Didn’t care for this at all. The story was laughably bad at times and the writing felt like a slog. Plot was predictable and not enjoyable.

No wonder I was confused! I was so excited to see another book on NetGalley written by Kelley Armstrong that I forgot to check if it was the first book in a series.

It turns out that “Cold As Hell” is the third book in the “Haven’s Rock” series. Definitely read these in order. I managed pretty well after my dumb mistake but still kept having the feeling I was missing something about the story. In addition, Casey Duncan is also the main character in a previous series, “Rockton,” which comprises eight books. I’d recommend starting at the beginning for maximum enjoyment.

Casey and her husband, Eric Dalton, work in law enforcement in a small community in the Yukon, Haven’s Rock. Its residents are people who want to live safely out of sight. They are screened so as to ensure the safety of all. Unfortunately something goes wrong. Haven’s Rock suddenly seems like quite a dangerous place.

This murder mystery is a bit gritty but Casey has a pretty snarky sense of humor, especially considering that she is nine months pregnant. That eases the tension a bit. “Cold As Hell” has well-drawn characters and the plot has enough twists to keep the reader engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Holy crap Kelley Armstrong! That was a messed up story. That killer is crazy and the situations they place their victims in are reminiscent of the Saw movies, very imaginative and twisted.

I loved the ending and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Haven's Rock series (no pressure, I know you are working on multiple different series right now) so we can see if this killer had any lasting effects on the community and the way they do things. In the meantime, I will read Death at a Highland Wedding while I wait.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Unfortunately, this book was not my cup of tea. With that being said, I may try to read this book again at a later date to see if I like it more.

I’ve been excited about finally getting around to this new installment. The Haven’s Rock (HR) gang, Erik, Casey, Will, April, and the rest of the staff and residents of this secret sanctuary, in the Yukon, are all back for the latest mystery and drama that comes from living off the grid like they do. HR was specifically established for folks who need to “disappear” and unlike the former compound, Rockton, HR allows couples and families with children, which creates a whole new level of challenges for Sheriff Eric and lead detective, Casey, and the rest of the folks that make up the small staff that run HR.

The book summary introduces the primary storyline that picks up several months after the last one because Casey is now eight months pregnant and is experiencing a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the impending birth. Casey has never gotten this far along before and is trying not to worry about all the things that “might/could” happen. She misses her ankles and is sooo over hubby Erik’s over protectiveness and coddling. So, when HR resident/staffer, Kendra, is drugged, attacked, and dragged out into the forest, in the dead of night, Casey wants to go all in to investigate who attacked her and bring them to justice. Fortunately, a fellow resident, Sebastian, heard her screaming and came to her rescue and scared off the attacker. Or did he? Hmmm…

Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the Kendra’s attack and Erik, Casey and Will, the other detective, focus on the HR men, assuming that Kendra’s attacker is a man who wanted to rape her. It’s not long before another resident, Lynn, goes missing and is found the next day in the forest, not far from HR; she was naked and frozen to death. Or was she? Hmmm…

There is also the secondary storyline of Casey’s impending childbirth that is complicated with a bout of false labor concerns. Because of the complications that could arise and her doctor’s concern for her and the baby’s health, Casey and Erik are going to fly into Whitehorse (where the closest medical facility is), but are grounded because of a huge blizzard that has blown in. This also makes it more difficult to investigate the case.

The end comes fast and in a wild and crazy flurry of freaking scary and intense scenes and passages. It had me both on the edge of my seat as well as cracking up. OMG!!! All #%!! breaks loose and Casey is a total bad@$$!!! LOVED the final ending too!!!

The continuing character development of Casey and Erik along with a couple of other staff members was well done. I like how Armstrong revealed more about the backgrounds of some of the staff members and residents. The pace was steady to fast with a very interesting storyline. The writing was on par for the series, which is to say that there are still the comparisons of HR to Rockton. Three installments in and those comparisons should be getting less and less. HR is its own location and is different than Rockton. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #ColdAsHell

60/100 or 3.0 stars

This had so much promise, and while I did have a good time, it didn't quite do it for me. The setting is cool, and the writing is well done. The plot was a little boring and convenient at times. The ending is what gave it the 3 stars for me, no spoilers, but that last 10ish percent was actually pretty wild!
I would be interested in trying other works by Armstrong in the future, as I think perhaps another storyline might work a little better for me. Solid thriller though!

