I really enjoyed this detective novel. The details were real and gory enough to set it apart from some others in this category. I loved the Alaskan setting, it was perfect for this book.

Growing up in the Midwest, it was fun to hear about half Japanese population, since you don't see many of us there.

I was definitely invested in all the characters and think would make a great series!

I mainly listened to this via audio book. I wasn't a huge fan of the male narrators voice or tone- especially when doing female and accents but it was doable. The female narrator was great, easy to listen to, smooth, great inflection. Sometimes the transitions between chapters seemed choppy. All in all I would read more by this authors maybe with a female lead!

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Cold to the Touch by Kerri Hakoda in exchange for an honest review. This was a very interesting book. I love that it took place in Alaska. There was a murder mystery to solve, family issues and a romantic entanglement.

Wow! What a book. I’m always drawn to books set in Alaska, add murder and that’s even better.
When local female baristas start going missing and showing up dead, Anchorage homicide detective Dehavilland Beans, is racing the clock to find the one responsible.

I really enjoyed the story. It was fast paced and I never figured it out until the end. I liked the main detective so much, I’m hoping it may become a series.

I loved the audio narrators so much. They really brought the story alive. I’m really picky with male narrators but Eric Fox is going on the list of ones I really enjoy.

While I appreciated the setting and premise of the story, I felt that the plot lacked some originality. However, I think it could still be a worthwhile read for those who are just starting to explore the mystery/thriller genre. There are some good elements in the book that could be appealing to new readers.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Kerri Hakoda, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

Huge thanks to @netgalley, @dreamscape_media and Kerri Hakoda for this ARC! Cold to the Touch is available for purchase now at Amazon or wherever you buy your books.

This fictional thriller/mystery is about a serial killer in Alaska who is abducting and killing young, beautiful baristas. They’re being taken from around where they work and killed in an unusual way and then found not too long after in the wilderness. The story follows detective Beans and others who work with him both as detectives and the FBI. I listened to this via audiobook and I LOVE the voice of the narrator, Eric Fox. This was a refreshing story after the last thriller and it was easy to follow, storyline was impeccable and I loved every second. I have 4⭐️ because I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it, but I probably won’t read it again.

Listen TODAY!!! A DYNAMITE debut by Kerri Hakoda!

LOVE the storyline, pace of action, and the atmospheric tension created by NOT ONLY the Alaskan tundra, but also complex character dynamics.

LOVE the details relevant to current time intricately woven into the story…

LOVE characters and their unique quirks! Some examples include Cam, detective Buddhist background element, ballerinas, female firefighters, this book has some of EVERYTHING—yet, it WORKS!

LOVE reading about this remote place where familiar agencies such as the FBI continue to operate. The anticipation of trying to mentally reconcile both known and unknown elements at once did wonders for the part of me that needs to be challenged by a story as structured as a police procedural.

The book was not overtly heavy on procedural details, and could have potentially been enhanced with a bit more protocol, etc. However, I found the balance of the deterective’s personal and professional character development within the storyline to be REFRESHING. Often, we don't learn much about protagonists, culturally or intuitively, until we are several books into a series.

I strongly believe there is room to grow for Detective Beans, Isabel, Raisa, and the rest of the crew. I look forward to seeing more from Kerri Hakoda!

LOVE this NEW Author and her DEBUT thriller!!!

Special thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the AMAZING digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

#coldtothetouch #serialkillerthriller #procedural #murdermystery #PubDay040924 #listenNOW #audible #everand #fkascribd @netgalley @dreamscape_media @kerrihakoda @abigailrenoaudio @ericfoxvox @bookshell_f

Started April 8, 2024
Finished April 10, 2024

This fast paced psychological thriller had me hooked right at chapter one. I liked the Alaskan setting and the characters. The writing of Hakoda reminded me a bit of Stephen King and I really liked the pacing and character development in this book.

We start off with the kidnapping and murder of a barista named Jolene and then more girls are killed. There’s a serial killer on the loose and Detective DeHavilland Beans has the task to find the killer. He deals with challenges along the way and because of the Alaskan climate animals have destroyed the bodies making it challenging to gather evidence. This book was loosely based on the Israel Keyes case, a case I didn’t know much about, but looked into after reading this book. The book had similarities to the case.

