3.5 stars rounded up

I did guess the ending almost immediately, however, I still enjoyed Dead of Winter. This was my first by Darcy Coates, and I will definitely be reading more of her work.

A locked room mystery set in the depths of the rocky mountains with an unexpected amount of grisly deaths, I was left frantically flipping through the pages of this (especially the last 30%) to find out how the killer achieved what they did. I admit I did guess who the culprit was quite early on, but it didn't effect my enjoyment. Tightly plotted and a racing tension throughout, this is a great slump buster of a book.

Perfect winter read. I went into it with low expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read anything else by this author, but now need to! Fun and fast paced read.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

The good- the setting, I love isolated winter horror. But that’s about it. The story starts out improbable and just gets more convoluted from there. All of the characters make constant dumb decisions that cost them their lives. They all witness gruesome deaths but show almost zero trauma associated with that. They all are being hunted down by a killer yet no one panics and tries to leave. The whole story we are stuck in the MCs head as she makes assumption after assumption and apparently has the mind of a seasoned detective? I was so disconnected from this story that has no character development and relies on shock value. The author seems to have no real knowledge of living in snowy conditions and there is constant terminology from a UK/Australian point of view that instantly takes me out of the story along with numerous grammatical and spelling errors. Overall I really wanted to like this book since I’ve enjoyed others by Darcy Coates but this one just wasn’t it.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

This is a grisly, exciting version of And Then There Were None. The action was pretty non-stop, and it was certainly a page turner. Christa and her tour group get stranded in the snow covered mountains during a terrible storm, and although they find shelter, the snow isn't the worst problem. There are lots of deaths, dismemberment, suspicious actions, and scares before the book reaches its conclusion.

Thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Darcey Coates for this ARC. Wow! Another one hit out of the park ! The first clue was early on, no body found? But why didn’t I pick up on that ? Why ? Because this author writes so fantastically you just keep reading till you can’t stop, never believing this could happen, and what coincidences , and what consequences ?! Another 5 star addition to my book clubs list of great conversations ..

Perfect horror read for the dead of winter - I could not put it down and my heart was racing through the ending. Will be highly recommending it.

"Dead of Winter" by Darcy Coates plunges readers into an atmospheric and bone-chilling tale that seamlessly blends supernatural horror with psychological suspense. As a prolific author in the horror genre, Coates once again demonstrates her ability to craft a narrative that sends shivers down the spine and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story unfolds in a desolate and isolated setting, a haunted mansion nestled in the heart of winter. The protagonist, with a troubled past and an air of mystery, becomes the caretaker of this eerie estate. Coates skillfully sets the stage, creating an environment that is as much a character as the people within it. The bone-chilling cold, the creaking of floorboards, and the relentless darkness contribute to a sense of impending dread.

The pacing is expertly executed, gradually building tension and suspense with each turn of the page. Coates employs a blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what is a product of the characters' unraveling minds. The narrative is haunting, evoking a sense of unease that persists long after the final page is turned.

The characters in "Dead of Winter" are intricately developed, each harboring secrets and traumas that add layers to the unfolding mystery. The protagonist's internal struggles and the interactions with the spectral entities in the mansion contribute to a rich character-driven narrative.

What sets Coates apart is her ability to create an immersive and palpable atmosphere. The stark, wintry landscape becomes a character in itself, enhancing the sense of isolation and intensifying the fear that permeates the story. The author expertly plays on primal fears, exploiting the vulnerability of the characters and the unknown that lurks in the shadows.

"Dead of Winter" is a chilling and captivating read for fans of psychological horror and haunted house tales. Darcy Coates showcases her mastery of the genre, delivering a narrative that is both spine-tingling and thought-provoking. As the mysteries unfold and the supernatural elements come to the forefront, readers are taken on a gripping journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche. "Dead of Winter" is a must-read for those who relish in the art of being scared, an atmospheric and haunting addition to the author's repertoire.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Publishers for an advance copy for my honest review.

