Member Reviews
Kelly Armstrong raises the stakes again. I loved it! My only complaint was that the ending felt rushed and left me wanting more. But I appreciate that this is an ongoing series and can't wait to delve more into these imperfect characters in future books.
Much like Rockton, Haven's Rock is on the path to a death count that rivals Cabot Cove. Yet, the stakes are always high enough that I believe desperate people come to a town off the grid to escape.
Three books in, I thought a lot about how Rockton and Haven's Rock are different. Our main characters have more power here, and this is their ideal version of what Rockton could have been. The world has expanded, and by including families into this world, it feels less like an isolated prison compound and more like a remote town. I appreciate how the characters have grown here and would recommend both series, but for different reasons. At the moment, Haven's Rock is the more mystery of the week and Rockton leaned more into a thriller. I'm happy to keep reading the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
This is the third book of the Haven's Rock series, a spinoff of the Rockton series. I've read every book to date of both series and highly recommend them. The author has a real touch for creating an air of menace in this isolated, dangerous environment where it is so easy to get lost, and getting lost can be lethal. Once the snow covers your footprints, it's difficult to find your way back, and if the cold doesn't kill you, the predators might.
Casey and her husband Eric are two of the founding members of Haven's Rock. Casey is pregnant, and she and Eric are nervous about it, but so far, she is doing well. Then some things happen that suggest that women may be targeted when they are outside the town. But who, among their carefully vetted group, could be doing this? I never guessed who the culprit was.
I received an e-ARC from publisher St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Cold as Hell is the third book in the Haven’s Rock series and it did not disappoint. Woman are being murdered in the middle of a raging winter storm and it’s up to Casey to solve the mystery while being ready to give birth. Great page turner that’s hard to put down
I can’t not get enough of this series.
Casey and Eric are back along with all there crew in this fabulous fast paced suspenseful drama. This story was full of shocking surprises and danger around every corner. The mystery just kept me guessing until the reveal. This is one of the best book’s I’ve read this year. If you haven’t tried this series yet you should jump right in.
Cold As Hell, A Haven's Rock Novel, by Kelley Armstrong
Cold As Hell is part of a spinoff series from Ms Armstrong's Rockton series. I loved the first series and am loving this spinoff.
Casey and Dalton have spearheaded a new sanctuary in the Yucan for those in desperate need. They are expecting their first baby and getting close to it's arrival when mayhem breaks out at Haven's Rock. A resident was drugged and attacked. But this isn't the old Rockton. Everyone here has been fully vetted. Can Casey solve the case before anyone else is hurt or she needs to deliver her baby? Some loopholes will be discovered and worked through in this novel. Loved it.
#bookreview #2024 #havensrock #rockton #yukan #thriller #murder #netgalley
In Cold as Hell, a resident is found naked and frozen in the woods not far from town. Is hypothermia in play or something more sinister? If the later, who would be the culprit when the residents of the only real civilization for miles is thoroughly vetted? What do we really know about the people of Havens Rock? Casey and Dalton must try to uncover the newest mystery to hit their little town before another resident disappears or Casey has her baby.
Every Havens Rock book I read leaves me anxiously awaiting the next installment; as each book peels off layers to the town and shows us a little bit more about each of the residents mysterious characters. Cold as Hell gives us a glimpse at how fast the town is starting to move forward and shine a light on problems that our protagonists thought they had overcome and learned from Rockton. I feel this book jumped into the action very quickly and led us on twists, turns and dead ends of any great mystery. When the culprit is finally uncovered I was completely shook and the rest of the book was a heart-pounding race to finish. I feel like every time I had my footing in this novel it was pulled from underneath me, most especially in the last third of the story. If you love a good mystery and most especially if you have read the previous books in this series, this one you can’t miss.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review
Wow. This series continues to get better and better. I was not sure how it would go after Rockton but this author has out done herself. This was fast paced with twists and turns. And what an ending. I’m looking forward to what is next.
I don’t do spoilers so I can’t go into too much but not only do the characters continue to grow and evolve but how they twisted this one was awesome.
This is a must read series! But start at the very beginning to get the full experience.
Well, here I am back in my happy place!
Despite hardships and murders, I can’t be the only reader who would be tempted to run away to Haven’s Rock, right?
Casey and Eric are back and this time the death hits way too close to home. Mix that with Casey’s pregnancy, all the difficulties of their remote town, and a lot of growing distrust in town, and you’ve got a thrilling and suspenseful addition to this series!
I enjoyed revisiting some of my favorite characters and was very, very concerned for some of them.
I do think this works better if you’re familiar with the series. I’m not sure how it works as a standalone and think I might have found myself a little confused by our town and its inhabitants. But, still, a very good read!
• ARC via Publisher
5/5 stars*
'Cold as Hell" by Kelly Armstrong is a captivating tale of self-discovery, weaving together themes of love, loss, and identity. The author's lyrical prose and well-developed characters drew me in from the start.
The story's pacing was well-balanced, with moments of tension and introspection.
Fans of Robyn Harding will enjoy this thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it for its relatable characters and poignant storytelling.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Kelley Armstrong and NetGalley for an e-arc of this novel.
Cold as Hell is a part of the Haven's Rock series and I love them all.
In fact, I love all of Kelley Armstrong's books and this one did not disappoint. I love the characters, the plot, the setting. I just love reading her books.
Cold as Hell is an excellent read by Kelley Armstrong, the third book in her Haven’s Rock series. I hadn’t read the first two books, but I will now. I think it will help splice in a few things to make Cold as Hell more cohesive for me. But it was good as a standalone and well-written.