Overall I would recommend this if you want a fast paced thriller set in an icy climate.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fast paced mystery/thriller with lots of action and it’s so entertaining. The beginning had me hooked with the sudden action in the prologue. It’s written well and pretty easy to follow and I’m invested into the character Jolene, also the mix of race in this I absolutely love the diversity. It’s almost like a really good CSI vibes and how I love how it all takes place in Alaska with some Japanese characters mixed into the diversity too. Very interesting and to me worth the read for sure!

Cold to the Touch is a wonderful debut! It's an atmospheric, fast-paced, well-written murder mystery.

I loved the Alaskan setting and really liked the main character, Beans. Not only do we get to see him as a detective but we see him as a big brother too. He also adopts a cat, Archie, from the first victim and if that doesn't melt your heart, I don't know what will.
I would love to see more of him - and even Heller - in the future. Here's hoping this will be made into a series!

While a majority of this is told through Beans' POV, I enjoyed how the POV would occasionally switch to that of the victims giving us a glimpse at what their last moments were like.

The narration by Eric Fox and Abigail Reno was great. They both did a good job bringing the characters to life and keeping me invested in the story.

I definitely recommend this for fans of police procedurals and will keep an eye out for the authors next release!

🎧 Just listened to the audiobook "Cold to the Touch" by Kerri Hakoda and I'm hooked! 🔍❄️ Hakoda's expert storytelling takes listeners on a thrilling journey into the heart of a chilling mystery. With captivating narration and spine-tingling suspense, this audiobook keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you love a gripping thriller that will send shivers down your spine, don't miss "Cold to the Touch." Perfect for your next listening adventure! 🎙️📖 #AudiobookReview #ColdToTheTouch #KerriHakoda #Thriller #SuspensefulReads #netgalley

In "Cold to the Touch," Kerri Hakoda plunges readers into a chilling tale of mystery and suspense set against the backdrop of a small Alaskan town. When the body of a barista is discovered in the pristine snow, Anchorage homicide detective DeHavilland Beans is thrust into a race against time to catch a cunning killer before they strike again.

Hakoda's writing is atmospheric and evocative, transporting readers to the unforgiving landscapes of Alaska with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. The sense of isolation and vulnerability that permeates the narrative adds an extra layer of tension to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

At the heart of the novel is Detective Beans, a compelling protagonist whose determination to solve the case drives the narrative forward. Hakoda deftly explores Beans's personal struggles and demons, adding depth and complexity to his character and making him a relatable and sympathetic figure.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with each character adding depth and nuance to the story. From Beans's ex, wildlife expert Raisa Ingalls, to the members of his investigative team, every character feels fleshed out and three-dimensional, adding richness and complexity to the narrative.

As the investigation unfolds, Hakoda keeps readers guessing with plenty of twists and turns that will leave them guessing until the very end. The pacing is brisk, with short, snappy chapters that keep the story moving at a steady clip and maintain the tension throughout.

This was a really good audio book, which in my opinion, added so much to the book. I don't think I would have finished it without listening to the audio book. I am kind of shocked this is written by a women. Overall, I did enjoy it and I normally books like this. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book and it is a well written book. In my own opinion, I would have enjoyed this book more if it was written from a women's POV. I know men will always objectify women and see beautiful women as a sex symbol in real life, but I disliked how the victims were talked about, even if it made the story more "realistic". The second thing that wasn't my favorite was the animal cruelty part. If it has to be in the story, I wish it was only talked about in one chapter and that there was a TW in the beginning saying what chapter to skip for any details of what happened, even though the dog didn't die. This is also a personal problem that I know most people would be fine with, as I have two huskies and love them more than most people. This was a good book and a lot of people will enjoy it, I just wasn't the target audience for this specific book.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio arc of this book! It is available starting today!

Cold to the Touch is the first book that I have read/listened to by Kerri Hakoda. I truly enjoyed the audio book and was even laughing at my desk from some of Beans comentary. This book takes place in Alaska and homicide detective DeHavilland Beans is assigned to the case of a murdered barista. Soon there is another body found with the same MO. Now that they are looking for a serial killer the FBI are helping out with the case. Everyone is a suspect and they are looking at both the oweners at the coffee shops and the workers to see if there is any kind of connection. This is a fast paced book that keeps you wanting for more. The way it ends makes me believe that we will see more of Beans in the future. If you like Peter Swanson Micheal Robotha, Lisa Jewell, Claire Douglas then you will love this book. I want to think both NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to an advance copy of the audio book.