5.00 stars
-
TW: Murder, Blood, Gore, Car accident, Alcohol, Suicide, Vomit, Stalking
-
Holy! When I originally started this one I wasn't super interested in it, but once all the action starts it hooks you right in. And oh my, it is pretty twisty. Dead of Winter follows Christa, her boyfriend, and a tour group heading into the snowy Rocky Mountains. Plans change as the weather takes a turn for the worst and the group is forced to shelter inside a cabin, one moment Christa is heading off away from the group with her boyfriend and the next, she wakes up in the cabin frostbitten...her boyfriend nowhere to be seen. The next morning the group wakes to find their tour guide missing, that is, until they find his decipitated head impaled on a tree.

We watch as they slowly get picked off one by one by a killer who kills for sport. As much as you want to connect to these characters you can't in fear of who's going to get murdered next. What we learn is that all of our characters are connected by a tragedy where a man unfortunately lost his life. I loved trying to work out who the killer was, and when we were down to the last few I started to wonder where the book would take us.

The ending shocked me! I would have never seen it coming, and it's probably one of the best twists I've read in awhile. I'm glad that I gave this one another chance after putting it down a few times. The book is slow to start as we get to know the characters but it's worth the wait, if you're into dark stories about survival - this one is for you!
-
I would like to thank NetGalley, Poisones Pen Press, and Darcy Coates for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book was published on July 11th, 2023.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This book was one that my son selected from Netgalley for me to request. I'm not sure what his thought process was for his selections, but this was definitely a book I wouldn't have requested myself as I tend to avoid thrillers for the most part, as I often find them predictable. This book was anything but predictable. I was left guessing again and again who the killer might be, and only really figured out it just before the reveal. Once I figured it out, I started thinking about the previous clues and misdirects, and honestly, the killer really thought things through for this one.

In true horror movie fashion, the group doesn't completely stay together like we all know they should, which is what allows the killer to pick them off as they do. But I could also easily see this book being turned into a movie, especially since it had a bit of a The Shining feeling to it towards the end. I really felt the terror and distrust throughout the story.

Overall I give this book 3.98 out of 5 stars and am thinking I should let my son pick books for me to read more often.

I really tried to like this book. I think the reason I didn't enjoy it was because non of the characters are likable (in my opinion) and the story was too long. The chapters are really short, which is nice, but I think for some reason this somehow took away from the story.
If you enjoy isolation books, this might be your thing.

Christa and her boyfriend join a tour group to an isolated resort in the mountains. A snow storm blows through before they get there and they are left stranded with 8 strangers. I love isolated settings, but this one was just a little boring to me. I had hoped I would be on the end of my seat, but sadly was not. I stilled enjoyed it and still like Darcy Coates books. I

Darcy Coates is one of my favorite authors. I’ve lost track, but I’ve probably read close to 10 of her books and this one felt so different for me. I won’t spoil it too much, but if you have read any of Darcy’s books she *normally* leans into the haunted house / paranormal realm. This locked room, in a remote area reminded me of The Carrow Haunt, but also From Below due to the claustrophobia of the storm and small cabin they are staying in. I could tell she drew inspiration from The Shining (another amazing book) so I appreciated the nod to it! Darcy’s books tend to be more cozy horror, but this one was heavy into horror and body horror - hello severed heads! My biggest issue was how many characters there were. At the beginning, it was hard to keep straight. I wished there had been a little more character development as well. The ending had my jaw to the floor, as it was so unexpected and made the book for me!

Darcy Coates delivers a gripping and tense narrative in "Dead of Winter," a chilling tale set in the unforgiving, snow-covered Rocky Mountains. The story revolves around a group of travelers stranded in a desolate cabin, facing the bitter cold and an unseen danger lurking among them.

