Poisoned Pen Press Dead of Winter

ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE !!!Ok, so to add context as a reader I am.....one who has little patience for meaningless back story, cheap predictable fluff and fillers. I am in essence a James Patterson reader....fast paced, 3-4 page chapters that always leave me wanting more and the story moves along at a pace that keeps me wanting more every step of the way. That said...this is one of the best books I have ever read. I brought it along on my wedding/honeymoon to Grand Tetons, Las Vegas, Zion and Bryce. There was PLENTY to see and do in those amazing places but...this book kept me longing for moments to sneak away and read.The characters are well thought out but not overly so. The twists and turns and a plenty. My new wife would even ask me for updates on the story as ever my vague retelling of it kept her interested.As someone who is well equipped for danger, survived a terrorist attack, fought Muay Thai in the ring, worked at the jail and taught martial arts...I don't scare easily. However, this book had me confirming my flashlight and weapons were near by each night as I turned out the lights.I m sure there are a few haters who didn't love this book....but dont miss out because of them. BUY IT, READ IT and decide for yourself. If you like horror movies like Scream, Friday the 13th, Halloween etc (this is far less predictable than the last 2) then you will love this. There are twists and turns and a satisfying ending. Just ordered "Hunted" by Darcy Coates and can't wait to read it!!

alles gut.

Kept you guessing the whole time

Reading a good thriller novel is like entering a different world and escaping your own reality for a little while. Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates is one such book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.Dead of WinterThe story kicks off with a group of strangers joining a tour group to explore the remote areas of the Rocky Mountains during winter. Among them is Christa, who hopes this trip will help her forget her past. However, things take a dark turn when a snowstorm traps them at an abandoned hunting cabin, and their tour guide is found dead outside, with his head impaled on a tree. It’s soon clear that there’s a killer among them, and the group begins to dwindle one by one.The characters are all unique and well-defined, allowing the reader to invest in each one’s journey. Christa, the protagonist, is a strong and capable woman who takes charge in the tough situation they find themselves in. The other characters have secrets of their own, and as the story unfolds, we see their true colors. The atmosphere surrounding the cabin is claustrophobic and creepy, adding to the tension. The snowstorm and isolation keep the group trapped, making it impossible for them to escape the killer.What makes Dead of Winter stand out is the lack of supernatural elements. The author has created a thrilling story that relies purely on the psychology of the characters and their motivations. The twists and turns take you by surprise, and you’ll never know who to trust. The pacing is impeccable, with the tension building up constantly.Darcy Coates has done a fantastic job of setting up a murder mystery that keeps you guessing. The suspenseful climax and the unexpected twist at the end will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Dead of Winter is a perfect blend of horror and thriller, which will make you want to look for more books from Coates.Dead of Winter‘s compelling storyline, well-defined characters, and chilling atmosphere make it a page-turner that will keep you up all night. The book is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience amidst the harshest environments, where survival hinges on wit and stamina. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the story, we bet you’ll have a hard time putting it down!

I’m a HUGE Darcy Coates fan, but this is the first book where I’ve been completely let down by her. I figured out the plot (it was pretty obvious) on page 176/341. While it was still a good read it was just a let down bc I knew the whole entire theme and plot. Also, the ending??? The ending? Was it really the end? Because I thought I had missed a few pages. I kept flipping back and forth to make sure. It felt so INCOMPLETE. I’m just amazed and how much this book let me down. :( Like I said, it was still a good suspense book… just figured out the obvious plot way too early.