Cold to the touch
3.5 stars
I thought this was a pretty good detective novel and loved that one of the homicide detective’s names was Beans. I just thought the name added some character to the book. Anyway, I did feel like I needed a bit more from the book overall. I thought the character development for Beans was well done, but the other characters seemed a bit superficial. One thing I noticed and couldn’t quite get away from was the talk about ethnicities. I understand that it played a part in the storyline, but it felt awkward and forced in the beginning. There was also a lot of focus on appearances, which felt unnecessary.

Therese narrator did a nice job and was engaging.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Dreamscape media for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a written review.

Fast paced thriller! I love the setting in Alaska and the challenging environment. This was very police heavy so if you're not into those storylines it's not for you. I could see this becoming a series! Narrators were easy to understand.

Cold to the Touch by Kerri Hakoda
Narrated by Eric Fox & Abigail Reno
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: April 9, 2024

Cold to the Touch is a standalone mystery by Kerri Hakoda. I really enjoyed this one and hope it becomes a series! I loved the characters and thought the book was brilliantly written! The crime solving was fascinating. I enjoyed the glimpse into Alaska policing and the people there.

I thought the narration by Eric Fox & Abigail Reno was really good. I enjoyed how they brought the characters to life!

I definitely recommend reading Cold to the Touch! I look forward to reading future books by the author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In Anchorage, Alaska Detective Beans has been called to the scene of a dead body. The body has been dumped alone in the wilderness and has been torn apart by predators which hinders the detective from finding clues to who could have done this to her. Beans is devastated to realize he knows the victim, a young woman, Jolene, that he would buy his morning (or afternoon) coffee from.
He vows to find her killer, but after a second and third victim turn up Beans is desperate to solve the case. After a fourth girl goes missing the clock is ticking to find her and the murderer before it is too late.

Cold To The Touch had a true crime feeling as the story unfolds. I felt that it has a good pace and I was invested in the story. I enjoyed the location and its descriptions as I’ve never been to Alaska but would like to visit. I enjoyed the main character Beans and learning about his backstory. I would definitely read more is this we’re to become a series just because of how interesting Detective Beans, his family relationships and their backstory was. I would like to read more about that. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrators did a great job.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kerri Hadoka, and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for my review.

Kerri Hakoda's Cold to the Touch is a decent novel, however it didn't really bring anything new to the genre. I chose to listen to this audiobook through NetGalley mainly because it promised an intriguing cold and stark atmosphere, set in an Anchorage winter. On that, it delivered satisfyingly.

The more-honest-than-most introspection from our fallible protagonist, Beans, was refreshing. Getting to know him felt true, somehow, more real than most characters we meet in police procedurals. He had the no-nonsense cop edge, but he also allowed himself to feel, sometimes a little too much, with a warmth that made him approachable.

As believable as Beans was, the serial predator's backstory felt much less so. The end reveal of the how and the why of the murders was not particularly convincing, but everything did wrap up satisfactorily. I appreciate that there was no huge cliffhanger begging me to read the next in a potential series.

As for the narration, it was okay, but the male reader, Eric Fox, must have been reading this stone cold, with only one take, because he has some doozies of mispronunciations and odd pauses that yanked me right out of the story. Mis-chee-vee-ous was hard to hear, as were bow-kay (bouquet) and cream (crème) brûlée. There were countless times when I thought, "Why didn't they have him re-read that, it's so awkward?" I have not heard of him as a narrator, so perhaps it was just rushed production and newbie mistakes? In any case, if there were time to re-read, I'd say that would be time well spent.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
The description of this book sounded very interesting. I was excited to read it! Unfortunately, it wasn’t a fav for me. While it was interesting and kept a fairly quick pace with some surprises along the way, it seemed like this was written with a lot of police procedural. While I don’t mind some, it was in so much of the storyline and that was my biggest dislike. Some people may love books written that way, but it’s not for me. Overall, I did enjoy the book, just wasn’t a big fan of the writing style.

With a dramatic Alaskan backdrop this story creates an aura of suspense right from the start and does not let up. Horrific murders and disturbing truths unfold with the wintry cold swirling through the characters. Wildlife influences and corpses in strange locations lead the police in a various directions leading to a chase in the wilderness - Enjoy!