As the travelers seek shelter from the relentless storm, tensions rise when the tour guide is gruesomely found impaled on a tree outside the cabin. The atmosphere becomes increasingly eerie as suspicions grow, and the chilling realization sets in that one of them is a killer. Coates skillfully weaves a web of mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each page turn.

The cold and desolate landscape becomes a character in itself, unrelenting and unforgiving, adding to the story's suspense. The characters, trapped in this frozen tomb, must navigate the external threats and the internal distrust that simmers among them.

The narrative is thrilling, with bodies piling up as the snow continues to fall. Coates masterfully keeps the reader guessing about the killer's identity, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The finger-pointing among the characters adds to the intensity, making it a classic "whodunit" scenario in a bone-chilling setting.

"Dead of Winter" has all the elements of a gripping psychological thriller, and Darcy Coates executes it with finesse. The book's twists and shocks are well-crafted, leaving readers in suspense until the end. With its cinematic potential, this story has the makings of a suspenseful and thrilling movie that would captivate audiences with its twists and turns.

"Dead of Winter" is a must-read for suspenseful and atmospheric thrillers fans. Darcy Coates has crafted a compelling narrative that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the final revelation. This bone-chilling tale is a testament to Coates' skill in creating tension and delivering a memorable reading experience.

Off-the-Grid holiday destination sounds awesome until you're stuck with a demented killer!😲

Christa and her boyfriend are spending two weeks on an adventure in the Rockies. Before they reach the Blackstone Alpine Lodge, a fallen tree blocks their tour bus, and an ill-timed snowstorm guarantees they and other vacationers are stranded for the day.

Waaah! I had high hopes for this wintery thriller/horror with all the elements I LOVE.

A snowstorm, a remote locale - Colorado Rockies, strangers, and an abandoned hunting cabin. I'm clearly in the minority to feel a bit bored with the uneven pace. I shouldn't feel bored with all the body parts and gore so that was really odd that I did. The start and finish were strong and I didn't guess the killer correctly or the reason so I liked the AHA moment.

This is my first Darcy Coates novel and I may have expected so much from the hype going in, but I enjoy the premise and I'm sure to try another book by her.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the DRC.

Allow me to start off by saying that I love this author. She is a fantastic storyteller; as her stories draw you in and make you feel like you are experiencing the events enfolded between the covers. This one was not much different. You shiver as if you are buried in the snow with the main protagonist after she falls off the cliff. Then you can't help but feel repulsed and genuinely afraid when the first of the group goes missing....then is later found not too far from the cabin. It was definitely a fantastic story. One that was, actually very familiar.

This was a book that I would gladly recommend to those who loved "And Then There Were None," by Agatha Christie. Other than being very much modern setting, taking place in the mountains and not on an island, and not following a child's nursery rhyme, it is a lot like "And Then There Were None." In fact, I recommended this book to book to a friend, and they even said that it was almost the same book.

This was a really fantastic story. One that I would gladly read again and again. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy to read.

𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 by Darcy Coates ❄️🗻⁣
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨⁣
⁣
Reasons to read this book: ⁣
• snowy, atmospheric thriller that makes you feel like you are there with the characters ⁣
• if you want a book that makes you guess every character as the suspect (although I did figure this out I didn't know how the dots connected) ⁣
• if you liked 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘖𝘯𝘦 by Ruth Ware I think you'd love this! ⁣
• if you like some gore, but also like a good plot with it ⁣
⁣
Reasons to not read this book: ⁣
• you hate thrillers 😂⁣
⁣
This book is my book clubs book for January and it definitely did not disappoint. I had so much fun reading this one and even though I predicted something I still loved it and it didn't take any enjoyment out of the book. This was my first Coates book and I can't wait to read more by her!

Another good read from Ms Coates, though I figured out the killer about 30% into story. Some red herrings had me second guessing, but ultimately I was correct.

lOVED the vibiness of this book. I wasnt expecting to fly through it as quickly as i did but i did. I am excited to loko more into Darcys books and definitely recommend this one. thank you as always net galley for the arc!