I was on the verge of purchasing the first two before I continued reading this story, but I am glad I kept reading. If you like a bit of scary suspense and a page-turning thriller, this book should be on your must-read list.
I was excited to read this one since I have read other books by the author. It did not disappoint. From the beginning, I was hooked as the main character stumbled toward the forest to take care of Mother Nature. What a great beginning to keep readers glued to the story! (This is the only spoiler I used here.)
The characters were so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. The dialogue and settings enhanced the plot. Hands down, the book is well worth the read. I have already ordered the first two books in the series, and I will probably reread this one after I finish them.
I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work. She has a place on my bookshelves. Kelley Armstrong, I am saving space for more!
Although I wasn’t sure what to expect from the synopsis, this story is a five-star all the way around. I was thrilled when I had the chance to read an advanced copy. Thank you, Net Galley, the publisher, and Kelley Armstrong for the ARC. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong is the latest book in the Haven’s Rock series, a spinoff of the Rockton books. As always, this book moves along Casey and Eric’s life. I would not recommend starting from this book as there is so much in previous books that you would miss out on. I love the consistent writing and atmospheric setting.
In Haven’s Rock, Kendra is drugged and dragged into the forest in an attempted attack. Local law enforcement officer Casey takes on the investigation after the incident is reported. Meanwhile, someone goes missing, creating panic and heightening the tension surrounding the initial attempted assault investigation. Despite being nearly full-term in her pregnancy, Casey perseveres, gradually uncovering hidden truths.
The story begins at a slower pace, immersing the reader in the isolated atmosphere and setting the stage for what’s to come. However, as the plot thickens, tensions rise in the final quarter of the book, revealing twists and uncovering mysteries at every corner.
This book is an easy read, perfectly suited for fans of thrillers and mysteries. Each character’s personality and banter adds depth, making it an enjoyable experience. Overall, it satisfies the need for suspenseful storytelling while keeping readers engaged until the very end.
Cold as Hell is the third installment in the Haven’s Rock series, and the first I have read. While I feel the storyline was easy enough to follow as a standalone, I’m eager to read the prior installments for a more thorough backstory on the town and its residents.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kelley Armstrong's book 3 in the Haven's Rock series, Cold as Hell, is a gripping mystery thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author weaves a tale of suspense, secrets, and compelling plot twists. The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly depicted, adding to the feeling of unease and tension. I felt the author's writing was sharp and evocative.
Cold as Hell is a good read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a captivating story that will send shivers down their spine.
#NetGalley @StMartinsPress
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in Kelley Armstrong’s Haven’s Rock series about a town that is hidden in the wilderness as a sanctuary.
Casey returns to solve another mystery while she is eight months pregnant. A resident of the town, has been drugged , with a town full of suspects. This well written book developed had excellent character development, although there were a lot of characters to remember.
Well, she did it again. Everything Kelley writes is gold. I've been a fan of this series since day 1 and I'm so glad it's still going.
Cold as Hell follows a very pregnant Casey (no, it's not that kind of pregnancy trope) and Eric as they do what they do best; solve a mystery. The one thing about a KA book is that you will not figure out who did it until the characters do. There are no hints, no mentions until the characters do their sleuthing and figure it out.
I will warn those who read this, there are undertones of sexual assault. It's not overt but I mentioned and I haven't seen trigger warnings so I wanted to mention it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
I enjoyed this book a lot once I reached the 50 percent mark. The pace picked up here and the ending was the fun type of ending you expect from a book titled “cold as hell”.
Casey was a fun detective to follow and her pregnancy really kicked up the tension.
The mystery part was a little hard to keep track of with all the names and talks but it worked out in the end. I do like a few more clues throughout a mystery to follow.
Kelley Armstrong's books are always a delight and the Rockton/Haven's Rock novels are a list topper for me every time.
Casey is back on adventure where despite having a remote town of less than 100 people, crime never sleeps. With a blizzard in the air and a baby on the way, the biggest concern for our favorite heroine is time.
Personally this was one of my least favorite in the series. To put that into perspective, I still finished it in 2 sittings. I'm not a huge fan of the baby/pregnancy trope or vibes and that and me not nail biting with anxiety really are my two biggest detractors, and that is me looking for cons.
I will say I've read almost everything Kelley has published, and I can never fully guess the plot twists she has cooking. Cold as Hell still serves up the perfect mix of mystery and thriller with an easy to follow narrative and this series has become a book club special.
I love, love, love this serious. I really like the Rockton series, but Haven's Rock has definitely surpassed it. Constant twists and turns, and a great who done it that I didn't see coming at all. The character development has been great through every book in this series, and you really cheer for a lot of characters. I definitely recommend. I would say it does need to be read as the series though to get the full effect.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
I am a massive Kelley Armstrong fan, and her newest addition to the Haven’s Rock series is yet another hit for me.
The mystery is interesting, a case of whodunnit but also who is who. Armstrong does an impressive job of making sure that each mystery is unique, despite it occurring with the same small group of people in the same isolated, small setting.
The series is meant to be written in a way that each novel could be read as a standalone, but when you read them all in order (including the Rockton series), you learn a lot about the characters and the backstories that make the series special. With that being said, the ending wrapped up well so that it remained a standalone story - but it may have been fun to leave us on the cliffhanger of our culprit surviving what should have been a sure death, and the unknowns of how that may impact the town in another book.
For fans of Haven’s Rock or Rockton, this will not disappoint.