Another mystery in the Yukon by Kelley Armstrong!

This one was a bit more intense for me personally with our detective being pregnant and possible complications she experiences - otherwise as far as a Rockton/Haven’s Rock book I really enjoyed it! I did get to a point of wondering “how do bad things keep happening with them” with the trying to start new outside the corruption we saw in Rockton- but Armstrong found a way that made sense.

If you’re a fan of this series I think you’ll enjoy it! If this is your first time picking up a Rockton/Haven’s Rock I would recommend starting with a different one.

Amazing story, Overall the plot was good. I did not like the universe of detective that much, but overall it was good.

This was such a well written book. It is the first Kelley Armstrong book I have read, and I have to say I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I could picture the tight knit community in the little town and how everyone would come together to help when needed.

I liked the amount of suspense, action, mystery and twists included in this story. It was a page turner for sure! Great job to the author because of how many times I guessed wrong as to who the culprit was. Every time I thought I knew who it was, she proved me wrong!! I would definitely read this book again! I recommend to whoever enjoys fast reads with lots of mystery and suspense!!

This was a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me!!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cold as Hell is the third of Kelley Armstrong's new series Rock Haven. Fans of her Rockton series who have not discovered this series will be jumping for joy as the story continues. With the new situation, Casey and the others can do things their way.

This fast-moving and twist-turning story keeps the reader turning pages and both wanting to know who is killing the women in the community but also not wanting the book to end. Cold as Hell is highly recommended and while it can be read without the first two in the series, reading the previous entries will continue the story without any holes. Readers of the thrillers who have not tried Kelley Armstrong's Rockton or Rock Haven series are missing a fantastic storyteller, who never seems to disappoint her readers.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review.

I came into this book blind. I like this author and have read and enjoyed other books by her. That being said I’m unfamiliar with this series or the one it was a spin off of but was offered an eARC from the publisher due to reviewing some of her previous books. From what I gathered Haven’s Rock is a refuge for people who have committed crimes deep in the Yukon wilderness. The main character states early in the book they have 70 residents and the character who is attacked in the prologue talks about a shared residence that only has 3 bathrooms (for I’m not sure how many people) but 2 are plugged because the residents are used to shoving whatever they want down the toilets.
The character in the prologue is attacked and our main character who is heavily pregnant is called upon to investigate which leads to the discovery of a body in the woods.
Looking back at the first book the body in the woods thing seems to be a common theme. The main character and her husband vaguely reminded me of characters from another series I’ve read by this author which made me instantly like them however I found that going into this book blind made it extremely hard to get into the story as I was playing catch up to figure out what this town was and what was going on.
I would recommend it to fans of the first two books as it was an interesting read. I do not recommend jumping in here at book three like I did as you’ll be playing catch up quite a bit.

OH. MY. GOSH! This book about sent my anxiety through the roof!! I’ve read all of the Havens Rock series books, and while I enjoyed the others, this one ramped up the intensity in a big way.

I find the whole concept of a hidden town off the grid so intriguing, and Armstrong has done a great job setting up the atmosphere through each book as the town grows and mysteries surround each one. With Casey being 8 months pregnant (with a high risk pregnancy to boot!) in this third book, it just really escalated the danger and intensity. I was fully invested in seeing where the story went and Wow, it did not disappoint! Can not wait to see where the series goes from here!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

I am gonna be completely honest . I requested this book based on the author and didnt see that it was part of a series. I still enjoyed this book and will be reading the other books.

I’ve been a fan of Kelley Armstrong for years … and this book is another winner! I love this series and I’m so anxious to see where it goes from here. Kelley has such a way of taking us into the story and keeping us on the edge of our seats! Definitely read this one!

