A Shades of Death series you are drawn into the world of Detective Bobbi Gentry's world and what a dark place to be.

Bobbi is damaged, some might say beyond repair, so to speak. But her grit, her determination and sheer vision for doing what is needed has me on the edge of my seat for every book.

Debra Webb has a way...what a fabulous way of creating characters that you can't turn away from. Whether they are heroes or the most vile killers. You want to see what makes them tick. And you want to see the good guy win.

Bobbi is kick ass and when she teams up with the man in the shadows (that's what I call him) they are unbeatable. Even if he is slow to catch on...lol. I love that they are both damaged, fragile in some ways and the strongest in others. The progression of the friendship that develops is tough at times to watch because of both of their pasts. Nick is a true hero, perhaps...a hunter of evil. And because of his past and his family he feels that this is the only way for him to live. He will soon realize that there a things he can't control, including his heart.

Also what makes Debra Webb an Epic storyteller is her plots, you never see what's coming. The twists and turns, the subtle undertones. Brilliant. Also her secondary surrounding characters are also key in the process, and when you put it all together. Boooyah! You have a story you can't put down! If you are a fan of murder, mystery, epic plot twists and characters that you will love OR hate long after you close the book. Then YOU MUST read this amazing storyteller!

A killer with nothing left to lose...

Afraid or not, Detective Bobbie Gentry has a monster to confront. The pain of losing her family and nearly her life to a criminal's vile hunger is still fresh, but now the landscape is different. Now she's not alone. Now she has Nick Shade to trust. Nick treats the terror of his past with vengeance. He's dedicated his life to hunting serial killers, and he'd give up his last breath to save Bobbie. When a string of killings bloodies Savannah's elite society and causes cold cases to resurface, Bobbie is captured in a city more haunted than Nick's inescapable nightmares. And as the murderer strikes close, Nick and Bobbie will need to become even closer if they're going to survive.



* * * * *



This time around Bobbie is drawn off of her home turf and finds herself investigating a cold case where five children suddenly disappeared. This was a case where nothing turned up in the initial investigation yet all of a sudden four of the children's bodies were found and the fathers of the children are turned up dead.


Nick has decided that he is going to be too much like his father because he enjoyed killing to save Bobbie's life. Now he doesn't want her around and is on the hunt for his father. Bobbie however is not accepting this verdict.



Talk about a stunning conclusion to a great trilogy! While I do hope that Ms. Webb write more about Bobbie and Nick, I don't see how she can top this book. I highly recommend that my readers who enjoy romantic suspense pick up this series. You can't go wrong.


*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

4*

I’m thoroughly enjoying Debra Webb’s new romantic thriller series, Shades of Death. Book #3, THE COLDEST FEAR, picks up immediately after the preceding book (A DEEPER GRAVE), with Montgomery PD homicide detective Bobbie Gentry following love interest Nick Shade to Georgia on his quest to recapture escaped notorious serial killer (and father) Dr. Randolph Weller. With that premise, how could THE COLDEST FEAR not be a white-knuckle thrill ride from the outset?? So I must admit I was initially a bit disappointed when instead it turned out to be fairly slow-paced. The new mystery at the centre of the book was intriguing, sure, and the tantalizing glimpses of Weller kept me turning the pages to seek out the next tidbit in his masterfully depraved plan… But. Everything. Was. Just. So. Sloooow. It wasn’t until after shit really got real in the final ~10-15% of the book and Ms. Webb dropped the mother of all plot twists that I realised she had just given a masterclass in the slow build. THE COLDEST FEAR won’t be out until late August/early September, but I already can’t wait for more of Bobbie and Nick!

Plenty of suspense along with some big secrets uncovered. A 32 year old cold case of 5 young kids who went missing along with the continued hunt for serial killer Randolph Weller all collide in Savannah, Georgia.

Detective Bobbie Gentry has swore she is going to be there for serial killer hunter Nick Shade even if he doesn't want her to. He brought her back from the brink of not caring whether she lived or died and there is no way she is going to let him hunt for his mastermind serial killer father on his own. Along the way she gets called to help out on the cold case in Savannah not realizing that Randolph is up to his old tricks of manipulating everyone to be where he wants them to be.

Along with some creative murders, the investigation to try and figure out what happened 32 years ago and wondering how Randolph is connected, a main character has some major secrets that were hidden from them come to light.

The overarching thread from the previous books is for the most part wrapped up but I certaily hope this isnt the last book. This is a intense at times, edge of your seat, thrilling suspense series and one I hope there are more books to come.