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong is the latest book in her Haven's Rock series set in the Yukon wilderness. It begins with a resident’s escape from someone trying to drag her into the deep woods, and continues with Casey's investigation while she is also dealing with her advanced pregnancy. The suspense continues to build through snowstorms, murder, attempted murders, and contractions. Be ready to finish it in one day—it's that good. Recommended. My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Any book set in a small town, with frigid temperatures and murder please count me in. I went into this story not knowing this was a series. Kudos to the Author for writing in such a way that allows readers to feel like books in a series could very well be standalone. I’ve gained a new series to enjoy. This was my first Kelly Armstrong novel.

What I loved most were the characters. My least favorite thing was the motive behind murder. My review does not contain any details because it’s not needed. This was a solid book. My opinion is mine alone. If you’re thinking of reading, don’t hesitate.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the pre-release copy of Cold as Hell. Below is my honest review.

I absolutely love this series. So much that I don't even know if I have words to express just how much I love it. The setting, the characters, the atmosphere, the mysteries... Armstrong is a master class author.

Highly recommend picking up this series (though be warned, this one is a few books into a followup series to the first series, Rockton, and as such, certain aspects of character/setting history are spoiled for those who haven't read the rest).

Brr! Grab a blanket and settle in, because "Cold As Hell" by Kelley Armstrong is the perfect chilly weather read that'll send shivers down your spine - and not just from the cold!

Picture this: a small, isolated community blanketed in snow, a brutal attack, and a murder that rocks the town. Armstrong's vivid descriptions had me cranking up the thermostat and peering out my windows, half-expecting to see snowdrifts piling up. The atmosphere is so thick with tension, you could cut it with an icicle!

Our protagonist, Casey, is a force to be reckoned with. Here she is, heavily pregnant (and I mean ready-to-pop pregnant), yet she's out there solving crimes like a boss. Talk about multitasking! Her relationship with her sheriff husband adds a lovely warmth to the frosty setting, and their Newfoundland dog? Absolute scene-stealer.

The plot twists in this book? They'll give you whiplash! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Armstrong threw another curveball that left me reeling. The 'whodunit' reveal was so unexpected.

Now, I'll admit, I'm new to the Haven Rock series, but "Cold As Hell" works perfectly as a standalone. Armstrong introduces the characters so seamlessly, I felt like I'd known them for ages.

What really sets this book apart is how it balances the chilling mystery with the very human drama of Casey's pregnancy and her relationships. It's like getting two genres for the price of one!

My only tiny gripe? The villain's motive left me scratching my head a bit. But honestly, that's just nitpicking in what's otherwise a fantastic read.

If you're looking for a mystery that'll keep you guessing, characters you'll fall in love with, and a setting so real you'll need an extra sweater, "Cold As Hell" is your next must-read.

Thank you, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for my freebook.

Cold as Hell, the third book in Haven’s Rock suspense series by Kelley Armstrong is aptly titled because the tension here is chilling. Someone is attacking the women in this small isolated community and, despite the rigorous vetting procedure to be accepted into Haven’s Rock, it is clear that the perpetrator is someone on the inside.

I have been a huge fan of this series since the first book and of the Rockton series that proceeded and I have never been disappointed. Like the previous books, the pacing is fast, the plot is exciting and drew me in right from the beginning, and, as always, Casey makes a strong, likeable and complex female protagonist and Dalton, her husband, the perfect match for her. The story kept me guessing right until the culprit was revealed but, if anything, the tension ramped up even higher after. For me, this is one of those books you can't put down but are always sorry to finish because you hate to see it end. Love this series and am already waiting impatiently for the next book in the series arrives.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Living through winter in Canada is no joke, and even less so when you're in the isolation of the Yukon Wilderness. Combine the frigid cold and whiteout snowstorms, not to mention the wildlife, with murder, mystery, and the horrors that humanity brings and you'll get the Rockton and Haven's Rock crime thrillers.

I love these series, so it comes as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment as well.

Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a continuation of the completed 7-book Rockton series. It has everything readers have come to love in these books. Tangled in with the murder mystery, we have lingering feelings of tension between the townsfolk - as you would likely expect when stuck in close proximity with your fellow refugees in a secret, off-the-grid town in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you throw in the suspicions of which of your neighbours is a dangerous criminal.

This is a hard review to write without giving away too much of the plot, so I'll leave it at this: Like it's predecessors, Cold As Hell does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes and guessing who the culprit may be!